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Kyle Larson is a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, and many believe him to be one of the most versatile drivers in the sport.
Larson, who claimed his first championship title in 2021 and followed it up with another in 2023, built a reputation for excelling across various racing disciplines, including dirt tracks, stock cars, and sprint cars on his way to NASCAR.
Last year he made his debut in the prestigious Indianapolis 500 Indycar race, where he finished 18th. He is set to attempt the race again in 2025 as part of his continued exploration of open-wheel racing.
However, despite his impressive résumé, Larson sparked controversy in August 2024 by claiming he was a superior all-around driver to four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen. “I know in my mind I am better than him as an all-around driver,” Larson said in an interview, emphasizing his versatility.
While acknowledging Verstappen’s dominance in open-wheel racing, Larson was confident that his adaptability gave him the edge overall. That’s a pretty bold statement considering many believe Max to be a once-in-a-generation talent.

Fast forward to February 2025, Larson faced a challenging test at the Cook Out Clash, NASCAR’s season-opening exhibition event at Bowman Gray Stadium. This race marked the first time NASCAR has returned to the stadium in over 50 years, with its last Cup Series event held in 1971.
The format of the Clash involved four 25-lap qualifying heat races, where the top five finishers from each heat would automatically advance to the main event.
Unfortunately for Larson, despite his bold claims, he struggled in his heat, finishing eighth and failing to qualify for the final race.
The setback forced him into the Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ), a critical 75-lap race offering the final two spots for the main event for the winner and second placed finisher.
Larson started the LCQ from 10th position, but methodically worked his way through the pack and ultimately took the victory, securing his place in the final at the eleventh hour.
Larson started 21st out of 23 cars for the final 200 lap race. On such as tight track it was going to be hard to make his way to the front. He had a couple of spins after contact which halted his progression and in the end he finished 17th, making up 4 places.
In the real world, Verstappen’s racing exploits are currently confined to Formula 1. But he’s prolific sim racer and has beaten some world-class drivers from other series online. So when he decides it’s time to move away from F1, there’s no doubt he’ll be at the front in whatever he drivers.