Kyle Larson Expresses Keen Interest in Future Rolex 24 at Daytona Comeback

Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson has publicly stated his openness to returning to the iconic Rolex 24 at Daytona, IMSA’s prestigious season-opening endurance race. Larson, who has three previous starts in the event, including an overall victory in 2015, conveyed his enthusiasm for a potential comeback during a recent appearance on the "Dinner with Racers" podcast.

Larson’s most recent participation in the Rolex 24 was in 2016. His breakthrough victory came in 2015, piloting the No. 02 Chip Ganassi Racing Riley DP Ford alongside a formidable lineup of Scott Dixon, Tony Kanaan, and Jamie McMurray. This win marked a significant achievement in his early career, showcasing his versatility beyond stock car racing. The driver of the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in NASCAR expressed that while he enjoyed his initial three outings in the endurance classic, he did not initially envision a return, stating, "I didn’t want to keep doing it every year." However, he added, "I think at this stage in my career, yeah, I’d do it again."

The Californian native is renowned for his demanding racing schedule, which extends beyond his NASCAR commitments. He is a co-owner and competitor in the High Limit Racing sprint car series, alongside five-time World of Outlaws champion Brad Sweet. Additionally, Larson frequently participates in midget car races and undertakes offseason racing excursions globally, including regular trips to Australia. This packed schedule, he admitted, has made his offseasons increasingly busy.

"The offseasons have only gotten busier," Larson remarked on the podcast. "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." Despite this, the allure of the Rolex 24 remains strong. Larson elaborated on his motivation for a potential return, noting, "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."

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Beyond the competitive drive, Larson also highlighted the appeal of sharing this experience with his family. His eldest son, Owen, who is now 11 years old, was an infant during Larson’s 2015 victory. "To have my kids be a part of it would be cool," he stated, underscoring the desire for his children to witness his achievements in different racing disciplines. This sentiment aligns with his recent ventures into the Indianapolis 500, where he has made starts in the last two years. The proximity of Daytona International Speedway to Walt Disney World also presents an attractive element for a family trip. "Yeah, that, too," Larson responded when asked if the family vacation aspect was a factor. "So yeah, I would probably do it again."

While Larson has expressed a clear desire to compete in the Rolex 24 again, he has also stipulated a key condition for his potential return. "I want to be in the best car," he asserted, indicating that his participation would be contingent on joining a competitive, top-tier entry. He acknowledged a lack of direct contacts within the IMSA paddock to facilitate such an opportunity, but the message was clear: he is ready to return, provided the circumstances are right.

Larson’s career has been marked by an exceptional ability to adapt and excel across various forms of motorsport. His NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2021, followed by a dominant 2023 season where he secured 10 wins and his second Cup title, cemented his status as one of the premier drivers in contemporary racing. His success in sprint cars and midgets, coupled with his forays into open-wheel racing, demonstrates a rare talent that transcends traditional motorsport categories.

The Rolex 24 at Daytona, a race steeped in history and regarded as one of the world’s premier sports car endurance events, attracts a global field of drivers and manufacturers. The race tests the limits of machinery and driver endurance over a 24-hour period on the famed Daytona International Speedway road course. In recent years, the event has seen intense competition across multiple classes, including the top-tier GTP (Grand Touring Prototype) category, which features advanced hybrid prototypes from manufacturers like Porsche, Cadillac, BMW, and Acura.

Larson’s previous experience in prototype racing, particularly his victory with Chip Ganassi Racing, provides a strong foundation for a potential return. His comments suggest a genuine longing to revisit the unique challenges and atmosphere of the Rolex 24. The desire to add another significant endurance racing title to his already impressive resume, while also creating lasting memories with his family, appears to be a driving force behind his renewed interest.

As the motorsport landscape continues to evolve, the potential return of a talent like Kyle Larson to the Rolex 24 would undoubtedly generate significant excitement among fans and teams alike. His proven ability to perform under pressure and his adaptability across different disciplines make him a formidable contender in any series he enters. The condition of being in "the best car" highlights the competitive nature of the event and Larson’s ambition to be at the forefront of the action.

The "Dinner with Racers" podcast, known for its in-depth interviews with prominent figures in the racing world, provided a platform for Larson to articulate his evolving perspective on his career and future aspirations. His candid remarks suggest that while his schedule remains demanding, the experience of the Rolex 24 holds a special place, and he is actively contemplating a return to the historic event. The ball, it appears, is now in the court of potential IMSA teams and manufacturers who might be looking to secure the services of one of racing’s most electrifying talents for the ultimate endurance challenge.