In the world of NASCAR, Kyle Larson is the definition of versatility. The 2021 Cup Series champion has a remarkable ability to win in nearly any scenario, whether on short tracks, road courses, or intermediate circuits. However, there is one glaring exception that continues to elude him—the Daytona 500, NASCAR’s most iconic race. In fact, despite his undeniable talent, Larson has never been able to claim victory at Daytona International Speedway, and when you throw Talladega Superspeedway into the mix, his record becomes even more perplexing.
It was his 10-year-old son, Owen Larson, who spoke the truth when he accurately predicted that his father would fail to win the Daytona 500. “He probably needs to try really hard because he’s not good at superspeedway racing,” Owen quipped before the race. As it turns out, the young Larson couldn’t have been more on point.
Kyle Larson finished 20th in the 2025 Daytona 500, extending his dismal record at the track to 0 for 22 at Daytona and 0 for 42 when Talladega is factored in. Despite winning races in nearly every other discipline of NASCAR racing, Larson has simply been unable to conquer the high-speed, pack-racing world of superspeedways. The question that’s been lingering in the minds of fans and pundits alike is: why?
The Daytona 500: NASCAR’s Pinnacle
The Daytona 500 is often called the “Great American Race,” and for good reason. It’s the most prestigious race on the NASCAR calendar, marking the beginning of the season and attracting millions of fans from around the world. The race is held on the Daytona International Speedway, a 2.5-mile oval that features high-speed racing on the same track where legends like Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, and Jeff Gordon have all made their mark. Winning the Daytona 500 is not just a career-defining achievement—it’s the race that every driver dreams of conquering.
But for Kyle Larson, Daytona has been a place of frustration and missed opportunities. Despite his extensive resume of wins on various tracks and in different types of cars, he has struggled to find success in NASCAR’s crown jewel event.
Larson’s Background: A Natural Talent for Racing
Kyle Larson’s career is one defined by an incredible range of skill. The 31-year-old California native has raced in virtually every format of motorsport, including dirt track racing, midget racing, and sprint cars, where he has racked up countless wins. Larson’s reputation as one of the most versatile and fearless drivers in NASCAR is well-established, and his success in the Cup Series is a testament to his innate driving ability.
In 2021, Larson won his first NASCAR Cup Series championship, solidifying his place among the sport’s elite drivers. That season alone saw him capture a staggering 10 victories, including prestigious wins on both short tracks and road courses, as well as intermediate ovals.
Despite his dominance elsewhere, Larson has found little to no success on superspeedways like Daytona and Talladega. His results on these tracks have been inconsistent at best, with crashes, bad luck, and poor strategy often contributing to his lackluster finishes. The Daytona 500, in particular, has become something of a cursed race for Larson, a race that he has yet to conquer despite his undeniable skill in other formats.
The Nature of Superspeedway Racing: A Different Beast
While Larson has shown he can win in nearly any kind of race, superspeedways like Daytona and Talladega present an entirely different challenge. These massive tracks are known for their high speeds, pack racing, and the constant threat of “The Big One”—a massive multi-car wreck that often shakes up the entire race and can end a driver’s day in an instant.
At superspeedways, strategy becomes just as important as raw driving skill. These races are characterized by drafting, where drivers rely on their position relative to other cars to gain speed, and often, teamwork with fellow drivers becomes an essential element of success. A well-timed pit stop, a perfectly executed block, or a mistake from a competitor can all make the difference between finishing on the podium or being caught up in a wreck.
For Larson, this type of racing has proven to be a major challenge. While he has excelled in other forms of racing that demand precision and finesse, superspeedway racing demands a different kind of awareness and adaptability. The chaotic nature of superspeedway races means that drivers can’t always rely on their own instincts, and their success often depends on how well they navigate the draft, avoid trouble, and make the right calls at critical moments.
For Larson, the lack of consistency in these elements has hindered his chances of success. Whether it’s getting caught in a crash, being in the wrong place at the wrong time, or struggling to find the right drafting partners, Larson has never quite found the magic that makes him a contender on superspeedways.
Owen Larson’s Prediction: A Fresh Perspective
It’s rare for a 10-year-old to offer insights into the complexities of NASCAR racing, but Owen Larson’s prediction about his dad’s chances at Daytona seems to reflect a deep understanding of his father’s challenges. In his simple yet poignant assessment, Owen captured the essence of Kyle Larson’s struggles on superspeedways. “He probably needs to try really hard because he’s not good at superspeedway racing,” Owen said.
Though it may seem like an innocent remark from a child, Owen’s words ring true. Larson does try hard at Daytona and Talladega; his efforts are not lacking. However, sometimes trying hard isn’t enough when you’re competing at tracks where luck, strategy, and the ability to read the field are just as important as raw talent.
Owen’s perspective also highlights something that has become evident over the years: Larson’s approach to racing, which has been shaped by his success in dirt track racing and other disciplines, may not translate as effectively to superspeedways. While he excels in races where he can rely on his ability to wheel the car and navigate tight situations, the high-speed chaos of superspeedway racing requires an entirely different approach—one that Larson has yet to perfect.
The Bigger Picture: Larson’s Impact Beyond the Superspeedways
Despite his struggles on superspeedways, Kyle Larson remains one of NASCAR’s brightest stars. His ability to win races on almost any other type of track and his captivating driving style make him one of the most exciting drivers to watch. Fans admire his fearless approach and his willingness to race in multiple disciplines, something few drivers in the modern era have been able to do.
Larson’s impact goes beyond just his performances at superspeedways. He is also a key figure in the growing popularity of dirt racing and midget racing, which have seen a resurgence thanks to Larson’s involvement. His passion for the sport and his commitment to competing at all levels has earned him respect from fans, fellow drivers, and team owners alike.
Despite his lack of success in the Daytona 500, Larson has proven time and time again that he is one of the best drivers in NASCAR. If history has taught us anything, it’s that a champion like Larson will keep pushing forward, learning from his mistakes, and eventually, one day, he may just conquer Daytona—and with it, NASCAR’s most elusive prize.
Conclusion: Will Larson Ever Win the Daytona 500?
Kyle Larson’s inability to win the Daytona 500 is one of NASCAR’s most curious and persistent storylines. While it’s impossible to predict the future with certainty, one thing is clear: Larson is one of the most talented and versatile drivers in the sport today, and his struggles at superspeedways don’t diminish his incredible abilities. Whether or not he ever wins the Daytona 500 remains to be seen, but with each passing year, Larson’s resilience will likely continue to fuel his pursuit of NASCAR’s most coveted prize.
Until that elusive victory comes, fans will continue to watch Kyle Larson—one of NASCAR’s brightest stars—navigate the highs and lows of superspeedway racing, hoping that one day, his talent and determination will finally translate into a victory at Daytona.