Kyle Larson's NASCAR retirement plan likely to leave some fans disappointed, but others will love it

After winning the NASCAR Cup Series championship at Phoenix in November, Kyle Larson would have been forgiven for wanting a relaxing few months away from the race track.

However, a keen dirt racer, instead, the Hendrick Motorsports star has taken every opportunity he can to continue racing, with recent appearances on track in Australia and at the Tulsa Shootout. Larson will also compete in next week's Chili Bowl.

Those racing fans hoping to see Larson return to the dirt full-time are set for big disappointment, however, after comments made by the California native in the aftermath of his 2025 championship victory.

Years ago, Larson promised he'd race full-time in dirt racing again 'before I'm 40' but now, the two-time champion believes he will be racing in NASCAR until that age.

Kyle Larson's NASCAR retirement plan

In fact, speaking back in November, Larson admitted that he isn't even thinking about stopping in the Cup Series until he hits the big four zero.

“I can absolutely see myself racing until I’m 40," Larson told FloRacing after his championship success at Phoenix in November.

"After that, it’s kind of when I want to reevaluate. I could still go another five, seven, 10, or stop then.

“But 40 is like where my head is at before I can really think outside of that.”

Whilst those comments will be painful to hear for those longing to see the two-time Cup Series champion take on the very best in dirt racing across a full season and not just select events, NASCAR fans will love it.

Larson is one of, if not the biggest talent in the sport right now, and the fact they will get to see him continue to race week in, week out is a real joy.

If anything, Larson should only get better from here, too. Denny Hamlin showed in 2025 that you can race at the very top of your game and keep improving deep into your 40s, and at 33 years old, Larson has time on his side.

Currently, Larson has 32 Cup Series victories and sits 30th on the all-time wins list, but with so many years ahead of him, he should be able to rise up those rankings significantly in the years to come and collect more championships on the way.