The debate over Kyle Larson’s placement in Autosport’s ‘Top 50 Drivers of 2024’ has ignited a firestorm among NASCAR fans, with many arguing the ranking fails to reflect the Hendrick Motorsports star’s true brilliance. Despite leading the Cup Series in wins and laps led, Larson was ranked a lowly 16th, trailing behind multiple Formula 1 drivers and even NASCAR champion Joey Logano, leaving fans and pundits scratching their heads.
Dominance in NASCAR: Larson’s Stellar 2024 Season
Kyle Larson’s 2024 campaign was a masterclass in consistency and versatility. Competing in the No. 5 Chevy for Hendrick Motorsports, the 32-year-old claimed six wins, more than any other driver, while leading a staggering 1,700 laps across the season. From short tracks to superspeedways, Larson was a constant threat, and his record-breaking performance at Bristol Motor Speedway—where he led 462 of 500 laps—cemented his status as one of the sport’s greats.
Larson’s versatility extended beyond NASCAR. His attempt at ‘The Double’, competing in both the Coca-Cola 600 and the Indianapolis 500 on the same day, showcased his unparalleled ability to adapt to different racing disciplines. While the venture cost him valuable regular-season points, it underlined his ambition to push the boundaries of motorsport.
Despite these achievements, Larson narrowly missed out on a spot in the Championship 4, falling victim to NASCAR’s unpredictable playoff format—a system often criticized for undervaluing season-long consistency.
Fans Rally Behind Larson
The backlash to Larson’s ranking was immediate and widespread. NASCAR fans flooded social media to defend the driver, with many highlighting the inherent flaws in the playoff system that undermined his season.
“Another problem with the playoffs … third parties can’t understand how good a year 5 had because your champion isn’t indicative of your most successful driver,” one fan wrote, pointing to Larson’s overall dominance compared to Logano’s more strategic but less consistent season.
Others questioned why Larson was ranked below several Formula 1 drivers who lacked the same level of versatility and dominance across multiple disciplines.
“Larson is the best guy on the list at driving a racecar that isn’t a high-performance computer,” quipped one motorsports enthusiast, alluding to the reliance on technology in F1 compared to the raw driving skill required in NASCAR.
A Broader Debate: NASCAR vs. Global Motorsports
Larson’s exclusion from Autosport’s top tier reignites a long-standing debate: Does the global motorsports community undervalue NASCAR talent? While Formula 1 dominates the international stage, NASCAR requires a unique skill set that includes mastering diverse track types, enduring grueling races, and adapting to the unpredictability of stock car racing.
Fans argued that Larson’s ability to succeed in everything from dirt tracks to open-wheel racing places him among the most versatile drivers in the world.
“I will go on record in saying that Larson is a top-5 driver overall in motorsports. He can drive anything with four wheels,” declared a fan, echoing the sentiment of many who believe Larson’s talent transcends NASCAR.
Others took aim at the rankings themselves, suggesting a bias toward Formula 1 and European racing series.
“The rankings are heavily biased (intentionally or unintentionally) to F1 and Euro-centric racing,” wrote another fan, frustrated by the apparent snub.
Kyle Larson’s Response: Eyes on the Future
Despite the controversy, Larson remains unfazed. Reflecting on his season, he acknowledged the challenges of NASCAR’s playoff format but expressed pride in his team’s performance.
“It was a great year. We had a ton of speed from race one to race 38. Obviously, you want to make the final four and have a shot at the championship, but I also understand the format and know kind of how crazy it can be,” Larson said during Race Industry Week.
Looking ahead, Larson is set to attempt ‘The Double’ again in 2025, while also aiming to reclaim the Cup Series title he last won in 2021. His focus remains on proving himself on the track, where his talent speaks louder than any ranking.
Does Autosport Miss the Mark?
Kyle Larson’s placement at 16th in Autosport’s rankings raises questions about how NASCAR drivers are perceived in the broader motorsports world. While Larson’s achievements in 2024 were nothing short of extraordinary, his ranking highlights the challenges NASCAR faces in gaining recognition on the global stage.
For fans and pundits alike, one thing is clear: Kyle Larson is a generational talent, and no list can diminish his place among the greats of modern motorsport.