“Not going to be too upset”: Kyle Larson manages expectations ahead of Tulsa Shootout after HLR triumph 

Hendrick Motorsports ace Kyle Larson recently appeared in an interview with FloRacing after his High Limit Racing International triumph at Perth Motorplex. During the interview, Larson opened up about his expectations ahead of the 2026 Tulsa Shootout.

The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series champion drove the #1K sprint car for Jason Pryde at the 3/8-mile clay oval speedway. He held off charges from Corey Day, Dayne Kingshott, and Michael Kofoid, securing the second annual High Limit Racing International on Australian soil. Despite winning two of four features last year, Larson has an appetite for another Golden Driller in the Tulsa Shootout.

However, Kyle Larson will follow a lighter schedule this year, and unlike last year, he will compete in only one division: Winged Outlaw. He pointed out that he already has a busy travel schedule this time. The #5 Chevy Camaro ZL1 driver flew from North Carolina to Australia and back to Oklahoma, covering almost 11,000 miles before the main event.

The 33-year-old NASCAR driver further commented on his expectations ahead of the Chili Bowl Nationals and stated (via FloRacing.com):

“The micros are different, and the brakes are really touchy. I remember that was kind of the biggest thing to get used to last year. But I had four divisions to kind of get the feel for the pedals. I don’t really have any expectations. I’m just going there to have fun. If we make the show, we make the show. If not, I’m not going to be too upset.”

Kyle Larson also wants to focus on his kids, Owen Larson (11) and Audrey Larson (7). Larson's seven-year-old daughter will be making her debut at the Shootout this year in the Junior Sprint. Meanwhile, Owen will compete in tougher divisions.

---

"I don't think there's ever a clear one hundred percent": Kyle Larson got candid about the one-race championship format

In November 2025, two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson featured on the Rubbin is Racing podcast. During the episode, Larson shared his perspective on the one-race championship format that the governing body has been following.

After witnessing Denny Hamlin losing the title despite a dominating season, the HMS driver wants the stock car racing association to change the format. On the podcast, Larson suggested adding more races to the format before crowning the championship.

Kyle Larson explained his approach:

"I don't think there's ever a clear one hundred percent, you know, perfect format that everybody in the world is gonna agree on. But I think what we can all agree on, I think what you know, Sunday maybe proved that we need more than one race, yes, whether that is 36 or 10 or four or whatever the number is, it should be more than one because of moments like that."

The #5 Chevy driver clinched three victories this season at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, and Kansas Speedway. Later, he secured the championship title, finishing three spots ahead of Denny Hamlin in the Phoenix race.

Get the latest NASCAR All-Star race news, Xfinity Series updates, breaking news, rumors, and today’s top stories with the latest news on NASCAR.

Edited by Karan Yadav