Kyle Larson: 'I know deep down I'm not a racist'
Kyle Larson wants people to know that while he said a racist word, he does not feel that he’s a racist. Larson appeared “CBS This Morning” on Friday to talk about what has happened in the months since he was fired from Chip Ganassi Racing after saying the N-word during a virtual race that was broadcast on NASCAR’s website. “I know deep down I’m not a racist,” Larson told James Brown, though he said that he could understand while people would have labeled him one after he said the racial slur.It was the first time Larson has done a television interview since he was fired in April.
Total146. Is Kyle Larson going to get the No. 48 car with Hendrick Motorsports in 2021 after Jimmie Johnson retires at the end of this season? That’ s the new buzz around NASCAR where word is starting to drip out that Hendrick could be the landing spot, and it would be an upgrade
Kyle Larson will drive the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro for Hendrick Motorsports in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series in 2021. Larson , who is Japanese American, has spent the months since completing NASCAR’ s sensitivity training program and meeting with Black leaders in what he said was an effort
Kyle Larson will join Hendrick Motorsports in the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE for the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season. The move, which comes after months of rumors regarding the status of the fourth Hendrick Motorsports car, is the latest in an unconventional journey for Larson.
© Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson Larson only raced four races this season due to his suspension from NASCAR. However, he posted one top-five finish and three top-10 finishes in those four contests. Since May, he has run in dirt races with 42 wins in 82 starts this season. Many thought Larson would end up with Hendrick Motorsports at the start of 2020, but it didn’t come without some drama.
Hendrick Motorsports expected to change the No. 88 to No. 5?
Here is why bringing the No. 5 back would be the right decision for the organization. The history of the No. 5 with Hendrick MotorsportsThe No. 5 car has been a staple of the Hendrick Motorsports brand since its debut in 1984. Geoff Bodine drove the car from 1984-89, accumulating seven wins. Ricky Rudd replaced Bodine from 1990-93. Rudd, one of NASCAR’s best road course drivers, won four races in his four-year stretch.One of the most successful runs of the No. 5 was Terry Labonte from ’94-2004. Labonte won one championship in 1996 and earned 12 wins throughout his tenure at Hendrick Motorsports.
Kyle Larson has signed a multiyear contract with Hendrick Motorsports to drive the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE RELATED: More on Larson ’ s reinstatement. Larson was reinstated by NASCAR officials on Oct. 19 following his completion of sensitivity training at the sanctioning body‘s direction
Kyle Larson has signed a multiyear contract with Hendrick Motorsports to drive the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE beginning with the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season. The 28-year-old driver will be paired with crew chief Cliff Daniels, who will shift from the No. 48 Chevrolet currently driven by
How did we come to this point where Larson is joining Hendrick Motorsports in the middle of a three-day rain delay? It is more unconventional than everybody thought it would become.
Kyle Larson’s iRacing incident in April 2020
Larson found himself without a ride following a suspension from NASCAR for using a racial slur during an iRacing event in April. Within the industry, many viewed Larson as the top free agent in one of the most memorable free-agency classes in recent memory. However, he faced the possibility of being out of NASCAR following the iRacing slur.
The 28-year-old completed sensitivity training for both NASCAR and the World of Outlaws. He returned to racing in May, which started one of the most successful dirt runs in modern history. Larson boasted a 51% win percentage in the dirt races he ran in 2020. Even while being suspended by NASCAR, he was still viewed as the top free agent in the class.
Kyle Larson shuts down sprint car team; is it another sign of a NASCAR return?
Kyle Larson is closing down his sprint car team. In his statement, Larson said that the COVID-19 pandemic was one of multiple factors that went into the decision. “We have made the very tough decision to close Kyle Larson Racing (KLR) upon the conclusion of the 2020 season,” Larson said in a statement. Owning a World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series team brought me great satisfaction. It was a thrill to compete as an owner, and I am blessed and honored to have had the opportunity.”Larson has been the sole owner of the sprint car team for the past three seasons. He fielded a car full-time for Carson Macedo in the World of Outlaws series the past two seasons.
Hendrick Motorsports solidified its 2021 lineup on Wednesday to announce that Kyle Larson will officially join the team on a multi-year contract. When NASCAR announced Larson ' s reinstatement, several fans made guesses about where he would land.
