About this episode
Kyle Larson joins Ryan Eversly and Sean Heckman for a reflective lunch as they celebrate 10 years of the Dinner with Racers podcast. Larson, a celebrated NASCAR and dirt racer, shares insights about his journey, including his experiences in the Indy 500 and the challenges of balancing family life with a demanding racing schedule. The conversation touches on the evolution of racing, the pressures of being a successful driver, and the importance of enjoying the sport. Larson's candidness about his career and personal life offers a unique perspective on the world of motorsports.
Indy 500
"in the Indy 500. He's the Indianapolis 500 rookie of the year Brian. Correct. Suck it, Rasmussen."
The Indy 500 is a famous car race that happens every year in Indianapolis. It's a big deal in the racing world and attracts many fans and drivers.
The Indy 500, officially known as the Indianapolis 500, is an annual automobile race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious events in motorsport, often referred to as 'The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.'
Hendrick Motorsports
"part of that is having a group like Hendrick Motorsports being so willing to let him tell his story fairly unsupervised."
Hendrick Motorsports is a well-known racing team that competes in NASCAR. They have many successful drivers and have won a lot of races.
Hendrick Motorsports is a professional stock car racing team based in Concord, North Carolina. It is one of the most successful teams in NASCAR history, known for its multiple championships and high-profile drivers.
Continental Tire
"...if you buy a set of Continental Tires, you buy any sort of Continental product, if you tag Continental Tire on Instagram..."
Continental Tire makes tires for cars and trucks. They are known for making good quality tires that help vehicles perform better and stay safe on the road.
Continental Tire is a major tire manufacturer known for producing high-quality tires for various vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, and motorsport applications. Their products are often recognized for performance, safety, and innovation.
IndyCar
"...whether that was NASCAR, IndyCar, World Outlaws, whatever. You had to get out of California. So..."
IndyCar is a racing series where cars have open wheels and race on different types of tracks, including ovals. It's famous for the Indianapolis 500 race.
IndyCar is a type of open-wheel racing series in the United States, known for its high-speed races on both oval and road courses. The Indianapolis 500 is one of the most famous races in this series.
NASCAR
"...if you wanted to go anywhere, whether that was NASCAR, IndyCar, World Outlaws, whatever. You had to get out of California. So..."
NASCAR is a type of car racing that takes place on oval tracks. It's very popular in the U.S. and features cars that look like regular cars but are specially built for racing.
NASCAR, or the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, is a popular motorsport organization in the United States known for stock car racing. It features a variety of racing series, including the NASCAR Cup Series, which is the premier event in the sport.
development driver contracts
"...there's a generational thing that kind of stopped with what I would consider like your class of age drivers that came in at that time with the development driver contracts."
A development driver contract is a deal that helps new drivers learn and improve their skills with a racing team, which can help them get better racing jobs in the future.
Development driver contracts are agreements that allow young or upcoming drivers to gain experience and training with a racing team. These contracts often lead to opportunities in higher-level racing series.
Chevrolet Corvette
"...u got a call from Trevor to say, hey, come do the Corvette or a Caddy or something like that, is that somet..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast and stylish sports car that many people love. It's famous for being fun to drive and has been around for a long time, making it a popular choice for car enthusiasts.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car known for its performance, sleek design, and affordability compared to other high-performance vehicles. First introduced in 1953, the Corvette has become a symbol of American automotive engineering and is often discussed for its racing heritage and technological advancements.
Caddy
"...come do the Corvette or a Caddy or something like that..."
Caddy is a nickname for Cadillac, which makes luxury cars. These cars are known for being very comfortable and having lots of features.
"Caddy" is a colloquial term for Cadillac, a luxury vehicle brand known for its premium cars and SUVs. Cadillac vehicles are often associated with comfort and advanced technology.
off season
"...it's like in one month you have off. Yes. Yeah. And off seasons have only gotten busier..."
The off season is the time when there are no races happening. It's when drivers take a break but often still have a lot to do to get ready for the next racing season.
The off season refers to the period when racing events are not taking place, allowing drivers and teams time to rest and prepare for the next season. This time can be busy with other commitments or training.
Daytona 24 Hour
"...three years of the Daytona 24 hour, but you were, you've been successful in all these different things that you've hopped into..."
