In a season filled with highs and lows, Kyle Larson’s first NASCAR Cup Series win of 2024 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway stood out—not just for the racing, but for the emotional moment shared with his 10-year-old son, Owen. The heartfelt celebration was later immortalized in a touching letter penned by Owen, offering fans a glimpse into a moment that transcended the sport.
A race to remember: Kyle Larson’s emotional Las Vegas victory.
On March 3rd, 2024, Kyle Larson secured his first win of the NASCAR Cup Series season at the Pennzoil 400 in Las Vegas. Driving the No. 5 Chevrolet, Larson showcased his dominance on the 1.5-mile tri-oval, outpacing Tyler Reddick in a nail-biting finish by just 0.441 seconds. This marked Larson’s 24th career Cup Series win and his third at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, solidifying the track’s special place in his career.
However, the victory wasn’t just about the numbers. As Larson crossed the finish line, his 10-year-old son, Owen, sprinted from the motorhome to join his dad on the front stretch. Climbing onto the roof of the winning car, Owen waved his arms to pump up the crowd, sharing a pure and joyful celebration with his father. The moment was a highlight not just for the Larson family but for fans who witnessed the human side of a sport often defined by speed and strategy.
Owen’s heartfelt letter captures the essence of the moment.
Months after that unforgettable day, Owen’s perspective came to light through a letter he wrote, later shared by NBC Sports. The young Larson described his excitement and nervousness as he watched his dad take the lead, writing, “I was sitting in the motorhome at Las Vegas Motor Speedway feeling nervous. My legs were shaking because my dad had a big lead in the race.”
As the race neared its conclusion, Owen couldn’t contain his excitement. “The white flag flew out, and my dad drove through the last corner and won. I immediately ran out of the motorhome to get to my dad. I jogged through the pits and then I sprinted to the front stretch. In my head, I was thinking, ‘Wait for me, Dad.’ I finally got to the finish line.”
Owen’s account of the celebration was equally heartwarming. “I was out of breath. I felt excited, and I got on top of the car with my dad. I started waving my arms up and down to get the crowd going wild. I will always remember this moment.”
The letter quickly went viral among NASCAR fans, serving as a reminder of the deeper connections that make sports so meaningful. For Kyle Larson, it was a moment that transcended his professional achievements, solidifying the importance of family amidst the pressures of competition.
Kyle Larson’s 2024 season: A mix of dominance and disappointment.
While the Las Vegas win was a standout moment, Larson’s 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season was marked by both triumph and heartbreak. The Hendrick Motorsports driver claimed six victories throughout the year, including a commanding performance at the Bristol Motor Speedway in September, where he led an astonishing 462 of 500 laps. Larson also led a series-high 1,700 laps over the season, far surpassing his closest competitor, Christopher Bell.
Despite his undeniable dominance, Larson fell short of a second Cup Series championship. His playoff run ended in the Round of 8, leaving him just shy of the Championship 4. Reflecting on the season, Larson maintained a positive outlook. “It was a great year,” he told NASCAR.com. “I was super happy with the performance of our race team all year long. We had a ton of speed from Race 1 to Race 38. … Obviously, you want to make the final four and have a shot at the championship, but I also understand the format and know how crazy it can be.”
Larson expressed optimism for the future, emphasizing the need to build on the team’s strengths. “We led the series in most every category, so I’m really proud of the team and their hard work. And I think we left some out on the table, so I’m excited about next year and hope we can continue to evolve and get stronger as a team and win some more races and lead more laps.”
Looking ahead: A focus on family and future success.
As Kyle Larson sets his sights on the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, he does so with renewed motivation and a clear focus on improvement. Despite the challenges of 2024, Larson’s ability to maintain perspective—both as a driver and a father—has endeared him even further to fans. His connection with his family, particularly his son Owen, has become a defining part of his story.
Moments like the Las Vegas celebration serve as a reminder that racing is more than just competition. They highlight the personal bonds and human stories that resonate deeply with fans and transcend the racetrack. Owen’s heartfelt letter captured not just a moment of victory but the essence of what makes sports meaningful—shared experiences, family connections, and memories that last a lifetime.
As Larson and his team prepare for the new season, the lessons of 2024 remain fresh. Armed with one of the fastest cars on the grid and a relentless drive to succeed, Larson will undoubtedly aim for redemption in the championship chase. But no matter what happens next season, it’s clear that for Kyle Larson, his biggest victories are the moments he shares with his family.
For NASCAR fans, the 2025 season offers more than just the promise of high-octane action—it’s an opportunity to watch a champion not only chase trophies but also cherish the joys of fatherhood. And for Owen Larson, one thing is certain: his dad will always wait for him at the finish line.
