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Daytona Beach, FL – Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson has indicated a strong willingness to participate in the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona, IMSA’s season-opening endurance classic, should the opportunity arise. Larson, who last competed in the historic twice-around-the-clock race in 2016, secured an overall victory in the 2015 edition alongside a formidable Chip Ganassi Racing lineup featuring Scott Dixon, Tony Kanaan, and Jamie McMurray. This significant win marked a highlight in his early foray into sports car racing.
The revelation of Larson’s renewed interest came during a recent episode of the popular podcast "Dinner with Racers," co-hosted by Ryan Eversley and Sean Heckman. When questioned about a potential return to the demanding Daytona circuit, the driver of the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet expressed a clear enthusiasm. "I think at this stage in my career, yeah, I’d do it again," Larson stated. "I had fun those three years I did it. I didn’t want to keep doing it every year."
Larson’s previous three starts in the Rolex 24 at Daytona, all with Chip Ganassi Racing, provided him with valuable experience in the unique challenges of endurance racing. His 2015 triumph stands as a testament to his versatility and adaptability across different motorsport disciplines. The victory was particularly notable, demonstrating his ability to perform at the highest level alongside seasoned sports car veterans.
The current NASCAR Cup Series season keeps Larson exceptionally busy, but his racing calendar extends far beyond stock cars. He is also a prominent figure in the High Limit Racing sprint car series, which he co-owns with five-time World of Outlaws champion Brad Sweet. Furthermore, his schedule often includes midget car races and international offseason racing endeavors, showcasing a relentless pursuit of competitive action. This packed schedule has, in fact, led to busier offseasons for the California native.
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"The offseasons have only gotten busier," Larson elaborated 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. 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 underscores a desire to reconnect with a past success and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Rolex 24.
Larson, 33, also highlighted the personal dimension of potentially returning to the Rolex 24. His eldest son, Owen, who was an infant during his father’s 2015 victory, is now 11 years old. The prospect of sharing this significant racing experience with his children is a considerable motivator. "To have my kids be a part of it would be cool," Larson commented. This desire for family involvement adds a deeper layer to his consideration of the event, aligning with his recent forays into the Indianapolis 500 over the past two years, where family presence has also been a factor.
Beyond the competitive and personal aspects, the strategic location of Daytona International Speedway, situated approximately an hour from Walt Disney World, also presents an appealing element for a family-oriented trip. "Yeah, that, too," Larson acknowledged with a smile when the proximity to the theme park was mentioned. "So yeah, I would probably do it again."
While Larson has expressed his desire to return, he also acknowledged a perceived lack of direct contacts within the current IMSA paddock to facilitate such a move. However, he articulated a clear prerequisite for any potential participation: "I want to be in the best car." This statement reflects his competitive drive and ambition to contend for victory, rather than simply participate.
As the conversation on the podcast drew to a close, Larson reiterated his strong inclination towards a future return to the Rolex 24. "I definitely want to do it again in the future," he affirmed, leaving little doubt about his aspirations to revisit the scene of one of his earlier major career triumphs. His current commitments in NASCAR and other racing series remain his primary focus, but the door to the iconic Daytona 24-hour race appears to be open, contingent on the right opportunity presenting itself.
The Rolex 24 at Daytona, a cornerstone of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, attracts a global field of drivers and manufacturers, testing the limits of man and machine over a grueling 24-hour period. Its rich history and demanding nature make it a coveted event for many professional racers seeking to expand their résumés. Larson’s proven talent and his expressed desire to compete in top-tier machinery suggest that if a suitable program emerges, he would undoubtedly be a formidable contender.
Larson’s background in varied forms of motorsport, from dirt track racing to NASCAR’s ovals and road courses, has honed his skills in diverse racing environments. His adaptability is a key asset, particularly in endurance racing where variable conditions, driver changes, and strategic planning are paramount. His 2015 victory at Daytona showcased his ability to manage the complexities of a multi-class field and maintain pace throughout extended stints.
The competitive landscape of the Rolex 24 has evolved significantly since Larson’s last appearance. The introduction of new car classes and the increasing competitiveness of manufacturer-backed programs mean that any potential return would see him facing a highly challenging field. However, with his proven track record and the backing of a team like Hendrick Motorsports in NASCAR, it is conceivable that a Ganassi Racing reunion or a partnership with another elite sports car outfit could materialize.
The driver’s commitment to other racing series, such as High Limit Racing, demonstrates his passion for the sport and his dedication to honing his craft across different disciplines. This multifaceted approach to his career not only keeps him sharp but also broadens his appeal to a wider range of motorsport enthusiasts. His interest in the Rolex 24 is another indicator of his broad ambitions within the racing world.
As the motorsport calendar continues to unfold, the possibility of seeing Kyle Larson back on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway for the Rolex 24 at Daytona remains a tantalizing prospect for fans of both NASCAR and sports car racing. His statement of intent, coupled with his past success, suggests that this iconic endurance race could well feature one of its most exciting talents in the near future.
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