Kyle Larson career move backed by Chase Elliott’s $12.6 billion sponsor

NASCAR driver Kyle Larson has pulled out of a planned Supercars race in Australia in November, with his Hendrick Motorsports teammate Chase Elliott potentially set to take his place

Chase Elliott (left) is Hendrick Motorsports teammates with Kyle Larson (right)(Image: Getty)

Chase Elliott’s long-standing relationship with NAPA Auto Parts, spanning 11 years since his NASCAR Xfinity Series days, has hit the headlines when it was revealed that NAPA was poised to partner with one of Elliott’s Hendrick Motorsports teammates and Cup Series competitors on a Supercars adventure.

Kyle Larson, who recently made his feelings clear on teammates Elliott and William Byron’s personalities , has faced challenges. His bid for ‘The Double’ ended abruptly as he crashed at the Indy 500 with Arrow McLaren, then suffered another crash at the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte, a race which left Elliott pointing the finger of blame.

Following these setbacks, news broke that Larson has withdrawn from a scheduled Supercars race in Australia this November, a venture that was to be supported by Elliott’s major sponsor, which boasts $12.6 billion in revenue. This development coincides with Hendrick Motorsports announcing a significant partnership with a $138 billion titan connected to Kyle Busch.

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Larson had already committed to racing for PremiAir Racing, with a deal from the South Australian Motorsport Board in place. He had also secured sponsorship from Elliott’s primary sponsor, NAPA, which shares a parent company with Repco, according to Speed Cafe.

While the financial details from NAPA remain undisclosed, the sponsorship was referred to as “major,” which seems fitting considering their substantial estimated yearly revenues.

In theory, this could pave the way for Elliott to step in for Larson in Australia. However, the 2020 Cup Series Champion might be hesitant to overextend himself, given that this season hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing in the No.9 Chevrolet.

Kyle Larson has opted out of racing in Adelaide in November(Image: Getty)

With only three top-five finishes and none within the top three, Elliott has ended up 15th or lower seven times, including a 15th place finish at the most recent race in Nashville. This streak of lackluster performances has even sparked rumors among some fans that he might be replaced.

These rumors were only fueled further when rising star Carson Hocevar, known for his controversial style, was congratulated by Hendrick Motorsports vice president of competition, Chad Knaus, after his second-place finish in Nashville.

However, if Elliott or another NASCAR star does end up replacing Larson, he won’t have to look far for advice, as Supercar legend Shane van Gisbergen is currently immersed in his first full Cup Series season after relocating from Australia.

The 36-year-old three-time champion currently drives Trackhouse Racing’s No. 88 Chevrolet, and while he clinched a win in his series debut in 2023, he hasn’t made it back to the winner’s circle since.