Netflix Unveils Release Date for Kyle Larson Documentary Highlighting His Controversial Comeback and Racing Career
Netflix has officially confirmed the release date for its upcoming and highly anticipated sports documentary centered on NASCAR champion Kyle Larson. Titled “Driven: The Kyle Larson Story,” the film will be available for streaming on August 9, 2025. The documentary promises an in-depth, emotionally charged look into the life, career, challenges, and transformation of one of motorsport’s most captivating and controversial figures.
Kyle Larson, a household name in the world of racing, has built a reputation as one of the sport’s most naturally gifted drivers. From his beginnings on small-town dirt tracks to becoming a NASCAR Cup Series champion, Larson’s journey has been anything but ordinary. What sets this documentary apart, however, is not just his racing success, but the deeply personal story of his rise, fall, and eventual return to the top of the sport.
The film is being produced in collaboration with NASCAR and features a rich combination of dramatic race footage, intimate interviews, and never-before-seen behind-the-scenes moments. According to Netflix, “Driven” will go beyond Larson’s accolades to explore themes of accountability, growth, and perseverance. The project dives into his early days in grassroots racing, his development as a professional athlete, and the critical turning point in his career—the 2020 incident that led to a temporary suspension from NASCAR after Larson used a racial slur during a virtual race broadcast.
Larson’s path back to NASCAR—and to the public’s acceptance—was marked by self-reflection, community outreach, and a renewed commitment to both the sport and personal responsibility. Since his return, Larson has not only reclaimed his position among the sport’s elite, but has also used his platform to promote inclusivity and give back to the racing community through youth development programs and diversity initiatives.
In a statement about the documentary, Larson shared his excitement and his reasons for allowing cameras such deep access into his life: “This project goes beyond the race track. It’s about more than wins and championships. It’s about the mistakes I made, the lessons I’ve learned, and the drive to come back better than before. I’m incredibly proud to tell my story, the real story, to fans and to anyone who believes in second chances.”
The documentary will include perspectives from a wide array of voices, including NASCAR veterans, fellow drivers, crew members, family, friends, and prominent figures in sports media. Their insights help construct a complex but ultimately inspiring portrait of Larson, not just as a racer, but as a person who faced enormous public scrutiny and came through it with renewed focus and maturity.
Netflix executives describe the film as one of their flagship sports releases of the year, designed to appeal to more than just die-hard motorsports fans. The platform has seen great success in recent years with sports docuseries that blend athletic achievement with human drama—such as Drive to Survive and Quarterback—and they believe “Driven” continues that tradition.
“This is a documentary about accountability, evolution, and raw ambition,” said one Netflix spokesperson. “Kyle Larson’s story is compelling because it speaks to the full experience of a modern athlete—his glory, his flaws, and his determination to be better.”
Larson’s supporters hope the film will offer a broader understanding of his journey and inspire others facing personal or professional setbacks. For critics, it may be a chance to see the full arc of a complicated narrative that has often been reduced to headlines and controversy.
As the August release date approaches, anticipation is building not just among fans of NASCAR, but also among viewers drawn to stories of redemption, grit, and personal transformation. “Driven: The Kyle Larson Story” is expected to be one of the most talked-about documentaries of the summer, shedding light on the human side of a high-speed sport.
With Netflix’s global reach, the film is poised to introduce Larson’s story to a wider audience, potentially reshaping how he is viewed both inside and outside the racing world. As viewers prepare to witness his journey from prodigy to pariah to champion once more, Driven promises to be a powerful, high-octane ride through one of racing’s most riveting real-life sagas.
