“Kyle Larson Is a ‘Problem’: Richard Petty and NASCAR Legends React to Yung Money’s Relentless Reign at Hendrick Motorsports”
Kyle Larson isn’t just winning — he’s redefining dominance in modern NASCAR. And now, even The King himself, Richard Petty, is taking notice.
In recent interviews and paddock chatter, Petty and several veteran figures in the sport have singled out Larson as a “problem” — but not in the disciplinary sense. In racing slang, calling a driver a “problem” is the ultimate compliment. It means they’re so fast, so dangerous, and so relentless on track that the rest of the field has no answers.
And for Kyle Larson — affectionately dubbed “Yung Money” for his early career earnings and swagger — that’s exactly what’s happening in 2025.
Larson’s Era of HMS Domination
Since joining Hendrick Motorsports (HMS), Larson has reignited a dynasty. HMS, already the most successful team in NASCAR history, hadn’t seen this level of weekly dominance since the days of Jimmie Johnson’s reign. Now, with Larson behind the wheel, the organization is back in full force.
Larson has stacked wins across multiple disciplines — dirt, pavement, short track, and superspeedway — and his ability to adapt and outpace the field has made him the centerpiece of Hendrick’s resurgence. From Martinsville to Kansas, from Bristol dirt to Sonoma road courses, Larson is not just participating — he’s leading.
And Richard Petty, a seven-time Cup Series champion and voice of NASCAR’s golden era, has taken notice.
“He’s a problem. I don’t know how you stop him,” Petty reportedly said. “We’ve seen dominant drivers before, but the way he takes over a race… it reminds me of when certain drivers just owned the track.”
The Intimidator Energy, with a Twist
Kyle Larson doesn’t carry himself like Dale Earnhardt, but the impact he has on the field is eerily similar. He strikes fear in competitors with his talent, not his tactics. Smooth, calculated, and absurdly quick, Larson can flip a quiet run into a highlight reel finish with one corner.
What’s made him even more lethal is his crossover experience. Running dirt sprint cars and midgets in the middle of the NASCAR season — and winning there too — has given Larson a feel for cars that many modern drivers lack.
“It’s like he sees the race in slow motion,” said one crew chief from a rival team. “He makes adjustments in real-time that we usually make after a stage.”
Petty’s Words Carry Weight
When Richard Petty praises a driver, the NASCAR world listens. His “problem” label isn’t just colorful commentary — it’s a reflection of where Larson stands historically. Petty has raced with and observed legends: Earnhardt, Gordon, Pearson, Stewart, Johnson. For him to elevate Larson into that orbit says something bigger.
It says we’re witnessing one of the most complete drivers the sport has ever seen.
The Field Is On Alert
As the 2025 season progresses, the challenge is now clear: Stop Kyle Larson… if you can.
He’s not just racing — he’s dominating. He’s not just a driver — he’s a force. And with Hendrick Motorsports firing on all cylinders again, the NASCAR field may be in for another season where second place is the best anyone can hope for.
Kyle Larson is the storm. And as Richard Petty made clear — he’s a “problem” no one knows how to solve.