The Daytona 24 Hour is a famous car race that lasts for 24 hours straight. Teams of drivers take turns racing their cars around a track, and it's a big event in the motorsport world.
The Daytona 24 Hour is a prestigious endurance race held annually at Daytona International Speedway in Florida. It features a variety of car classes, including sports cars and prototypes, and is known for its grueling 24-hour format.
Daytona prototype
"...you were the fastest Daytona prototype guy and you'd never done that before..."
Daytona prototypes are special race cars built for long races like the Daytona 24 Hour. They are designed to be very fast and efficient on the track.
Daytona prototypes are a class of racing cars specifically designed for endurance racing, particularly in events like the Daytona 24 Hour. They are known for their aerodynamic designs and high performance.
Rolex 24 hour
"...Rolex 24 hour trophies there too. So yeah, I know it is, it is a really, really special and it ranks really high on my list of wins for sure."
The Rolex 24 is a famous car race that lasts for 24 hours. It takes place at a big racetrack in Daytona, and teams of drivers take turns racing their cars during that time.
The Rolex 24 is a prestigious endurance race held annually at Daytona International Speedway. It is part of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and features teams racing for 24 hours straight, testing both the speed and durability of the cars.
go-kart
"...but my dad, yeah, he bought their old go-kart. So that was my first go-kart. Okay. So because it sounds like you snuck this around mom, but if she went to..."
A go-kart is a small racing vehicle that you can drive on special tracks. They're popular for fun and racing, especially for beginners.
A go-kart is a small, lightweight vehicle designed for racing on tracks. They are often used in motorsport for both recreational and competitive racing, providing a fun and accessible way to experience racing.
USAC midget
"...jumped on that. And, um, who knows where life would have taken me, but ultimately, you know, if once you get in Keith..."
USAC midget racing involves small race cars that are very fast and can turn quickly. They race on short tracks, making it exciting to watch.
USAC midget racing is a form of open-wheel racing that features small, lightweight cars with powerful engines. These cars are designed for short tracks and are known for their agility and speed.
Chevy Silverado
"...the first like legit purchase I made was, yeah, at the end of 2011, when I was making money for the first time, I bought a Chevy Silverado. That's a good purchase."
The Chevy Silverado is a large truck made by Chevrolet. It's often used for carrying heavy loads and is popular among people who need a reliable vehicle for work or recreation.
The Chevy Silverado is a full-size pickup truck known for its durability and versatility, making it a popular choice for both work and personal use.
Mercedes Sprinter Van
"...I had a Mercedes Sprinter Van that I converted into a my go-kart van..."
The Mercedes Sprinter Van is a large van that can be used for many things, like carrying cargo or being converted into a camper or a go-kart transporter.
The Mercedes Sprinter Van is a versatile vehicle often used for commercial purposes, including cargo transport and conversions for personal use, like camper vans or race car transporters.
fuel mileage
"...made a lot of money out of it, but he got such bad fuel mileage, like you'd have to be wide open on the interstate..."
Fuel mileage is how far a car can go on a certain amount of fuel. If a car has bad fuel mileage, it means it uses a lot of fuel and costs more to drive.
Fuel mileage refers to the distance a vehicle can travel per unit of fuel consumed, typically expressed in miles per gallon (MPG). Poor fuel mileage means the vehicle consumes a lot of fuel for the distance it travels, leading to higher operating costs.
aerodynamic
"...it was so heavy and like not aerodynamic. You'd be going like 71 miles per hour just wide open..."
Aerodynamic means how well a car can move through the air. If a car isn't aerodynamic, it can use more fuel because it has to push against the air more.
Aerodynamics refers to how air flows around a vehicle. A vehicle that is not aerodynamic will experience more air resistance, which can negatively impact fuel efficiency and performance.
Dually
"...now I have, yeah, I have a Dually with a 30 foot T&E trailer..."
A dually is a type of truck that has four back wheels instead of two. This helps it carry heavier loads and tow trailers more easily.
A dually is a pickup truck with four rear wheels instead of two, providing increased towing capacity and stability when hauling heavy loads. This makes it ideal for towing trailers or large equipment.
trailer
"...now I have, yeah, I have a Dually with a 30 foot T&E trailer..."
