A Family Fishing Triumph
The Larson family has been off to a flying start in 2025, with former NASCAR champion Kyle Larson watching his 10-year-old son, Owen, lead his team to victory in the Daytona 500’s annual prerace fishing tournament. It was a proud moment for the family as Owen reeled in a 4.58-pound fish from Lake Lloyd, situated right inside Daytona International Speedway. Basking in the celebratory atmosphere, Owen had a candid and humorous take on his father’s chances of winning the Daytona 500. "He probably has to try really hard because he’s not good at superspeedways," Owen said, adding that his dad is "bad at drafting through traffic." Despite his blunt assessment, Owen had no advice for his father on how to improve, even admitting that he himself has never experienced drafting. This win in the fishing tournament, however, has added a touch of good luck and confidence to the family’s already impressive racing pedigree.
A Challenging History at Daytona
Kyle Larson’s record at Daytona has been a mixed bag of highs and lows. Despite securing three poles, Larson has a disappointing 0-for-21 record in the Cup Series, with nine DNFs (Did Not Finish) to his name. His Daytona national series debut in 2013 was particularly brutal, as he flew into the fence on the final lap of the Xfinity Series race, demolishing his car. These setbacks have made Daytona a particularly challenging track for Larson, but he remains undeterred. In the lead-up to the Daytona 500, Larson has been on a winning streak, claiming victories in sprint cars in Australia, the Chili Bowl, and his first Gator Trophy at Volusia Speedway Park’s annual DIRTcar Nationals just last week. This series of wins has helped him stay sharp and maintain a competitive edge as he shifts his focus to the "The Great American Race."
Motivation for a Long-Awaited Win
Despite the daunting statistics, Kyle Larson is determined to break his Daytona 500 drought. He will start 22nd on Sunday, a position that might not bode well for an immediate victory, but Larson remains optimistic. "Everybody in here wants to win the big one," he said. "I think this is like the last of the big ones that I have left [to win]. I think that adds a little bit more to it." Larson’s motivation is clear: the Daytona 500 is the ultimate prize in stock-car racing, and winning it would complete his racing resume. However, he also acknowledges the unique challenges of the race, which often requires a blend of skill, strategy, and a significant dose of luck.
Fellow Champions with Daytona Dreams
Larson is not alone in his quest for a Daytona 500 win. This year’s field includes several NASCAR champions who have yet to claim victory in the 500, each carrying their own stories of perseverance and determination. Among them are 2017 champion Martin Truex Jr. (0 for 20), two-time Cup champion Kyle Busch (0 for 19), 2012 champion Brad Keselowski (0 for 15), and his Hendrick Motorsports teammate, 2020 champion Chase Elliott (0 for 9). Kyle Busch, in particular, is coming off his first winless season, a drought that ended his NASCAR record of 19 consecutive years with at least one win. However, he remains inspired by the legacy of Dale Earnhardt, who won his first Daytona 500 on his 20th try with Richard Childress Racing in 1998. "Twenty years of trying. There was another storied racer of the past that won on his 20th try and that was a pretty big deal," Busch said. "He was a former RCR driver, as well, so it’d certainly be nice to win that race and do it with RCR."
The Daytona Legacy
The Daytona 500 holds a special place in the hearts of many NASCAR drivers, some of whom have never won it despite their success in other areas of the sport. Hall of Famers like Mark Martin, Tony Stewart, Ricky Rudd, and Rusty Wallace all share the common thread of never having claimed victory in the Daytona 500. Kyle Larson reflected on this, noting that the unique style of racing at Daytona, which often relies heavily on drafting and luck, can make it difficult to win. "I imagine Tony Stewart, who doesn’t have it, doesn’t lose sleep," Larson said. "I think when you look at the style of racing, especially nowadays, how it’s difficult to win because you do have a lot of good fortune where there’s a lot out of your control. I think that helps you sleep at night if you don’t win." Despite this, Larson remains driven to add his name to the list of Daytona 500 winners, recognizing the prestige and history that come with the trophy.
A Balanced Perspective on Racing Glory
For Kyle Larson, the Daytona 500 is a significant race, but it is not the only marker of a successful career. He has already achieved many of the sport’s other top honors, including wins in NASCAR’s All-Star race (2019, 2021, 2023), the Coca-Cola 600 (2021), the Southern 500 (2023), and the Brickyard 400 (2024). Larson’s career resume is already impressive, and he acknowledges that a win at Daytona would be a cherry on top but not essential. "Like, I’m not going to lose sleep if I don’t ever win this race, but I still want to win the race and have that ring and that trophy and be a part of the names that have won it," he said. This balanced perspective highlights his respect for the sport and the unique challenges it presents, especially at Daytona.
Looking Forward to the Big Race
As the race approaches, the Daytona 500 has captured the attention of the entire NASCAR community. For Kyle Larson, the goal is clear: to overcome the odds and secure a victory that would cap off his already storied career. Starting 22nd, Larson knows the path will be challenging, but he is ready to give it his all. "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 said, emphasizing the importance of staying focused and maintaining a competitive spirit. Whether it’s this year or in the future, Larson and other drivers will continue to chase the Daytona 500 dream, driven by the passion and legacy that make this race the pinnacle of stock-car racing.
