Larson Expresses Keen Interest in Rejoining Rolex 24 at Daytona Lineup

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson has signaled a strong willingness to return to the iconic Rolex 24 at Daytona, IMSA’s premier endurance race, should an opportunity arise. The 31-year-old Californian, a formidable presence in stock car racing, has previously tasted victory at the historic Daytona International Speedway in this prestigious event.

Larson’s prior experience at the Rolex 24 spans three starts, with his most recent appearance occurring in 2016. His most significant achievement in the race came in 2015 when he was part of the victorious Chip Ganassi Racing team, sharing driving duties with fellow accomplished racers Scott Dixon, Tony Kanaan, and Jamie McMurray. This triumph marked a significant milestone in his early career, showcasing his versatility beyond the confines of NASCAR’s ovals.

In a recent appearance on the popular motorsport podcast "Dinner with Racers," co-hosted by Ryan Eversley and Sean Heckman, Larson was directly queried about his inclination to participate in the 24-hour classic again. His response indicated a clear openness to the prospect, contingent on a Chevrolet-backed effort.

"I think at this stage in my career, yeah, I’d do it again," Larson stated, referring to his current role as the driver of the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series. He elaborated on his past participation, noting, "I had fun those three years I did it. I didn’t want to keep doing it every year." This suggests a desire for strategic involvement rather than a continuous annual commitment, acknowledging the demanding nature of his racing schedule.

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Larson is renowned for his exceptional talent and his ability to adapt to various forms of motorsport. His racing calendar is consistently packed, extending beyond his primary NASCAR commitments. He is a co-owner and active competitor in High Limit Racing, a prominent Sprint Car series, and frequently participates in Midget car races, often making significant international trips during the offseason, including to Australia.

Reflecting on his busy schedule, Larson commented, "The offseasons have only gotten busier. 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 positive past experience and a renewed drive to recapture that success.

Beyond the competitive allure, Larson also expressed a desire to share the experience with his family. His eldest son, Owen, who is now 11 years old, was an infant during Larson’s 2015 victory. The prospect of his children witnessing his participation in such a significant event holds considerable appeal. "To have my kids be a part of it would be cool," Larson remarked. This familial motivation is particularly poignant given his recent ventures into the Indianapolis 500, where he has made starts in each of the last two years, further diversifying his racing portfolio.

The proximity of Daytona International Speedway to Orlando’s Walt Disney World also presents a practical benefit, allowing for a potential family vacation alongside his racing endeavors. "Yeah, that, too," Larson added with a touch of levity, confirming the convenience factor. "So yeah, I would probably do it again."

However, Larson also articulated a clear prerequisite for any potential return: a commitment to fielding a competitive entry. When asked about potential avenues or contacts within the IMSA paddock to facilitate such a return, Larson indicated a lack of direct connections but emphasized his primary condition: "I want to be in the best car." This statement underscores his ambition to compete for victory and highlights his understanding of the strategic importance of team and machinery in endurance racing.

As the conversation on the podcast progressed, Larson’s interest solidified into a firm declaration of his future aspirations. "I definitely want to do it again in the future," he affirmed, leaving little doubt about his eagerness to revisit the challenges and rewards of the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

The Rolex 24 at Daytona, a cornerstone of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, is renowned for its demanding nature, testing the endurance of drivers, teams, and machinery over a full 24-hour period on the famed Daytona oval and road course. The event attracts a diverse field of competitors from various motorsport disciplines, including NASCAR, IndyCar, and international sports car racing. Larson’s potential return would undoubtedly add significant star power and competitive intrigue to the already highly anticipated race.

Larson’s career trajectory has been marked by consistent success and an impressive adaptability across different racing disciplines. His 2021 NASCAR Cup Series championship was a testament to his skill and determination, and his continued pursuit of diverse racing challenges, including his recent foray into open-wheel racing at the Indianapolis 500, demonstrates a relentless drive for achievement. His expressed interest in the Rolex 24 suggests a desire to add another significant endurance racing victory to his already impressive resume.

The strategic implications of Larson’s interest are noteworthy. For manufacturers like Chevrolet, securing a driver of Larson’s caliber for a high-profile event like the Rolex 24 can provide a significant boost in terms of performance, technical feedback, and promotional value. His experience with Ganassi Racing, a team with a strong history in both NASCAR and sports car racing, could also influence potential team affiliations should an opportunity materialize.

As the motorsport world looks ahead to future seasons of IMSA competition, Kyle Larson’s stated desire to compete again at Daytona has undoubtedly generated anticipation among fans and team principals alike. His return would not only be a personal pursuit of another career highlight but also a significant event for the sport, drawing further attention to the unique challenges and global appeal of the Rolex 24 at Daytona. The "best car" requirement, while a common demand for elite drivers, sets a clear benchmark for any team looking to enlist the services of the reigning NASCAR champion for this historic endurance race.