Larson Still Popular, Despite Racial Slur

Donald Reed drove more than seven hours to North Carolina last week just to watch Kyle Larson race on dirt tracks.

HOMESTEAD, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 17: Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Credit One Bank Chevrolet, stands on the grid during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead Speedway on November 17, 2019 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

So he wasn't going to miss out on purchasing a long sleeve shirt with Larson's name on it to bring home. Standing outside Larson's merchandise trailer in this community a short drive northeast of Charlotte, he proudly held up the shirt that read: "When life gives you lemons, just keep winning."

"I just think he's a really good guy," said Reed, from Hanover, Pennsylvania. "He's fan-friendly. He always stays after the races to give everybody their autographs."

Reed, like many race fans, has forgiven Larson for his use of the n-word during a virtual race earlier this year. Larson lost his ride and was suspended by NASCAR, and he spent months working with others to realize and learn from his mistake. It paid off: Larson is returning to the Cup Series next year after signing on to drive with NASCAR power Hendrick Motorsports.

AVONDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 08: Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 McDonald's Chevrolet, leads a pack of cars during the NASCAR Cup Series FanShield 500 at Phoenix Raceway on March 08, 2020 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

The line at Larson's merchandise trailer at The Dirt Track at Charlotte this past weekend was longer than all of the other drivers combined. Just across the street from Charlotte Motor Speedway, fans came to buy Larson shirts, hats, and coffee mugs, and watch him become the first driver since 2016 to compete in both World of Outlaws late models and sprint cars, his true love.

"I think with Kyle going back to NASCAR next year I have a lot of people coming by and just wanting to get some dirt track stuff," said Patrick McGarey, one of the vendors. "They think they won't see him again, but I'm sure they will."

The 28-year-old Larson has promised dirt track fans as much.

As part of his agreement with Hendrick, Larson has been given permission to race dirt tracks next season when it doesn't conflict with his NASCAR schedule.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 23: Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Credit One Bank Chevrolet, drives during the NASCAR Cup Series Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on February 23, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

"Everybody knows that dirt racing is important to me and continuing to do that is important to me," Larson said. "I'm thankful that they are letting me still run dirt stuff. With the schedule being a little more open like it was this year, I'll have plenty of opportunities to get my fun in and stay sharp and continue to become a better race car driver."

Team owner Rick Hendrick expressed some concern about Larson getting injured, but also realizes the driver wouldn't be happy without it. He also said it keeps Larson's driving skills at a high level.

"This is his love," Hendrick said. "So, as long as it doesn't interfere with the NASCAR team, then I'm okay. As long as we get in the championship run and he's 100% committed to his job here; as long as he can do that and race the dirt, too, it's okay."

RICHMOND, VA - APRIL 21: Team owner Rick Hendrick stands on the grid prior to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway on April 21, 2018 in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images)

Dalton Hughes, a race fan from Boyertown, Pennsylvania, is thrilled to hear that.

"For me I think he's different than everyone else," Hughes said. "The way he drives a dirt car, it's something different and it's exciting."

Jason Hagenbuch, a former dirt track driver from Pennsylvania, said he came to the track to watch Larson run because also loves the way he attacks the course.

"He's very fluid," said Hagenbuch. "He's a true driver, whether that is dirt, asphalt, whatever. As for (the racial slur), everybody makes mistakes and that is understandable in today's world. You've got to give guys a second chance."

AVONDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 07: Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 McDonald's Chevrolet, stands on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series FanShield 500 at Phoenix Raceway on March 07, 2020 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

And fans apparently have.

McGarey, who travels around the country selling Larson merchandise, said fans have been turning out in droves to buy Larson merchandise.

When Larson raced dirt tracks for the first time in the Dakotas earlier this year, he said the line stretched further than he could see and he and his staff were selling items non-stop for six straight hours.

It helps that Larson has been winning at nearly every level all year long after his suspension.

"Kyle made a mistake, but he held up to it," McGarey said. "He has worked really hard to better himself. I'm really proud of him for all he has done and all he's trying to do on his own to better himself. Kyle is a really great person and it's good that people give him a second chance. I think everybody will — and he will come out on top."

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