Does Kyle Larson even want to return to NASCAR?

Kyle Larson’s stint with Chip Ganassi Racing in NASCAR ended abruptly after he used the N-word in a virtual race. But does he even want to return?

Kyle Larson’s NASCAR Cup Series career was brought to an abrupt halt in April after he uttered the N-word during a virtual NASCAR race on iRacing which was being live streamed on multiple Twitch channels.

After Chip Ganassi Racing and NASCAR initially suspended him indefinitely, he ended up being fired by the former when multiple sponsors cut ties with him.

He completed the sensitivity training NASCAR mandated before he could be reinstated by the sport, but he remains suspended indefinitely.

More from NASCAR Cup Series

• NASCAR Cup Series: New team set to compete in 2024
• NASCAR: Surprising name continuously linked to new seat
• NASCAR driver at risk of missing the Daytona 500?
• NASCAR set for rare appearance last seen 13 years ago
• NASCAR team adds third car, names driver for 2024 Daytona 500

Larson’s indefinite suspension may not make much of a difference at this point, given the fact that there is no foreseeable path to him being back behind the wheel during the 2020 season. Matt Kenseth is his replacement behind the wheel of the #42 Chevrolet.

The 2021 season, however, could provide him with an opportunity to get back to NASCAR’s top level, possibly with the team that tried to sign him several years back.

But does the 27-year-old Elk Grove, California native even want to return?

Larson has already been able to return to racing because he completed sensitivity training. In fact, he returned before most of the Cup Series field by competing in World of Outlaws races, as the World of Outlaws returned to live action amid the coronavirus pandemic quicker than NASCAR did.

And in his third start since his firing, he secured his ninth career victory.

It was an emotional victory for Larson, especially given his rough last few weeks, and after his victory, he discussed his future.

After Larson was fired, Sports Business Journal’s Adam Stern reported that he wanted to get back in NASCAR and that he was determined to complete the required sensitivity training as soon as possible.

As mentioned, he has now completed that training.

But after winning at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55, he discussed his future in an interview with Outlaws PR staff, and there was no discussion of NASCAR.

“I love racing with the World of Outlaws,” said Larson. “They’ve stuck behind me, too, throughout this. That means a lot. I always want to support them, especially with them sticking behind me. I can’t wait to get my journey started and see where my future goes.”

Even during his first six-plus seasons in NASCAR, Larson had made clear that his true passion was dirt track racing, even going as far as apologizing to NASCAR that his Chili Bowl win earlier this year was bigger than anything he had ever won in NASCAR.

“I’m sorry NASCAR. I’m sorry Daytona but this is the biggest f—ing race I’ve ever won.”

So it is no surprise that he seems content doing what he is doing now and that he plans to keep doing it, even without a NASCAR ride to go along with it.

However, the six-time Cup Series race winner also did an interview with Motor Racing Network’s Winged Nation following his victory, and he did say that he wants to return to the Cup Series at some point and that it had felt “weird” watching races instead of competing in them.

The Cup Series returned to action on Sunday, May 17 at Darlington Raceway. Five races have been contested since the series returned from the 10-week hiatus.

There is no telling when Kyle Larson might return to the NASCAR Cup Series, or if he will even be able to. But while it may not be his priority at this point, it is definitely still on his radar.