What drives Kyle Larson to conquer new challenges? Perhaps it’s the thrill of the unknown or the hunger to push the boundaries of his already impressive racing career. Known for his versatility, Larson has dominated NASCAR’s Cup Series, claiming six wins last year and earning the admiration of fans who consider him one of the sport’s brightest stars. Now, as he prepares to make a move beyond NASCAR’s borders, it’s clear: Larson isn’t just a champion on home soil; he’s ready to make waves internationally—something another NASCAR legend failed to do.
Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion, had a disappointing 2024 season. Despite a long history of success, Busch’s campaign was marred by an uncharacteristic winless streak and multiple race retirements. He also found his ambitions to compete in Australia’s Supercars series stifled, when off-track commitments forced him to withdraw from the Adelaide 500. But in what seems like perfect timing, Kyle Larson has stepped in to fill the void, becoming the first NASCAR driver to take on Supercars with serious intentions. It’s a bold move that not only showcases Larson’s adaptability but also signals a fresh chapter in his already remarkable career.
Larson Takes On Supercars After Busch’s Setback
Supercars, the Australian series known for its unique V8-powered vehicles and intense street racing, is no stranger to high-level competition. But despite the series’ popularity, no NASCAR driver has ventured into the Australian motorsports scene quite like Kyle Larson is about to. While many fans will remember Shane van Gisbergen’s incredible win at the 2023 NASCAR Chicago Street Race, Larson brings a different kind of flair. A champion dirt racer and winner of dozens of events in the World of Outlaws and All-Star Circuit of Champions, Larson is known for his adaptability across disciplines, and he’s now setting his sights on Supercars. His recent success at the High Limit International event in Perth, where he pocketed a cool $100,000, only adds to his growing international profile.
Larson’s interest in the Supercars series, particularly his potential debut at the Adelaide 500, has been public knowledge for some time. In conversations with Speedcafe, Larson expressed a keen desire to race both a Supercar and a Sprintcar during the Adelaide event. “It’s definitely on the radar,” Larson said, though he was careful to acknowledge that plans are still in the works. “I for sure want to get there and run the Supercar, but more than anything I want to get there and run the Sprintcar because just the atmosphere, racing in the city is really cool.”
Kyle Busch’s Lost Opportunity and Larson’s Timing
Kyle Busch’s failure to compete in the 2024 Adelaide 500 leaves a gap that Larson is poised to fill. In fact, Busch’s withdrawal came after several efforts to secure a spot in both the Supercars and Super2 races at the event fell through due to his NASCAR commitments. Although Supercars organizers have hinted that they might bring Busch into the fold in 2025, Larson’s proactive approach ensures that he’ll make history as the first NASCAR star to compete in the Australian series in 2024.
Supercars presents a unique challenge for any driver. The V8 machines require a distinct driving style compared to the vehicles Larson is accustomed to. Additionally, the Adelaide street circuit is known for its difficulty, a characteristic Larson is well aware of. But given his ability to excel on diverse racing surfaces—whether dirt tracks, NASCAR ovals, or road courses—it’s hard to bet against Larson’s success. After all, this is the same driver who, in 2024, attempted the historic “Double”—racing both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day, though weather disruptions prevented him from completing the feat.
Supercars Challenge: A New Frontier for Larson
Larson’s confidence in tackling new challenges is matched only by his humility. He knows the competition in Supercars is fierce, especially with drivers like Shane van Gisbergen leading the charge. “Obviously I would not expect to run very good because Shane van Gisbergen, he came in [to NASCAR] and kicked all of our buts,” Larson admitted. “So I know these Australian racers and Supercars drivers are extremely good.” It’s this blend of confidence and respect that makes Larson such a compelling figure as he prepares for his Australian adventure.
Though the odds may be stacked against him, Larson’s eagerness to learn and adapt quickly sets him apart. “Just being part of the experience would be a lot of fun,” he said, knowing full well that racing in a new series will be both challenging and rewarding. With his sights firmly set on making an impact in Supercars, Kyle Larson is not just taking another step in his career—he’s about to redefine what it means to be a versatile, global racing star.
The motorsports world is watching. We’ll be sure to see if Larson can dazzle Australian fans just as he has captivated NASCAR enthusiasts for years.
