Kyle Larson, reigning Cup Series champion with Hendrick Motorsports, is no stranger to the significant expenses involved in motorsports, especially as a father of young racers. His eldest son Owen and daughter Audrey are already competing in lower tiers, and there is strong speculation that his youngest son, Cooper, might soon join them on the track. Despite this possibility, Larson openly admits he is concerned about the increasing financial strain that supporting another young racer would bring.
During a media session at the Bowman Gray racing event, Larson revealed how much money has been invested in starting a micro team for his children’s racing careers. He expressed a desire, if situations allowed, for Cooper to avoid the costly pursuit of racing. Yet, he recognizes that if Cooper has the passion and drive to race, it will be nearly impossible to dissuade him from following that path.
“Well, racing is an expensive sport, and I’ve got two doing it currently. I’ve spent a lot of money here lately because we’re starting our own micro team for them. So, in a perfect world, I would love for Cooper not to race, but I know that’s probably impossible, so I don’t know.”
Kyle Larson said during Bowman Gray clash media session.
Larson’s financial concerns go beyond just the usual costs of racing, as he anticipates that Cooper could end up being the most expensive driver of the three. He foresees his youngest son potentially damaging more equipment, which would add to the overall expenses. This has made Larson somewhat anxious about encouraging another racing career within his family.
“So, we’ll see. I think he’ll be the most expensive, probably, because I’m sure he’ll be tearing up the most equipment. So, we’ll see if we can keep him out of it.”
Kyle Larson added.
Challenges of Coaching His Kids in Racing
Kyle Larson also shared insights into his struggles as a coach for his young racers, acknowledging that his tendency to over-explain and offer too much technical detail may not be the best approach for his children. He admitted that his detailed guidance sometimes causes his kids to overthink during competitions, which could hinder their performance rather than help it.
“I just I feel like my kids do better when I don’t talk to them…. I think I get a little too detailed and you know, then I think they’re probably out there trying to do what I say and they’re thinking too much rather than reacting to what’s going on the track.”
Kyle Larson said.
This realization came into sharper focus during the Tulsa shootout event. Larson attempted to coach his son Owen during the race, but Owen’s performance suffered, resulting in one of his worst races of the week. That experience convinced Larson to step back from direct coaching and allow more experienced team members to take the lead.
“So…I realized that the Tulsa shootout, you know…Owen did get to run a few divisions that once I showed up to town, like the first race I got to watch him, you know, I’m like trying to coach him and all that and that was the worst race he had all week. So, I was like, ‘All right, I’m just going to stop talking and let Chad Bow and the team coach him up because he seems to listen to them or relate to what they’re saying better than me.’”
Kyle Larson added.
Larson’s decision highlights the distinction between being a top-tier racer and being an effective mentor. His experience underscores how vital a supportive and understanding crew is to young drivers’ development and how sometimes stepping back can be the best form of guidance.
Implications for the Future of Larson’s Racing Legacy
The layered challenges of managing costs and coaching reveal the complexities Larson faces as both a champion driver and a father to aspiring racers. His cautious yet caring approach reflects the difficulty in balancing family ambitions with practical realities. The involvement of Owen and Audrey in racing already signals the possibility of a continued Larson presence in stock car racing, with Cooper’s potential entry adding another dimension to the family’s motorsports story.
Understanding the financial demands and emotional pressures Larson experiences offers insight into the realities behind the scenes of racing families. As the youngest Larson child approaches an age to make his own decisions, the family’s dynamic will likely continue evolving amid the sport’s challenges. Observers will be keen to see how Kyle Larson’s children shape the future of racing, and how their father’s experiences influence his role in their careers going forward.