A trailer is something that is pulled behind a vehicle to carry things. It doesn't have its own engine and is used for transporting items or other vehicles.
A trailer is a non-motorized vehicle that is towed by a motor vehicle, used for transporting goods, equipment, or other vehicles. Trailers come in various sizes and types, including utility trailers, enclosed trailers, and car haulers.
MG Midgets
"...hat car. I don't own anything. I guess I own the midgets that I race at the end of the year. But yeah, th..."
The MG Midget is a small and fun car that was made in Britain a long time ago. It's loved by many for being easy to drive and is often used in racing events, making it a classic choice for car fans.
The MG Midget is a small, lightweight sports car produced by the British automaker MG from 1961 to 1979. Known for its simplicity and engaging driving experience, the Midget is often celebrated in classic car circles and is a favorite among enthusiasts who appreciate vintage vehicles.
next gen car
"I feel like that has helped me a little bit. Like we always struggle at the roval. I feel like in the next gen car here in Charlotte..."
The 'next gen car' is the newest type of race car used in NASCAR. It's built with better technology and safety features than older models, making it faster and safer on the track.
The term 'next gen car' refers to the latest generation of race cars used in NASCAR, which features updated technology, aerodynamics, and safety features compared to previous models. These cars are designed to improve performance and enhance the racing experience.
crew chief
"...When you say crew chief, was it like lead engineer or like, because the terminology is different. Like the crew chief is like the car chief..."
The crew chief is like the boss of the racing team. They make important decisions about how the car should be set up and what strategy to use during the race.
A crew chief is the person responsible for overseeing the entire race team, including the car's setup, strategy, and communication during the race. They play a crucial role in making real-time decisions that affect the car's performance and the team's success.
Daytona 500
"Well, I think what the Indy500 does right is the, you know, I get to compete in the Daytona 500 and Indy 500 and whatever, but just the prestige of like everything there."
The Daytona 500 is a major car race that happens every year in Daytona Beach, Florida. It's one of the biggest events in NASCAR racing and is known for its exciting atmosphere and competition.
The Daytona 500 is a prestigious NASCAR race held annually at Daytona International Speedway in Florida. It is considered the most important and prestigious event in the NASCAR series, often referred to as 'The Great American Race.'
Hoosier tire
"...I love Hoosier tire. I love, you know, I love the product that they put on the racetrack..."
Hoosier tire is a brand that makes tires specifically for racing. They are known for providing good traction and performance on the racetrack.
Hoosier is a well-known manufacturer of racing tires, particularly popular in motorsports for their performance and grip. They are often used in various racing series, including dirt track and asphalt racing.
tire costs
"...What's the set of tires costs? Well, because what do you guys put on a..."
Tire costs are how much you have to pay to buy tires for a car. In racing, these can be really expensive, sometimes costing hundreds of dollars each.
Tire costs refer to the price of purchasing tires, which can vary significantly based on brand, type, and intended use, especially in racing where performance tires can be quite expensive.
American Racer tires
"...and American racers like $150 less or so a tire. Sure."
American Racer tires are a type of tire made for racing that usually cost less than some other brands. They're popular among racers looking for good performance at a lower price.
American Racer is another brand of racing tires that is often used in various racing series. They are typically more affordable compared to some other high-performance tire brands.
Formula 1
"...drive to survive created sort of a new generation of F1 fan, which I'm a big believer that any race fan, I don't care what category, any race fan is a good thing to have..."
Formula 1 is a type of car racing that features very fast cars and is considered the top level of motorsport. Races take place in different countries, and the cars are designed for speed and performance.
Formula 1 (F1) is the highest class of single-seater auto racing, recognized by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). It features a series of races known as Grands Prix, held on various circuits around the world, and is known for its high-speed competition and advanced technology.
Max Verstappen
"...Like sure, yeah, Max Verstappen is one of the greatest of all time, probably in all..."
Max Verstappen is a famous race car driver in Formula One, known for being very skilled and winning many races. He drives for a team called Red Bull Racing.
Max Verstappen is a Dutch Formula One driver known for his exceptional skill and competitiveness. He drives for Red Bull Racing and has won multiple championships, making him one of the sport's top talents.
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