Kyle Larson has recently spoken out to set the record straight regarding perceived tension between himself and Dale Earnhardt Jr. following the Bristol Motor Speedway race in April 2025. The conversation stems from controversial comments Larson made after his dominant performance, which included victories in both the Cup and Xfinity Series races. His post-race remarks appeared to criticize NASCAR’s policy limiting participation by full-time Cup drivers in lower-tier series, saying he wanted to “embarrass” the Xfinity field. This statement sparked strong reactions, including from Earnhardt Jr., a respected figure in the sport and owner of JR Motorsports.
On an episode of his popular Dale Jr. Download podcast, Earnhardt Jr. challenged Larson’s intent, suggesting that Larson’s words may have stirred unnecessary friction and fostered resentment within the Xfinity Series. He interpreted the remarks as a jab at the competitiveness of the series and its regular drivers, possibly creating tension between Larson and JR Motorsports or the broader NASCAR community.
However, in a candid interview on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Larson addressed the situation directly, contradicting Earnhardt Jr.’s interpretation. Larson emphasized that his comments were not personal and were never intended to create hostility toward any team, especially not JR Motorsports. “There’s no bad blood with Junior or his team,” Larson stated. “I respect him and JR Motorsports a lot.”
Larson clarified that his post-race remarks were aimed at highlighting the competitive fire that drives him as a racer. He wanted to underscore the idea that, even with restrictions on Cup drivers in the Xfinity Series, he takes every opportunity to compete at a high level seriously and enjoys pushing the limits. According to Larson, the comments were more about elevating the intensity of the sport and challenging the current rules, not belittling his opponents or targeting specific organizations.
“I wasn’t trying to offend anyone,” Larson explained. “I just wanted to race hard and make a point about how much I love the competition. It’s about passion for racing, not disrespect.”
The context for this discussion was Larson’s remarkable sweep at Bristol, where he won both the Cup and Xfinity races—a rare feat that added a new record to his already impressive NASCAR resume. The dominant nature of his wins only amplified the scrutiny around his comments, prompting speculation about potential fallout.
Social media users, particularly on platform X (formerly Twitter), quickly jumped into the fray. While some fans accused Larson of arrogance or disrespect, many rallied behind him, praising his honesty and competitive spirit. Others criticized the media and podcast interpretations, suggesting the supposed feud between Larson and Earnhardt Jr. was overblown and fueled by miscommunication.
Larson’s comments on the radio helped settle much of the speculation. He reiterated his appreciation for Earnhardt Jr. as both a racer and a person. The two share a long-standing professional relationship, with mutual respect evident in past interactions. Larson also noted that he has worked with JR Motorsports in the past and continues to hold the team in high regard.
“I think sometimes things can get twisted in the media or taken out of context,” Larson said. “Junior and I have always had a good relationship. We don’t have any beef. I think he knows where I was coming from.”
Meanwhile, fans are calling on Earnhardt Jr. to respond to Larson’s clarification and, potentially, close the book on the situation. Some have suggested that the two should discuss the matter publicly to clear up any lingering confusion and demonstrate unity in the sport.
The whole episode has ignited a broader conversation in NASCAR circles about Cup drivers participating in lower-tier races. While NASCAR has imposed rules to limit how often Cup stars can race in Xfinity events, debates continue about the value and impact of these appearances. Some argue that Cup drivers elevate the level of competition and draw more fans, while others believe it undermines the development of full-time Xfinity drivers.
Larson’s comments—now clarified—seem to reflect his belief in the former. He views his participation as an opportunity to push others to rise to the occasion, not diminish their efforts. He believes that by racing hard and competing to win, he contributes to the overall excitement and prestige of the sport.
In the end, Larson’s response appears to have quelled much of the initial uproar. Many fans and pundits now see the situation as a misunderstanding rather than a full-blown conflict. With both drivers known for their professionalism and love of racing, it seems likely that any perceived tension will fade with time.
As the NASCAR season continues, Larson remains focused on competition, and fans will undoubtedly be watching closely for any further developments between him and Earnhardt Jr.—though, by Larson’s account, there’s no drama to be found.