Kyle Larson , exiled from NASCAR six months after uttering a racial slur, will return to the Cup Series and drive for Hendrick Motorsports in 2021. NASCAR required Larson to attend sensitivity training. Larson completed the training by May 6. Larson detailed his personal journey of reflection in an Oct.
No one will be able to truly forget why Larson was absent from NASCAR for the 2020 season. However, he did more than the baseline of what he needed to do. It appears he made a true effort to learn from his mistakes and tried to improve himself as a person. It will stick with him throughout his career, as it should, but he will use himself as an example to teach other young people and drivers.
Larson worked to improve himself on social injustice
Larson did a lot when it came to educating himself about social injustice. Since the incident, he has continued to work with the Urban Youth Racing School in Philadelphia. The driver has talked honestly about the situation and has worked to improve himself. Larson also went to Minnesota to volunteer with the Sanneh Foundation weeks before George Floyd’s funeral.
Larson penned an essay in early October telling his story of what he has gone through since his suspension. A couple of weeks later, Larson appeared on "CBS This Morning" and was interviewed by CBS’ James Brown. Some people may have wanted to stay out of the public light, but Larson wanted to talk about it his experiences and the lessons learned.
Kyle Larson signs with Hendrick Motorsports to drive No. 5 in 2021
Kyle Larson has signed a multiyear contract with Hendrick Motorsports to drive the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE beginning with the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season. The 28-year-old driver will be paired with crew chief Cliff Daniels, who will shift from the No. 48 Chevrolet currently driven by seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson […]“Hendrick Motorsports is a championship organization that has set a high bar for performance and for how drivers represent the team and its partners,” Larson said in a team release. “My goal is to win races, be a great teammate, continue my personal efforts to grow and hold myself to that high standard personally and professionally.
CONCORD, N.C. -- Hendrick Motorsports this morning signed driver Kyle Larson to a multi-year contract that will see him join the 12-time NASCAR Cup “ Hendrick Motorsports is a championship organization that has set a high bar for performance and for how its drivers represent the team and its
Kyle Larson will return to Nascar with Hendrick next season, but his car is missing a sponsor, at least for now. Larson applied to Nascar for reinstatement, and that was granted that last week. Hendrick made the announcement Wednesday that Larson had signed a multi-year deal and will race the No. 5
Larson deleted his social media accounts after the incident occurred. He kept the majority of his volunteering and improvement to himself and those closest to him.
Hendrick Motorsports signs Larson for the 2021 season
One of the most unsurprising moves came to fruition Wednesday when Hendrick Motorsports announced Larson would join the team in 2021. He had been rumored as the leading candidate to take the vacant ride.
Many people speculated that Larson would not go to Hendrick Motorsports due to Chevrolet terminating its relationship with him in April. However, Chevrolet’s VP of Motorsports Jim Campbell had a different thought when it came to Hendrick Motorsports signing Larson.
“Chevrolet supports NASCAR and Hendrick Motorsports’ commitment to prioritize the values of diversity and inclusion across the sport and for all fans,” Campbell stated. “We have a long and respected relationship with Hendrick Motorsports and have openly shared our position as a sponsor that we will continue to hold our racing partner and affiliate drivers accountable to behave in ways that adhere to these values, on and off the track. Kyle has taken positive steps focused on listening and learning and has expressed his commitment to be an agent of change for the positive when it comes to inclusivity and diversity in NASCAR.”
Hendrick Motorsports signs Kyle Larson to drive No. 5 car in 2021
Rick Hendrick on Kyle Larson: 'I’m confident about what’s in his heart and his desire to be a champion in all aspects of his life and career.'Larson signed a multi-year deal Wednesday morning, the team announced.
Larson was terminated from Chip Ganassi Racing and suspended indefinitely by NASCAR in April following the use of a racial slur in an online iRacing event.
(Reuters) - Kyle Larson on Wednesday signed a multi-year contract with Hendrick Motorsports after he was fired by Chip Ganassi Racing and suspended for more than six months by NASCAR for using a racial slur in April. A six-time winner on the NASCAR Cup Series, Larson had been one of its hottest
Cliff Daniels will be Larson’s crew chief atop the box after it was announced Rudy Fugle will join Hendrick Motorsports to be the crew chief for William Byron in 2021. Larson also signed a multi-year deal with the organization and currently has an unsponsored car for next season. With around three months left until the Daytona 500, there will be plenty of time to find sponsors, if there is anything out there.
