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Kyle Larson Reveals How Jimmie Johnson Inspires Him to be a True NASCAR Champion
Recently, reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson appeared on CBS Mornings. The Asian-American driver spoke about his championship-winning season and how it was a comeback season. Especially considering all the drama and backlash he faced in 2020 that saw him get sacked from his team.
The #5 Hendrick Motorsports driver talked about who his biggest inspiration was to win the title. He said, “I looked up to drivers like Jimmie Johnson. So just doing good things in the community, good things off the race track. I think that’s what makes a true champion.”
Larson was in sublime form all year and the statistics showed it. The Hendrick superstar notched up an astounding 10 wins and finished in the Top 3 at least eight times. Coincidentally, newly-crowned F1 champion Max Verstappen achieved the same statistic, but that’s another story.
Kyle Larson will be looking forward to defending his crown
Of course, now comes the toughest part of his career, defending his championship. Honestly speaking, defending a championship should be considered a lot harder. This is because, the champion has a veritable target painted on his back and his rivals will try to come back stronger. So, they really have to step up their game to prove that their title win was not the result of being a one-season wonder.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – AUGUST 15: Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, waits on the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Verizon 200 at the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on August 15, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
One thing he does have going for him, is that Hendrick Motorsports is regarded as one of the best teams in the business. However, teams like Joe Gibbs Racing, Team Penske and Stewart-Haas Racing, are no slouches. Additionally, there is also the possibility of intra-team rivalries between teammates. Chase Elliott, the 2020 champion, is the obvious threat.
However, Alex Bowman also had a fantastic 2021 campaign and William Byron will also be improving. In short, Kyle Larson will have his hands full if he ever wants to bag a second Cup Series title. A long way down the line, there is the matter of mounting pressure to break a few records.
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