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Kyle Larson’s Daytona 500 Dilemma: The Missing Crown Jewel in a Championship-Worthy Career

Harry Stone by Harry Stone
February 16, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
Kyle Larson’s Daytona 500 Dilemma: The Missing Crown Jewel in a Championship-Worthy Career

Feb 14, 2025; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) gets into his car during practice for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

A Daytona 500 victory is often spoken about with the same reverence as a NASCAR Cup Series championship—especially by drivers who have yet to win one. It’s the missing piece in the careers of many top-tier veterans, from Kyle Busch to Martin Truex Jr. And for Kyle Larson, the 2021 Cup Series champion, Daytona remains the one major accolade that continues to elude him.

Now, as Larson enters another season in pursuit of The Great American Race, he’s taking a measured approach to his Daytona frustrations—looking to Tony Stewart’s legacy as proof that missing out on a Daytona 500 win doesn’t define greatness.

“I’m Not Going to Lose Sleep Over It” – Larson’s Perspective on Daytona Glory

Larson, despite his incredible NASCAR résumé, has never felt truly comfortable at Daytona. He’s won nearly everything there is to win in stock car racing, yet the unpredictability of superspeedway racing has left him still searching for that elusive 500 victory.

However, the Hendrick Motorsports star isn’t letting that void consume him. Speaking to AP News, Larson summed up his mindset in five simple words:

“I’m not going to lose sleep.”

“I still want to win the race and have that ring and that trophy and be a part of the names that have won it,” Larson admitted. “But again, I think there’s a lot else, a lot more that goes into winning and a lot of luck. It’s not a big deal.”

For Larson, it’s about understanding the nature of Daytona—that winning the 500 isn’t purely about talent. The race relies heavily on drafting, timing, and a significant dose of luck, a factor that even the greatest drivers in history can’t control.

Tony Stewart Never Won Daytona—And It Didn’t Change His Legacy

If there’s any example that validates Larson’s approach, it’s Tony Stewart. The three-time Cup Series champion, widely considered one of the most versatile and talented drivers in NASCAR history, never won the Daytona 500.

“I imagine Tony Stewart, who doesn’t have it, doesn’t lose sleep.“

And why would he? Stewart’s racing legacy is bulletproof—three NASCAR Cup Series titles, 50 career wins, and championships not just in NASCAR, but also in IndyCar. A Daytona 500 win? It would’ve been nice, but it wasn’t necessary to cement his greatness.

If a legend like Stewart could walk away from his career without a 500 win and still be regarded as one of the all-time greats, Larson sees no reason to let it overshadow his own success.

Superspeedway Racing: A Test of Talent or Just Pure Luck?

One of the biggest frustrations for drivers like Larson is that winning at Daytona isn’t necessarily about being the best driver. Unlike intermediate or short tracks, where raw skill and car setup dictate success, superspeedway racing is a high-speed chess match—one where the wrong move from another driver can wipe out half the field in an instant.

“These days, winning often involves a lot of luck and factors that are out of drivers’ control.”

For Larson, this helps him accept the losses more easily. If winning a Daytona 500 isn’t solely about driver ability, then missing out on one isn’t a reflection of his skill.

Could 2025 Be the Year Larson Finally Breaks Through?

While Larson downplays the importance of Daytona, there’s no denying that winning it would silence the one lingering doubt about his superspeedway ability.

And if he does? It could change the narrative surrounding his racing career forever.

But if not? His legacy as one of the most versatile drivers in NASCAR history is already secure.

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