NASCAR's Kyle Larson Says He Wants To Be 'The Best Race Car Driver In The World'

On "Race For The Championship," viewers don't just see what goes on at the race tracks. They also get to see a real, human side to these NASCAR drivers and take a look at their personal lives. There are 12 NASCAR stars prominently featured in the unscripted USA Network series, including one of the top drivers competing today: Kyle Larson.

Larson, who currently drives the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Hendrick Motorsports, recently spoke to USA Network about how he got into the sport, his thoughts on the season, and why he wanted to do the show, which you can watch in the video, above.

"My background growing up was dirt-track racing. My dad built me a go-kart when I was 4. When I was 7, I started racing. Then, the rest is history," Larson explained.

Larson went on to win race after race, even winning the NASCAR Cup Series Championship in 2021, which he described as his career highlight. But Larson is as ambitious as ever, and still has goals he'd like to achieve.

Photo: Getty Images

"I want to be the best race car driver in the world someday," he said.

Of course, not every race goes his way. He still tries to keep an optimistic outlook, though: "I try not to, like, have many bad days. Like, even when you don't win, I feel like I always try to do a good job of looking at the positives."

Right now, one of his primary challenges is getting used to the Next Gen car: the new vehicle NASCAR drivers are using during the 2022 season.

"Having a new race car — there's so much that's way different. I'm just trying to really learn as much as I can in a short time and get familiar with steering, braking, throttle — 'cause these cars are way different," he said.

When it comes to why he wanted to do "Race for The Championship," Larson explained it's really all about showing fans that he's a real person and a family man, not just a top driver.

"I really enjoy my time with the kids. Seeing your kids grow up, seeing their personalities develop, knowing that you're having a part in, you know, their development, just watching them grow — it makes you proud. Getting to see that side of us is gonna be really cool," he said.

To see more of Larson's interview with USA Network, watch the video above.

Can't get enough NASCAR action? Watch “Race For The Championship,” which follows the lives of NASCAR's biggest stars on and off the track, Thursdays at 10/9c on USA Network. And catch up on all race action on Peacock.