When Kyle Larson, arguably one of the most versatile and talented drivers in motorsports today, shows up to a dirt track in a new division, it’s bound to turn heads. Such was the case when the NASCAR Cup Series champion elected to strap into a Dirt Modified for the first time at the legendary Eldora Speedway. And as always, the burning question from fans and media alike was: Why?
We went straight to the horse’s mouth to get the answer.
Larson, a man renowned for his “race anything, anywhere” mentality, has a deep-rooted love for dirt racing. His career was forged on short tracks, and even with his immense success in NASCAR, he frequently returns to his dirt roots, competing in sprint cars, midgets, and late models. Eldora Speedway, in particular, holds a special place in his heart, having conquered the half-mile dirt oval in multiple divisions before his Modified debut.
The opportunity to race a Modified at Eldora arose as part of the Castrol FloRacing Night in America event. This series often brings together top talent in various dirt disciplines, and for Larson, it presented a chance to add another feather to his already heavily plumed cap.
“Honestly, it just kind of came together last minute,” Larson explained in an interview prior to the event. “I’m always looking for opportunities to race different types of cars and push myself. Eldora is one of my favorite tracks, and the Modifieds put on a great show there. It was a chance to race a new type of car at a track I love, and it was just too good to pass up.”
The specific car Larson drove was owned by Mike Allgaier and is typically wheeled by NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Justin Allgaier. This connection made the logistics of getting Larson into the seat much smoother. “Justin’s team had a car available, and they were willing to let me try it out,” Larson elaborated. “It’s always great when you have those connections in the garage that can open up these kinds of opportunities.”
For Larson, the appeal wasn’t just about winning, though he famously did win the Modified feature in his debut, marking his seventh different division win at Eldora. It was about the challenge. Dirt Modifieds are known for their unique handling characteristics, requiring a different approach to throttle input, steering, and overall car control compared to the sprint cars and late models he’s more accustomed to.
“Every car is different, and that’s what makes dirt racing so much fun for me,” Larson said. “You have to adapt quickly, and there’s always something new to learn. The Modifieds have a lot of horsepower, but they also have a lot of body roll, so it’s a different kind of feel. I was excited to see how quickly I could get up to speed.”
The decision to race a Modified at Eldora was a testament to Larson’s pure passion for racing and his continuous quest for self-improvement across various disciplines. It wasn’t about adding another trophy to the shelf as much as it was about the experience, the challenge, and the unadulterated joy of competitive driving. For fans, it was another thrilling chapter in the remarkable career of a driver who consistently seeks out new ways to remind the world why he’s considered one of the best.
