Kyle Miyata Larson Bio
Kyle Miyata Larson, born July 31, 1992, is an American professional racing driver competing full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series. He drives the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Hendrick Motorsports. Larson has achieved significant success in both stock car and dirt track racing, including multiple NASCAR Cup Series championships and prestigious dirt track event wins.
Early Life and Background
Kyle Larson was born in Elk Grove, California, to Mike and Janet Larson. His mother is Japanese American, and his family heritage includes a history of Japanese internment during World War II. Larson attended his first race just a week after birth and began racing outlaw karts at age seven in Northern California. As a teenager, he progressed to open-wheel racing, competing in USAC midget, Silver Crown, and sprint cars, earning the nickname “Yung Money” for his talent. Larson won the 2011 4-Crown Nationals at Eldora Speedway, becoming only the second driver to win in all three USAC car types in one night. He also holds the sprint car track record at Ocean Speedway and was named the 2011 USAC National Midget Rookie of the Year.
Throughout his early career, Larson balanced open-wheel racing with stock car pursuits, racing in the World of Outlaws and traveling internationally to compete in New Zealand during off-seasons. His diverse racing background laid a strong foundation for his future NASCAR career.
Path to NASCAR
Larson’s transition to stock car racing began in 2012 when he signed with Earnhardt Ganassi Racing’s driver development program. That year, he competed full-time in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East with Rev Racing, winning the championship with two wins and 12 top-ten finishes. He also debuted in the ARCA Racing Series and the Camping World Truck Series, securing his first Truck Series win in 2013 at Rockingham Speedway.
In 2013, Larson moved to the NASCAR Nationwide Series full-time with Turner Scott Motorsports, earning Rookie of the Year honors. His Nationwide career included multiple wins and strong performances that propelled him into the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Larson made his Cup debut in 2013 and was named the 2014 Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year, establishing himself as a rising star in NASCAR.
Kyle Larson Career
Early Career (2012–2014)
Larson’s early NASCAR career featured rapid progression through the ranks. After winning the K&N Pro Series East championship in 2012, he secured his first Truck Series victory in 2013. His Nationwide Series rookie season was marked by a dramatic crash at Daytona but concluded with a second-place finish at Homestead and Rookie of the Year honors. In 2014, Larson earned his first Nationwide Series wins and made his full-time Sprint Cup debut with Chip Ganassi Racing, earning his first Cup pole and multiple top-ten finishes.
These formative years showcased Larson’s adaptability and speed, setting the stage for his breakthrough in the premier NASCAR series.
NASCAR Cup Series Breakthrough (2015–2020)
Larson won his first NASCAR Cup Series race in 2016 at Michigan Speedway, marking a significant milestone. He followed with multiple wins in 2017, including victories at Auto Club Speedway and Michigan, and consistently contended in the playoffs. Despite facing challenges such as penalties and mechanical failures, Larson maintained a strong presence in the Cup Series.
In 2019, Larson won the Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race and continued to demonstrate his competitiveness. However, in 2020, Larson faced suspension and release from Chip Ganassi Racing after using a racial slur during an iRacing event. He completed sensitivity training and was reinstated by NASCAR in early 2021.
Hendrick Motorsports Era (2021–Present)
In 2021, Larson joined Hendrick Motorsports, driving the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. He quickly found success, winning ten races including the Coca-Cola 600 and the NASCAR All-Star Race, and clinching his first NASCAR Cup Series championship. Larson continued his strong performance in 2022 and 2023, securing multiple wins such as the Daytona 500 pole, Southern 500, and the Brickyard 400 in 2024. He signed a multi-year contract extension with Hendrick Motorsports through 2026.
Larson’s driving style is characterized by his versatility across track types, aggressive race craft, and strong strategic decisions. His partnership with crew chief Cliff Daniels has been instrumental in his recent success.
Driving Style and Strengths
Kyle Larson excels on both oval and road courses, known for his smooth driving and ability to adapt to varying track conditions. His dirt racing background contributes to his car control and race strategy, making him a formidable competitor in diverse racing environments.
Notable Races and Milestones
Larson has won prestigious races including the Coca-Cola 600, NASCAR All-Star Race multiple times, and the Brickyard 400. He holds the distinction of winning three different road courses in a single season and has been recognized as one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers.
Kyle Larson Career Wins
Kyle Larson has accumulated numerous wins across NASCAR’s top series and dirt track events. His victories include multiple NASCAR Cup Series wins, Nationwide Series wins, and significant dirt track championships such as the Chili Bowl Nationals and Knoxville Nationals.
NASCAR Cup Series Highlights
Larson has won over 30 NASCAR Cup Series races, including two championships in 2021 and 2025. His first Cup win came in 2016 at Michigan, and he has since won marquee events like the Coca-Cola 600 and Southern 500. Larson is known for his consistency in the playoffs and ability to perform under pressure.
Other Wins & Performances
Outside of NASCAR, Larson has excelled in dirt track racing, winning the Turkey Night Grand Prix multiple times, the Brad Doty Classic, and the Hoosier Hundred. He also won the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2015 with Chip Ganassi Racing, showcasing his versatility as a driver.
Kyle Larson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Kyle Larson comes from a supportive family with his father Mike and mother Janet playing key roles in his early racing development. His Japanese American heritage is an important part of his identity. Larson’s wife, Katelyn Sweet, is the sister of NASCAR driver Brad Sweet, linking him to a family with deep racing ties.
Personal Life
Kyle Larson is married to Katelyn Sweet. The couple has three children: Owen Miyata Larson (born 2014), Audrey Layne Larson (born 2018), and Cooper Donald Larson (born 2022). Larson balances his professional racing career with family life, often sharing milestones and moments with his fans.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Kyle Larson continues to compete at the highest level in the NASCAR Cup Series with Hendrick Motorsports. He has already secured multiple wins including at Homestead, Bristol, and Kansas, placing him among the top contenders for the championship. Larson’s experience and skill keep him a strong presence in the playoffs, and he remains a key figure in Hendrick Motorsports’ pursuit of continued success.
His partnership with crew chief Cliff Daniels remains strong, contributing to strategic race decisions and car performance. Larson’s ability to maintain consistency and capitalize on opportunities positions him well for another championship run.
