Every week, Athleticism asks the same 12 questions to another racing driver. Here: NASCAR Cup Series points leader Kyle Larson, who will attempt the famous “Double” on Sunday by competing in the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. This interview has been edited and condensed, but the full version is available on the 12 Questions podcast.
Jeff Gluck: What is currently the #1 thing on your to-do list?
Kyle Larson: I mean, I guess I can give you the simple answer: the Indy 500. We all know that happens. But outside of the Indy 500, I don’t really have an answer right now, so I have to get it out of the way first. And then I’ll find the next thing for the to-do list.
What racing media coverage do you consume?
I don’t delve into it, but I pay enough attention to it that I don’t feel frustrated or bored – or overconfident either, when things are going well. If there are interesting articles or catchy headlines that catch my eye, I click on them and read. …
Besides that, the little Reels that appear on my Instagram. I don’t watch “Race Hub” much, but if I’m bored or we’re making dinner or something, it’s usually on.
Beyond victory, what is the best way to measure racing success?
Yeah, that’s the question I don’t really know how to answer. When you race for a team like Hendrick Motorsports, honestly, it’s mostly about winning, if not winning at all. And when your career is over, if you don’t win, you’re not considered a successful racing driver, in my opinion.
I read a lot of answers, obviously. And I think it depends on their situation and the caliber of racing teams they’re on. But for me…it’s definitely about winning.
