Kyle Larson Expresses Keen Interest in Rejoining Rolex 24 at Daytona Field

Daytona Beach, FL – Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson has indicated a strong willingness to return to the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona, IMSA’s season-opening endurance classic. The accomplished driver, currently competing full-time in NASCAR for Hendrick Motorsports, has three previous starts in the iconic 24-hour race, with his most recent outing in 2016.

Larson achieved a significant career milestone at Daytona International Speedway in 2015, securing overall victory in the Rolex 24. He shared driving duties in that triumphant effort with a formidable lineup of endurance racing veterans: fellow New Zealander Scott Dixon, Brazilian champion Tony Kanaan, and NASCAR stalwart Jamie McMurray. This victory cemented his status as a versatile competitor capable of excelling beyond stock car racing.

The conversation regarding Larson’s potential return to the Rolex 24 emerged during a recent episode of the popular motorsport podcast, "Dinner with Racers," co-hosted by Ryan Eversley and Sean Heckman. When directly questioned about his interest in participating in the event again, particularly if approached by Chevrolet, Larson did not hesitate to voice his enthusiasm.

"I think at this stage in my career, yeah, I’d do it again," Larson stated during the podcast. He elaborated on his past experiences, noting, "I had fun those three years I did it. I didn’t want to keep doing it every year." This suggests that while he enjoyed the challenge and the camaraderie, a full-time commitment to the IMSA series was not his immediate priority at the time.

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Larson’s schedule is notoriously demanding, encompassing his full NASCAR Cup Series campaign with the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet. Beyond NASCAR, he is a prominent figure in dirt track racing, co-owning and competing in the High Limit Racing sprint car series alongside five-time World of Outlaws champion Brad Sweet. His racing calendar also includes sporadic midget car races and international offseason endeavors, often involving trips to Australia for significant events.

The increased complexity and breadth of his racing commitments have, paradoxically, fueled his desire for a return to the Rolex 24. "The offseasons have only gotten busier," Larson observed. "There’s more races and stuff. I go to Australia now, Chili Bowl, and West Coast Midget races. It’s just a lot and I, kind of, want time off. But it’s been so long since I ran it that you almost get to the point where you forget a little bit about it, right? And I just remember having a blast doing that race, so I just want to go there and relive it."

This sentiment highlights a blend of nostalgia for a past success and a genuine enjoyment of the unique demands of a 24-hour race. The Rolex 24 presents a different strategic and physical challenge compared to the shorter, more intense NASCAR events. It requires meticulous teamwork, precise pit stop execution, and the ability to maintain concentration and pace over extended periods, often through varied weather conditions and nighttime driving.

Beyond the competitive aspect, Larson also articulated a desire for a more personal connection to the event, particularly involving his family. He noted that his eldest son, Owen, who is now 11 years old, was an infant when Larson first tasted victory at Daytona in 2015. "To have my kids be a part of it would be cool," he expressed, emphasizing the value of creating shared memories at such a significant motorsport venue.

This desire for family involvement is amplified by the proximity of the race to Orlando, Florida, a popular family vacation destination. Larson acknowledged the added benefit of being able to combine a demanding race weekend with opportunities for his children to experience attractions like Walt Disney World, which is located a short drive from the speedway. "Yeah, that, too," he quipped when the Disney World connection was mentioned, further underscoring the appeal of the Daytona weekend beyond just the racing.

Larson’s openness to a return is contingent on a specific, yet crucial, condition: he desires to compete in a top-tier, competitive machine. "I want to be in the best car," he stated unequivocally. This reflects his competitive nature and his ambition to contend for victory, not merely to participate. His career has been built on winning, and any excursion into a new discipline or series would be approached with the same winning mentality.

While Larson indicated he is not currently aware of specific IMSA programs or contacts that could facilitate such a return, his public expression of interest serves as a clear signal to potential teams and manufacturers. His recent foray into the Indianapolis 500 for the past two years, competing for McLaren, demonstrates his commitment to expanding his racing resume and testing his skills in different disciplines. His two starts in the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing" have yielded mixed results, with a strong debut in 2023 where he led laps before mechanical issues curtailed his challenge.

Larson’s previous experiences in sports car racing, including his Rolex 24 victory, showcase his adaptability and talent across various forms of motorsport. The transition from NASCAR’s oval tracks to the varied circuits of sports car racing requires a different set of skills, including precision on road courses, managing traffic from multiple classes, and adapting to the nuances of prototype or GT car racing. His success in 2015 with Chip Ganassi Racing, a team known for its prowess in both NASCAR and sports car racing, highlights his ability to integrate seamlessly into a different team environment and contribute to a winning effort.

The Rolex 24 at Daytona is renowned for its challenging nature, often serving as a benchmark for driver endurance and a proving ground for automotive manufacturers. The race typically features a diverse field of prototypes and GT cars, requiring drivers to navigate traffic and maintain focus for extended periods. Larson’s background in high-pressure NASCAR finishes and his willingness to take on demanding schedules suggests he is well-suited to the rigors of this event.

As the motorsport landscape continues to evolve, with drivers increasingly seeking opportunities across different series, Larson’s expressed interest in the Rolex 24 is a significant development. His participation would undoubtedly draw considerable attention from fans and media alike, further bolstering the profile of IMSA and the prestige of the Daytona classic. His explicit declaration, "I definitely want to do it again in the future," leaves little doubt about his aspirations to add another Rolex 24 trophy to his illustrious career. The ball is now in the court of teams and manufacturers looking to secure one of motorsport’s most exciting talents for their 2025 or subsequent Rolex 24 campaigns.

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