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Jeff Gordon left shaken by Kyle Larson’s fearless Chili Bowl stunts: Is dirt racing too risky for NASCAR stars?

Virgilio Machado by Virgilio Machado
January 19, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Did NASCAR’s Format Changes Rob Jeff Gordon of GOAT Status?

Oct 27, 2024; Homestead, Florida, USA; Hendrick Motorsports vice chairman Jeff Gordon stands on pit road prior to the Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

For decades, NASCAR has wrestled with the delicate balance between thrilling fans and protecting its drivers. One organization that famously enforced strict rules against extracurricular racing was Joe Gibbs Racing, which banned its drivers from pursuing dirt racing to avoid potential injuries. Now, Jeff Gordon, Vice Chairman of Hendrick Motorsports, finds himself grappling with the same unease as he watches Kyle Larson’s breathtaking—and nerve-wracking—antics at the Chili Bowl Nationals.


Larson: The ultimate dirt racing prodigy

Kyle Larson’s unparalleled talent on dirt tracks has earned him a reputation as one of the sport’s greatest midget racers. With two Chili Bowl Nationals titles (2020 and 2021) already under his belt, Larson is a fan favorite at Tulsa’s premier event. However, his fearless, boundary-pushing racing style also raises eyebrows—and heart rates—among his team’s leadership.

Jeff Gordon, a legendary racer himself and now a key figure at Hendrick Motorsports, was in the stands to support Larson during his Chili Bowl practice runs. While Gordon has always been an advocate for his drivers pursuing their passions, the video he shared on Instagram told a different story. Captioned “The many emotions of watching Kyle Larson at the Chili Bowl,” it showcased Gordon’s mix of admiration, pride—and palpable anxiety.


Bowman’s crash still casts a long shadow

Gordon’s nervousness stems from a vivid memory that still haunts Hendrick Motorsports: Alex Bowman’s devastating crash in 2022. During a High Limit Racing event in Iowa, Bowman flipped his Sprint Car, resulting in a fractured vertebra. The injury forced him to miss four crucial NASCAR Cup Series races, derailing what had been a promising season with six top-10 finishes and three top-five finishes.

Reflecting on the incident, Bowman admitted that stepping away from dirt racing was his own decision, later reinforced by team management. “It was mine at first. I made the decision, and then my decision got reinforced by smarter people than me,” Bowman said at the time, underscoring the risks involved in balancing NASCAR and dirt racing commitments.


Larson’s relentless pursuit of greatness

Unlike Bowman, Larson shows no signs of slowing down. His passion for dirt racing is as strong as ever, and his reunion with Paul Silva, his trusted crew chief in dirt racing, has only reignited his drive to conquer both the Chili Bowl and the NASCAR Cup Series.

But Larson’s daredevil moves on the dirt—while mesmerizing for fans—have raised concerns among insiders like Gordon. The thin line between heroic feats and career-jeopardizing risks looms large, especially as Larson continues to push the envelope in every race he enters.


A risk worth taking?

Jeff Gordon’s apprehension reflects the broader debate in motorsports: Should drivers be allowed to chase glory in high-risk events outside NASCAR? Larson’s undeniable skill and charisma make him a hero in the eyes of fans, but his unrelenting pursuit of perfection could also put his NASCAR career at risk.

“Does Larson’s fearless racing style make him a hero or a hazard?” is the question on everyone’s lips. While Larson’s edge-of-your-seat performances are a testament to his talent, Gordon’s visible unease during practice runs serves as a poignant reminder of the stakes involved. The thrill of victory comes with the constant specter of injury—a harsh reality in the high-speed world of racing.

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