Kyle Larson seeks to mirror motorcycle legend, says he wants to be a school bus driver post-retirement
Kyle Larson signed a 3 year deal with Hendricks Motorsport this year that will keep him in the sport at least until 2026.
Kyle Larson (Via IMAGO)
Kyle Larson shares his bizarre post-retirement plans, aiming to follow in the footsteps of a former motorcycle legend. While currently dominating the NASCAR scene, Larson is already thinking about life beyond the racetrack. The Hendricks Motorsport driver aims to find peace following his retirement.
Larson secured his place in this season’s NASCAR Playoffs round of 12 with a victory at the inaugural Playoffs Darlington race. Currently, he’s determinedly chasing his second Cup title in stage two. Beyond his remarkable racing career, Larson’s unexpected post-retirement plans have drawn attention. While he still has three years with his HMS team, he playfully considered a career change inspired by former motorcycle racing icon Randy Goss.
Randy Goss, an AMA Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame inductee in 1998, was renowned for his consistent success, securing AMA Grand National championships in 1980 and 1983. His soft-spoken and respectful demeanor earned him admiration among fellow racers. After retiring from motorcycle racing in 1986, Goss transitioned to NASCAR, fielding the Xfinity Series championship in 2002. Seeking a quieter life, he transitioned as a school bus driver after retiring from motorsports.
Speaking to the Athletic’s 12-question interview, Larson replied to the questions from fellow driver, last week’s interviewee Chris Buescher. He said, “I like driving my bus. So maybe I could be a school bus driver someday — retire, move to Florida or something. That’s what (former motorcycle racing champion) Randy Goss did, so maybe that would work out for me.”
Kyle Larson is currently leading the playoff standings
Larson’s 2023 season faced adversity with a Daytona 500 crash and a penalty at Phoenix. However, he rebounded impressively, winning at Richmond and Martinsville, rejuvenating the No. 5 car’s legacy. Larson’s highlight was an All-Star Race win at North Wilkesboro, matching legends Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon. In the playoffs, he clinched a spot in the Round of 12 with a pivotal win at Darlington, marking Hendrick Motorsports’ historic 500th win.
The #5’s versatility in different racing formats and his unwavering love for the sport have been instrumental in his success. Beyond NASCAR, Larson has made a name in dirt track racing, conquering prestigious events like the Kings Royal, Knoxville Nationals, and the Chili Bowl Nationals. He’s been inducted as one of NASCAR’s top 75 drivers.
As he continues his quest for a second Cup title in NASCAR’s Playoffs, fans can’t help but wonder if, someday, they might see the racing superstar swapping his helmet for a school bus driver’s cap. Larson’s contemplation of following in Goss’s footsteps reveals a facet of his character that extends beyond the racetrack.
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Rohit Bhaskar
(727 Articles Published)