Kyle Larson is one of the best NASCAR drivers right now, even in a season where his winless streak in the Cup Series has reached a full year. While much of the focus in the sport right now is on when future Hall of Fame driver Denny Hamlin will retire, it appears we might not be that far away from another motorsports icon stepping away from the Cup Series.
In a recent interview with Matt Weaver of Motorsport.com, Larson shared that he’s aiming to reach 40 years old in his NASCAR career before then deciding how much longer he wants to keep racing.
“I started saying this last year, but 40 is my next milestone.I want to get there and then evaluate if I want to keep going or be done. It all depends on where my kids are in their lives and interests.
It’s certainly a conversation worth having, especially following the announcement made by Larson’s teammate. Alex Bowman recently shared that he’ll be retiring from full-time Cup Series racing following the 2027 season, when he’ll be 34 years old. Bowman is younger than Larson is now and he and his fiancée haven’t yet started their family, but the driver of the No. 48 car did mention the toll racing full-time in the Cup Series takes in leading to his planned retirement.
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Larson, who just turned 34 on July 31, already has three kids. By the time he is 40 years old, his son Owen could be nearing a NASCAR career and his daughter Audrey is also involved in racing. Given the success he’s already had in the Cup Series, earning 32 wins with two Cup championships and multiple crown jewels, his resume already speaks for itself.
It’s worth noting that Larson signed a five-year contract extension with Hendrick Motorsports in February, a deal that would take him right up to the point where he’ll be reevaluating his career goals and long-term ambitions. Hendrick has already found its Bowman replacement for 2028, but a successor plan for the No. 5 car is likely a few years away.
One thing worth considering on that front, there could already be tea leaves pointing to the long-term vision for the No. 5 car. With Connor Zilisch expected to replace Bowman as the fourth Hendrick car, there’s no spot in the Cup Series for the team’s development driver Corey Day. Given that the top prospect doesn’t turn 21 until November, it’s possible he could spend a few years developing and gaining experience with another team before taking over the No. 5 car when Larson is ready to retire.
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