2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson has officially withdrawn from what was set to be his Australian Supercars debut at the Adelaide Grand Final later this year. Larson was reportedly in advanced discussions to appear as a wildcard entry at the event in November, marking a major crossover moment for the American motorsport star. However, recent reports confirm that the Hendrick Motorsports driver has pulled the plug on the plan.
According to Speedcafe, Larson informed stakeholders that his schedule, especially following his attempt at the “double” — racing in both the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 on the same day — has become too demanding to allow for the Supercars entry. The highly anticipated debut was expected to be a highlight of the Adelaide event, showcasing Larson’s versatility behind the wheel and bringing added international attention to the Supercars series.
Despite stepping away from this opportunity, Larson hasn’t closed the door on future Supercars participation. He has long expressed interest in iconic Australian races, including the Bathurst 1000. However, NASCAR commitments have consistently posed scheduling conflicts. Even so, his previous success in Australia, such as winning a major sprint car race in Perth earlier this year, shows his enthusiasm and skill in adapting to new racing formats.
Meanwhile, Larson’s talent is earning him praise beyond the racetrack. Prominent sports commentator Stephen A. Smith recently commended Larson, calling him a “special” driver. On an episode of First Take, Smith highlighted Larson’s ability to compete at the highest levels of motorsport across multiple disciplines. He noted that Larson’s attempt at the Indy 500/Coke 600 double, even if weather conditions disrupted his plans, underscores his ambition and remarkable skill.
“He’s not just a NASCAR guy,” Smith said. “This man is a racer’s racer. Whether it’s on dirt, on ovals, or even venturing internationally — you don’t see that kind of versatility every day. That makes him special.”
Larson’s recent performances back up that praise. He dominated the AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway in May, leading an incredible 221 of 267 laps. With a strong NASCAR season underway, the 31-year-old remains focused on capturing another Cup Series title.
While fans will miss the chance to see Larson take on Australia’s best in Adelaide this year, his global appeal continues to grow. Whether in the U.S. or Down Under, one thing is certain — Kyle Larson is one of motorsport’s most dynamic talents, and the racing world is watching closely to see where he’ll go next.
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