Larson does not want his life determined by one mistake. In today’s world where people who make mistakes are often not given an opportunity for redemption, Larson is prepared to make good on his second chance.
The reason why Larson may be successful is because he wants to change; not that he was told to change. It’s the same as anyone who has had a substance-abuse or alcohol issue; it works once the abuser comes to the realization they have to change, but not because they must change.
“When I made my mistake, there were a lot of thoughts and emotions,” Larson recalled. “I didn’t know where my life was going to end up and what I was going to be doing as a race car driver because I am a race car driver, so that’s what I need to do to supply for my family.
“I definitely didn’t think that I would get another opportunity in NASCAR, so I’m very thankful that Rick, as a friend, reached out first and then we were able to build an even deeper relationship and now turning it into this,” Larson continued. “I’m very, very, very thankful for this opportunity and I’m definitely going to make the most of it and, hopefully, make everybody proud.”
Larson made a mistake. He has owned up to it. He has done the work and is ready to move on.
“I’ve never been upset with anything that’s happened to me,” Larson admitted. “With NASCAR, there’s a zero-tolerance policy there and I feel like they’ve handled the situation great. I think everything that’s happened to me is what should have happened.
“I plan to continue to do more of what I’ve already been doing outside of the race track with different communities and things. This isn’t something that I’m going to stop doing and I look forward to growing even more as a person.”
Larson has had time to reflect on the indiscretion that sidetracked his NASCAR career. It didn’t happen in the field of competition, but while he was competing in an online sim racing event during the COVID-19 shutdown.
“It was me just being ignorant and stupid, really, is why it happened,” Larson admitted. “I’ve learned quite a bit throughout these last 10 months or whatever it’s been. I’ve had numerous conversations with a lot of different people and that’s all been very good for me. I’ve gotten to do a lot of different things throughout the country while I’ve been racing the sprint car that has been impactful.
“I went to Minneapolis very early on, in early May once sprint car racing started up, I was racing in Minnesota,” recalled Larson, who had participated in NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program years ago because of his mother’s Japanese heritage. “So, I stopped by St. Paul and got to do some things with the Tony Sanneh Foundation. And then the following week, with Jackie Joyner-Kersee, (an African American Olympic gold medalist in track and field) to meet her and have a conversation, just try to find things to do while I was racing the sprint car and I think it’s all helped me grow into a better person.
“I think I was a good person before, but I think I’ve had a lot of room to improve and over these last 10 months, I think I’ve grown more than I have ever before. I think I’m, overall, a better person, a better husband and a better father. I plan on treating people with respect, doing just a great job and being a professional person.”
Larson and his wife, Katelyn, have two children, Owen (6) and Audrey (2).
Larson has worked with urban city youngsters who are seeking careers in motorsports, but he had to first develop their trust.
“It was tough,” Larson recalled. “Every conversation I’ve had has been difficult and tough. I’ve been open with everybody and I think they can see my heart in the conversations I’ve had with them.
“I think I’ve grown from every conversation and they’ve been able to see how I genuinely feel terrible about my mistake,” Larson continued. “I think they saw that and were forgiving of me. I’ve been able to continue to go back to the Urban Youth Racing School and do great things with Anthony and Michelle (Martin).”
One of the drivers Larson worked with was named Jysir.
“I spoke to him and his mother, in June,” Larson recalled. “He’s probably the biggest fan of mine out of all the kids that are at that school, so for me to have a conversation with him was very important. He still texted me congratulations these last few weeks and it means a lot. I look forward to doing more with them.”
Larson gets a second chance to make a lasting impression. It will begin this month at Daytona Int’l Speedway.
He has all the tools needed to return to victory lane in the NASCAR Cup Series, but the fact remains he hasn’t driven a stock car since March.
“I haven’t sat in a stock car in a while and this is a new team, so I’m sure there’s things within the cockpit that we’re going to have to adjust and get used to,” Larson said. “There’s still quite a bit to do and I’m excited about it. But I’m also excited about getting in the shop, meeting everybody and building relationships.”
Larson will work with crew chief Cliff Daniels, who led Johnson’s No. 48 team last season.
Larson was well-liked by race fans because of his racing style and his frank, honest and open personality.
Will his experience and rehabilitation from last year change his personality, or will he still keep some of what made Larson a fan favorite?
“I think I’ve always been an open person and a genuinely good person,” he said. “I think I can still be that guy and that’s something that’s always been important to me — to be real. I think, for sure, I need to be more thoughtful, but I think I can still be the real Kyle Larson.
“I don’t really plan on changing that aspect, but I have learned a lot and won’t be, obviously, using any derogatory terms like I did.”