The bottom line
With Larson now in the fold, the future of Hendrick Motorsports is brighter than it has been in a long time. This move allows Hendrick to gain a championship-caliber combo in Larson and Daniels for years to come. The 28-year-old California native spent the first seven years of his NASCAR Cup Series career with Chip Ganassi Racing with six wins and no championships.
Rick Hendrick has created a future super-team with the likes of Larson, Chase Elliott, Alex Bowman and William Byron. Elliott and Bowman are still fighting for a championship this year, while Byron goes forward as a driver with a high ceiling. The talent and budding potential are there, and Hendrick realizes that the future of his team is bright.
“I’m excited about our roster of young talent,” Hendrick said. “We have a team that is built to win races and compete for championships for years to come."
Rick Hendrick hopes sponsors see Kyle Larson as he does
Kyle Larson: 'It will take time, but I think who I really am will shine through and people will be able to forgive me.'When Hendrick Motorsports announced Wednesday that it had signed Larson to a multi-year contract to drive the No. 5 car in 2021, the team stated the car was unsponsored.
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Related slideshow: The best racing movies (Provided by Yardbarker)
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The best racing movies
Most of us will never get in a race car. In fact, many of us never go more than 5 or 10 miles per hour over the speed limit. But racing actually films quite well, and that makes for some great sports movies with a lot of exciting action. Racing isn’t always done on an oval track either. Here are some of our favorite racing films ever. Hit the accelerator and get going!
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“Ford v. Ferrari” (2019)
“Ford v. Ferrari” didn’t just excite audiences. It also got a Best Picture nomination. Sure, many thought it was the least deserving of that group, but not because it wasn’t a good movie. It just felt like this film, starring Matt Damon and Christian Bale, was more of a solid drama than a Best Picture candidate. It is solid, though, and a true story to boot.
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“The Fast and the Furious” (2001)
It may be hard to remember, but the “Fast and Furious” movies used to be about street racing. Then they became about Dwayne Johnson breaking a cast by flexing and insane action adventures. Before the series was making a ton of money and bringing in stars like Jason Statham, it began with Vin Diesel and Paul Walker going a quarter mile at a time.
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“Days of Thunder” (1990)
Prior to “Ford vs. Ferrari,” “Days of Thunder” was thought by many to be among the best dramatic auto racing movies. In the Tony Scott film, Tom Cruise plays Cole Trickle, a hotshot open-wheel racer who becomes a NASCAR driver. If you are a fan of NASCAR, this may be the best of these movies for you.
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“Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” (2006)
If you want a comedic take on auto racing, “Talladega Nights” is the best you are going to get. That is, if you are into Will Ferrell’s particular brand of humor. This is another film where he plays a confident loudmouth idiot, and the comedy isn’t exactly subtle. That being said, there are a ton of laughs to be had in this film.
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“Cars” (2006)
What if race cars didn’t need drivers? What if they just drove themselves because they are alive. “Cars” is about a bunch of, well, cars who live in a world without humans. That includes some race cars like Lightning McQueen, voiced by Owen Wilson. The universe of “Cars” is weird, but it inspired two sequels for Pixar.
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“Breaking Away” (1979)
Hey, we said racing films, not auto racing films. There are many ways to race, including on bikes. Maybe you are irked by this, but we had to include “Breaking Away.” That’s because this is perhaps the best racing movie ever, and it’s a pretty solid coming of age film too.
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“The Cannonball Run” (1981)
Not all races happen on a track. Some of them happen in the streets. “Cannonball Run” is a comedy based on an actual cross-country race. It’s an ensemble action comedy not unlike the “Wacky Racer” cartoons but with real cars and real stunts.
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“Senna” (2010)
We are including only one documentary, but it had to be “Senna.” This film, about the late Brazilian race car driver Ayrton Senna, isn’t just considered one of the best sports documentaries of recent years. It’s also simply one of the best-received documentaries of the last decade or so. A truly gripping telling of Senna’s story.
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“Rush” (2013)
In the United States, Formula 1 isn’t that popular. In the rest of the world, though, it’s far and wide the most popular version of auto racing. You may not know James Hunt or Niki Lauda. You may not know much about the 1976 Formula 1 season. In that case, watch “Rush.” If nothing else, it co-stars Chris Hemsworth.
