Dale Earnhardt Jr. is a name that resonates with NASCAR fans, synonymous with an era of mass appeal and racing dominance. His 2001 Daytona win and Talladega domination are etched in the annals of the sport. His retirement in 2017 signaled the end of an era, leaving a gaping hole in the heart of NASCAR that many speculated would remain unfilled. With his departure from the starting lineup, fans were left bereft, as the driver they had rooted for over nearly two decades was no longer racing.
The question that has lingered since Earnhardt’s retirement was succinctly put forth by Kevin Harvick on his podcast, “Who’s your guy in this world?” Who, indeed, could replace Junior in the hearts of NASCAR enthusiasts?
Enter Patrick Dempsey, Hollywood star best known for his role in ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and crowned People’s Sexiest Man Alive in 2023. Dempsey, a racing aficionado and racer himself, has earned his stripes on the track, having competed in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans multiple times. His racing pedigree includes two podium finishes in the American Le Mans Series, first in Laguna, then in Austin. Therefore, his insight into the successor of Earnhardt Jr. holds significant weight.
During an interview with Harvick, Dempsey reflected on the changing times in NASCAR since Earnhardt Jr.’s departure. “It’s been a different generation now for me, because, when we had Dale Earnhardt Junior, that generation was when I was really, you know, that was really at the height of NASCAR,” Dempsey stated.
So, who does Dempsey perceive as his favorite in the modern era of American Stock Car Racing post-Earnhardt Jr.? Could it be Chase Elliott, the reigning Most Popular Driver who inherited the title from Junior? Quite surprisingly, it’s another Hendrick Motorsports driver, Kyle Larson, that Dempsey singles out.
Larson’s versatility and adaptability to various racing styles and disciplines have earned him Dempsey’s admiration. He has successfully transitioned between racing disciplines, a feat highlighted last year when he was on course to compete in both Indy Car and NASCAR before an unfortunate rain delay intervened.
But Larson’s prowess isn’t a sudden development. His disciplined approach to racing dates back to his karting days in his native California, driving for Keith Kunz Motorsports and Hoffman Racing. His switch to stock-cars in 2012 was marked by instant success, winning the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East in June. He has since established a reputation across multiple racing disciplines, winning the 2025 Chili Bowl Nationals and remaining competitive in the Cup Series, even after clinching six races in 2024.
In speaking about his racing passion, Larson explained, “For me, I think, and probably for a lot of drivers, I guess as you get older, and you feel like you’re close to your not peak, but you’re in your prime, you’re just trying to find those little fine details to make yourself better. And you know what that may be. I think that’s why I race a lot of different types of vehicles besides just NASCAR.”
Even Earnhardt Jr. has expressed admiration for Larson, acknowledging the latter’s skills during the Ambetter Health 400, where Larson almost clinched the win.
Dempsey also mused about Larson’s potential foray into the world of Formula 1, stating, “It’d be nice to see him get into an F1 car and do some testing.” This sentiment is echoed by McLaren CEO, Zak Brown, who expressed interest in seeing Larson in an F1 car. Larson himself has shown an interest in participating in Formula 1, even if only for testing or an exhibition event.
The versatile racer’s adaptability, demonstrated across formats from sprint cars to IndyCar attempts, suggests that Formula 1 could be the next frontier for the 2021 champion. With his skillset and talent, Larson’s potential move to Formula 1 would undoubtedly be an exciting prospect for fans worldwide.
