Kyle Larson set to honor HMS legend Terry Labonte with iconic ‘Tony the Tiger’ throwback scheme

NASCAR Hall of Famer Terry Labonte is set to be honred by 2021 Cup champion Kyle Larson with special paint scheme at Darlington.

Kyle Larson set to honor HMS legend Terry Labonte with iconic ‘Tony the Tiger’ throwback scheme

Terry Labonte and Kyle Larson (Images via IMAGO and HendrickCars.com)

Hendrick Motorsports’ Kyle Larson put his name for the 2025 championship battle, winning last Sunday’s race at Homestead Miami. He secured the win, despite not having the fastest car of the day, defeating his teammate Alex Bowman in the final lap with a strong run, while Bubba Wallace and Ryan Blaney gave him a tough fight.

Following the win, Kyle Larson and his Hendrick Motorsports crew went to the Darlington Raceway to make a special announcement. The No:5 team has revealed that throwback livery for the upcoming race weekend at “The Lady in Black.” He will drive the Chevy with the Kellogg’s ‘Tony the Tiger’ featured paint-scheme.

The paint-scheme is set to honor Hendrick Motorsports legend Terry Labonte, who has previously driven the No:5 Chevy. He raced for the team from 1994 to 2004. He won 12 races in his stint with the team, with the maiden win coming at North Wilkesboro. Labonte went on to win at Richmond and Phoenix that season.

In 1996, he had the best season of his career that saw him winning the championship for the team. He won races at NWS and Charllotte, but it was his impressive consistency that earned him the title. In the 31-race season, he won two, finished inside the top-5 19 times. He finished outside the top-20 just six times.

Kyle Larson shares his expectation for Darlington race

Talking about the announcement and the expectations on him driving the car honoring Terry Labonte, Kyle Larson admitted that it’s the perfect scheme for him to top the one from last season. He sees it as special moments as he grew up as a fan of Labonte and has had some fun moments with him in the past.

Kyle Larson
Kyle Larson (Via Imago)

I didn’t know how we were going to be able to top last year, but this is a super fun scheme to do it! I’ve always been a big fan of Terry, and we had so much fun last year, having him at the track and everything, so that makes it even more special to add to that and do another one of his famous schemes.

Kyle Larson said via a statement.

Further talking about the iconic tiger strip paint-scheme, Kyle Larson pointed out that everyone is going to enjoy the car on the track. He expects to the lady luck to be on his side, considering the paint-scheme has already been to a victory lane in the past.  

Plus, the tiger stripes and neon are super nostalgic. I think everyone will enjoy seeing this on track. It has technically already won at Darlington, so hopefully that’s good luck for us and we can put it in Victory Lane!

Kyle Larson added.

Terry Labonte shares his feelings about the scheme

Seeing one of the best drivers of the current generation honoring him yet again is a special feeling for Terry Labonte. Darlington is tracking HMS and Labonte has earned multiple success over the years and expects a fun race weekend, considering Kyle Larson is behind the wheels.

Terry Labonte
Terry Labonte (Credits: NASCAR.com)

Hendrick has had a lot of success at Darlington, and so have I. Some of my most meaningful wins were at this track, so to be here and have my car be part of their 75th anniversary celebrations is really special. And to have Kyle Larson drive ANOTHER one of my schemes is awesome. It’s going to be so fun to watch this car hit the track again.

Terry Labonte said.

The comments from Terry Labonte shows, he has high expectations for the 2021 Cup champion coming into the Darlington race week. It would be interesting to see who will come out victorious at the Throwback weekend.