Kyle Larson’s Son Owen Shocks NASCAR Fans with Candid Daytona 500 Comments

In the high-octane world of NASCAR, Kyle Larson has established himself as one of the sport’s most versatile and accomplished drivers. However, despite his success across multiple racing disciplines, the Daytona International Speedway remains a challenging venue for the 2021 Cup Series champion. As Larson prepares for the highly anticipated 2025 Daytona 500, an unexpected twist has emerged—his young son, Owen Larson, has unexpectedly stolen the spotlight with his refreshingly candid remarks.

The story unfolded during Daryl Gwynn’s annual fishing tournament, a charity event held at Lake Lloyd within Daytona International Speedway. This competition, benefiting paralysis research, saw Owen Larson emerge victorious in spectacular fashion. Showcasing impressive angling skills, he caught the day’s largest bass, weighing 4.58 lbs. His team, led by the young Larson, secured the overall win with a combined three-fish haul of 8.19 lbs. The victory not only highlighted Owen’s talents but also set the stage for a media interaction that would send shockwaves through the NASCAR community.

During the post-event press conference, Owen was asked about his father’s chances in the upcoming Daytona 500. His response was as honest as it was unexpected: “He probably has to try really hard because he’s not good at super speedways.” This unfiltered remark instantly grabbed the attention of journalists and NASCAR enthusiasts alike. When pressed further on how his father could improve, Owen simply reiterated, “If he tried harder.”

These comments, coming from the son of one of NASCAR’s top drivers, were both surprising and revealing. While Kyle Larson is widely regarded as an elite talent in motorsports, his struggles on super speedways have been well-documented. Throughout his Cup Series career, he has led only 91 laps on such tracks, a stark contrast to his dominance in other racing formats. His record at Daytona specifically has been lackluster, with only two top-five finishes and his best placement in the Daytona 500 being a seventh-place result during his tenure with Chip Ganassi Racing. Even in the current NextGen era, Larson’s highest finish in the Great American Race has been 11th place.

Owen’s blunt assessment of his father’s super speedway struggles was not without merit. However, Kyle Larson has shown signs of improvement. His recent fourth-place finish at Talladega marked one of his best performances at a super speedway. Despite these challenges, Larson’s overall racing credentials remain undisputed. His 2025 season has already been a testament to his extraordinary versatility, as he has racked up five race wins across different disciplines. His success in open-wheel dirt track racing, including securing his third Golden Driller trophy at the prestigious Chili Bowl Nationals and a breakthrough victory in Australia, underscores his adaptability and skill.

Perhaps most impressively, Larson’s performance at Volusia Speedway Park saw him claim two wins and four top-three finishes in World of Outlaws Sprint Car races. Reflecting on his performance, Larson acknowledged the significance of the victory, stating, “I’ve never gone to Volusia and qualified well. It was more fun to qualify good and give ourselves an opportunity to win. Hopefully, it can carry over to this week.”

Larson has long emphasized the importance of frequent competition to stay sharp. His offseason has been packed with racing events, and he firmly believes that consistent track time keeps him in peak form. “I think it keeps me sharp for sure. I just like to race. I kind of like to stay in the rhythm of racing,” he explained.

Despite these preparations, the Daytona 500 remains one of the few major NASCAR races that has eluded him. Winning the prestigious event would fill a critical gap in his already stellar resume. Larson himself has acknowledged the significance of the race, saying, “It’s a big, big race. Everybody wants to win the big one. This is like the last of the big ones that I have left.”

The pressure to perform at Daytona is even higher following the success of his Hendrick Motorsports teammate William Byron, who won the 2024 edition of the race. With the bar set high, all eyes will be on Larson to see if he can finally break through at the storied speedway.

Interestingly, Larson has often characterized super speedway racing as a “crapshoot,” emphasizing its unpredictable nature. He has noted that unlike other forms of racing, where skill and precision play a greater role, success at Daytona often comes down to external factors beyond a driver’s control, such as pack dynamics and drafting strategies. “You can control your destiny here, but you can’t really control it a whole lot over there. It’s just kind of a crapshoot,” he explained.

As the 2025 Daytona 500 approaches, the question remains: Can Kyle Larson defy the odds and silence the doubts—especially those of his own son? With his recent momentum and determination, the NASCAR world will be watching closely to see if he can finally conquer the high-speed challenge that has long eluded him. Whether Owen’s brutally honest critique serves as motivation or simply a lighthearted family moment, one thing is certain—the young Larson has already made a name for himself in the racing world, and his father has a lot to prove on February’s biggest stage.