Kyle Larson Expresses Strong Interest in Returning to Rolex 24 at Daytona

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson has voiced his openness to participating in the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona, the season-opening endurance race for the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Larson, who last competed in the iconic event in 2016, revealed his renewed enthusiasm during a recent appearance on the podcast Dinner with Racers.

Larson has a notable history with the Rolex 24, having secured overall victory in 2015 alongside Scott Dixon, Tony Kanaan, and Jamie McMurray, driving for Chip Ganassi Racing. This triumph marked a significant achievement in his early career, showcasing his versatility beyond stock car racing. He has three starts in the event to his name, with his initial foray in 2014 also with Chip Ganassi Racing.

"I think at this stage in my career, yeah, I’d do it again," Larson stated on the podcast, hosted by Ryan Eversley and Sean Heckman. "I had fun those three years I did it. I didn’t want to keep doing it every year."

Larson, currently piloting the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in NASCAR’s premier series, is known for his demanding racing schedule, which extends far beyond his Cup Series commitments. He is a co-owner and competitor in the High Limit Racing sprint car series and frequently participates in midget car races, as well as undertaking offseason racing excursions globally. This packed calendar has led to increasingly busy offseasons for the Californian.

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"The offseasons have only gotten busier," Larson explained. "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."

The prospect of returning to the Rolex 24 also holds personal significance for Larson, particularly the opportunity to share the experience with his family. His eldest son, Owen, who was an infant when Larson achieved his 2015 victory, is now 11 years old.

"To have my kids be a part of it would be cool," Larson remarked. This sentiment is echoed by his participation in the Indianapolis 500 over the past two years, demonstrating a broader interest in major motorsport events and the family involvement they can foster.

Beyond the racing itself, the logistical convenience of Daytona Beach, with its proximity to Orlando’s theme parks, presents an added family appeal. "Yeah, that, too," Larson commented with a nod to the vacation aspect. "So yeah, I would probably do it again."

Larson’s primary condition for a return hinges on securing a competitive platform. "I want to be in the best car," he asserted. While he acknowledged not having immediate contacts within the IMSA paddock to facilitate such an opportunity, his stated desire is clear.

"I definitely want to do it again in the future," Larson concluded, underscoring his firm intention to revisit the historic 24-hour endurance race.

The Rolex 24 at Daytona has a long-standing tradition of attracting top talent from various motorsport disciplines, including NASCAR, IndyCar, and Formula 1, all seeking to test their mettle in one of the world’s most challenging and prestigious sports car races. The event typically takes place on the final weekend of January, marking the commencement of the IMSA season.

Larson’s career trajectory has been marked by a remarkable ascent. After a breakthrough NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2021, he has continued to be a dominant force, securing his second title in 2023. His success has been built on a foundation of exceptional skill in both dirt and asphalt racing, making him a formidable competitor across diverse disciplines.

His past participation in the Rolex 24 saw him compete in the highly competitive Daytona Prototype class. In 2015, the No. 02 Chip Ganassi Racing Riley DP Ford, shared by Larson, Dixon, Kanaan, and McMurray, completed 750 laps of the 3.56-mile Daytona International Speedway road course to clinch victory, holding off a strong challenge from the No. 5 Action Express Racing Cadillac. The race was characterized by a strategic battle, variable weather conditions, and intense competition throughout the 24-hour period.

The 2016 Rolex 24, Larson’s most recent appearance, saw him again driving for Chip Ganassi Racing, this time in the No. 02 Ford Prototype. While the team was competitive, they did not replicate the outright victory of the previous year, finishing outside the top positions in the overall standings.

The nature of endurance racing, with its emphasis on strategy, reliability, driver endurance, and teamwork, presents a different challenge compared to the more common sprint formats in NASCAR. Drivers must manage fatigue, adapt to changing track conditions, and execute precise pit stops over an extended period. Larson’s previous experience at Daytona has provided him with invaluable insight into these demands.

The potential return of a driver of Larson’s caliber to the Rolex 24 would undoubtedly generate significant interest from fans and manufacturers alike. Chevrolet, for which Larson drives in NASCAR and has historical ties to sports car racing through its Corvette Racing program, could see a strategic advantage in fielding such a high-profile driver in their top-tier prototype entry. The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship has seen a resurgence in manufacturer interest in recent years, with a growing field of LMDh and GT3 machinery set to compete.

Larson’s assertion of wanting "the best car" is a standard expectation for any driver seeking to contend for victory in a major event. The Rolex 24 is a race where machinery, team strategy, and driver performance are all critical components of success. The competitive landscape of the top prototype class, often featuring multiple manufacturers and leading teams, requires a potent package to stand a chance.

The podcast conversation highlighted a genuine longing for the unique atmosphere and challenge of the Rolex 24. For drivers like Larson, who thrive on diverse racing experiences, the opportunity to compete in a classic endurance event remains a compelling prospect, even amidst a demanding schedule. His past success and current form suggest that if an opportunity arises to return to Daytona with a strong contender, he would be well-positioned to make a significant impact. The continued evolution of his career, marked by a willingness to explore different racing frontiers, makes his potential return to the Rolex 24 a storyline to watch in the coming seasons.

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