Kyle Larson Celebrates Second NASCAR Cup Series Championship with Family

Defending champion excited to share title with kids, ready for 2026 season

Jan. 31, 2026 at 9:47pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

NASCAR driver Kyle Larson is coming off his second Cup Series championship, which he was able to celebrate with his children Owen and Audrey. Larson discussed how his kids now have a better understanding of the magnitude of winning the title, with his wife Katelyn telling him about Owen getting emotional watching the race. The 32-year-old driver also talked about having to hold back from over-coaching his kids as they get into racing themselves. With a snowstorm hitting the area, Larson is looking forward to enjoying some family time in the snow before focusing on the upcoming season, including the postponed Cook Out Clash exhibition race and the Daytona 500.

Why it matters

Larson's second championship stands out because he was able to share the experience with his young children, who are now old enough to fully comprehend the significance of winning the NASCAR title. This provides a unique human-interest angle to Larson's on-track success, highlighting the balance he strikes between his professional racing career and family life.

The details

Larson explained that while his son Owen had an okay understanding of the championship from the first title in 2021, this year's triumph was "cooler" because his daughter Audrey will now remember it for the rest of her life. Larson also discussed having to hold back from over-coaching his kids as they get into racing themselves, noting they often perform better when he stays quiet. With the snow in the area, Larson is looking forward to building jumps and taking the kids tubing and sledding in the coming days before turning his focus to the postponed Cook Out Clash exhibition race and the season-opening Daytona 500.

  • The Cook Out Clash in Winston-Salem, N.C. has been postponed until Monday due to snow.
  • The official NASCAR season opens with the Daytona 500 on February 15, 2026.

The players

Kyle Larson

The 32-year-old driver of the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, who won his second NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2025.

Owen Larson

Kyle Larson's son, who had an emotional reaction to his father's second championship.

Audrey Larson

Kyle Larson's daughter, who is now old enough to remember her father's championship triumph.

Katelyn Larson

Kyle Larson's wife, who told him about Owen's emotional reaction to the championship win.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Owen had an okay understanding from the first one. But, this one was cooler because Audrey will remember this now for the rest of her life.”

— Kyle Larson, NASCAR Driver

“It just kind of gets you excited that you can enjoy the snow with your family.”

— Kyle Larson, NASCAR Driver

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Larson's second championship triumph was made all the more special by his ability to share the experience with his young children, highlighting the balance he maintains between his successful racing career and family life.