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“Le Mans” (1971)
Steve McQueen loved racing. He even did some actual race car driving, even though, you know, he was one of the biggest movie stars in the world. Making “Le Mans” was basically a dream project for him. In addition to using actual footage from a 24 Hours of Le Mans race, some filming was done during a race as well.
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“The Love Bug” (1968)
Most cars don’t get a series of movies. Herbie, the titular Love Bug, did. This is the first film about the sentient Volkswagen Beetle. It’s a very ‘60s car, and this is a very ‘60s movie. It’s also about the only time you will see a Beetle being used in auto races and having success. That’ll happen when you are a car with a mind of its own.
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“Grand Prix” (1966)
They have been making racing movies since the silent era, but this is the earliest film on our list. “Grand Prix” is an ensemble drama about a fictional Formula 1 season. The ostensible lead is James Garner, who is best known for starring in “The Rockford Files.” “Grand Prix” was well received critically and won three technical Oscars.
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“Speed Racer” (2008)
The Wachowskis make insane movies. “The Matrix," for example, was a huge hit, but it’s also quite nuts. They indulge in excellent filmmaking and it’s not for everybody. That’s why “Speed Racer,” an acid trip of a film, was kind of a bust. It has its fans, though, because an insane-looking cotton candy movie based on an old Japanese cartoon is what some people really want.
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“Logan Lucky” (2017)
The main characters in Steven Soderbergh’s film aren’t race car drivers. They are downtrodden people who are pulling off a heist. It’s a heist movie, through and through. So why does it make this list? Because the heist is happening during the Coca-Cola 600, one of the biggest NASCAR races of the year. We see a lot of auto racing, and six different NASCAR drivers had small cameo roles, not as drivers.
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“Eat My Dust!” (1976)
Ron Howard directed “Rush,” and he stars in “Eat My Dust!” Is it a good movie? Not really, as it’s a cheap Roger Corman flick. However, it’s a notable piece of movie history in a way. Corman told Howard that if he was willing to star in “Eat My Dust!” he would let Howard direct and star in another movie. That movie became "Grand Theft Auto," and it was the first movie Howard ever directed.
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“Need for Speed” (2014)
After “Breaking Bad,” Aaron Paul was a rising star. One of his first chances to try out movie stardom was “Need for Speed.” Unfortunately, like most movies based on video games it was considered kind of a bust, even if it made a decent amount of money. Paul is good in it, and Michael Keaton has a role as well, but the movie was kind of shrugged off.
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“Seabiscuit” (2003)
There is a lot of horsepower in most of these movie. Here’s a film with a horsepower of…one. We are sticking one horse racing film into the mix, and that one is “Seabiscuit.” It’s a feel-good biography about a beloved underdog horse with a name you probably have heard. If you are in the mood for a retro biopic with a little bit of sappiness to it, you can do a lot worse than “Seabiscuit.”
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“Rat Race” (2001)
“Rat Race” is basically a ripoff of “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.” Why does it make our list? Well, it has “race” in the title for one. Two, in “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” there isn’t a real race, even if people are all striving to be the first to find a treasure. In “Rat Race,” there is an actual race going on. The slapstick comedy doesn’t always work, but it’s a decent enough comedy.
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“Death Race 2000” (1975)
“Death Race 2000” didn’t predict what the world would be like at the turn of the millennium, and we should all be thankful. This is another Roger Corman production, which means it’s lean, mean and not interested in being subtle. There is plenty of violence and a ton of schlock. There’s just a smidge of satire and comedy to it as well. Plus, it features acting from David Carradine and a pre-Rocky Balboa Sylvester Stallone.
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“Thunderbolt” (1995)
Are you aware that there is a racing movie that stars Jackie Chan. There is, and it’s this one. This Hong Kong action flick features Chan as a race car driver and, of course, as per usual he’s doing his own stunts. Well, not all of them. No, not because he was worried. Chan had hurt himself making “Rumble in the Bronx,” so he did only the stunts he was physically able to do, including plenty that involved his injured leg.
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Why Denny Hamlin will win the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series title .
Editor‘s note: This is the first in a series of four stories examining why each driver could win the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series championship. Tuesday: Denny Hamlin Wednesday: Brad Keselowski Thursday: Chase Elliott Friday: Joey Logano • • • Denny Hamlin will win the 2020 championship because … He thinks he can. I’ll be honest, […]Wednesday: Brad Keselowski