Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, Joey Logano lead NASCAR's next generation
RICHMOND, Va. — The next generation looks ready for its moment. The next few decades will tell.
The successful retirements of three-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart, four-timer Jeff Gordon, Carl Edwards and, at the end of this season, Dale Earnhardt Jr., have left a cadre of 20-somethings in charge of not only bearing the torch for the sport as a whole, but attracting the younger demographic that NASCAR lacks and every entertainment enterprise requires to prosper. Whether this represents a void or an opportunity depends on the disposition of each individual inside the expansive NASCAR community.
For now, the young group seems to at least be giving an orderly transition a chance, as Kyle Larson, 24, has a win and leads the points standings after eight races and Hendrick Motorsports’ Chase Elliott, 21, is second. Youthful veteran Joey Logano, 26, is fourth and Ryan Blaney, 23, is 10th. If fickle fans need success, not promise, they’re getting it.
“It’s cool to see that there’s a handful of us up in the standings, not just one of us. That’s able for NASCAR to promote us even better,” said Larson, who will be dispatched with Elliott, Blaney and rookie Erik Jones on a media junket next week. “It’s fun to have all us running well and getting promoted, finally. I got to watch a couple other young guys get promoted a lot the last year or so, but now that I’m running up front it’s good to be a part of that group and get my name out there more.”
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Earnhardt said Larson and Blaney were among “probably a dozen guys that I'm excited about” as potential future caretakers of the sport but doesn’t expect a seamless transition because there have always been “little gaps” in racing generations.
“This is a new batch of guys that are going to do things in a new way,” Earnhardt said. “They're going to bring a lot of color and excitement and energy to the sport. We've just got to get them in front of the fans, let the fans get to know them, and I think the rest will take care of itself.
“But I'm thrilled. We definitely have tons of talent. There is no question. But I love the people they are.”
Larson will continue to do his part at Ganassi Racing, where last year he signed a multi-year extension to remain in the No. 42 Chevrolet. Larson has been widely rumored as a possible replacement for Earnhardt because powerful Hendrick Motorsports has vast resources, 12 championships at NASCAR’s top level and is in position to offer any driver a great deal. Owner Rick Hendrick also has not balked at bold moves, bringing Earnhardt aboard in 2008 after ejecting Kyle Busch, then a 23-year-old prospect who went on to win a first Cup championship in 2015.
Larson said he is not allowed to divulge contract details, but said, “I’m very loyal to Chip. I love racing for him. I would love to be with Chip for the rest of my career.”
Larson expects it to be a fruitful period personally and for NASCAR.
“There’s a lot of young guys and gals that are coming up,” he said. “It’s going to be interesting. I think the next four or five years, NASCAR is going to go through an exciting change. Average is going down. I think new sponsors will ultimately be coming in, new fan bases because we are millennials and that’s kind of who we need to get in our sport. So it’s going to be fun to have all us work hard and build our brands and build the sport as well.”
PHOTOS: 2017 NASCAR Cup Series race winners
