Larson talks removing the steering wheel for donuts after NASCAR race wins and explains where it came from
Kyle Larson has had his fair share of opportunities to celebrate after NASCAR races. The driver grabbed 16 wins in his 9-year career. 10 of those have come this year alone en route to his first championship.
Racing drivers in all forms of racing have unique ways of celebrating wins. Kurt Busch makes snow angles (which was born from a win at Bristol which featured a snow delay). Dirt late model driver Jonathan Davenport stands in victory lane and drops the steering wheel on the roof.
But, Larson has one of the more unique trademark celebrations. While doing donuts, Larson removes the steering wheel from the quick release and holds the steering wheel out the window while the car continues to spin in circles.
In his early career, the celebration was frowned upon but he’s circled back to doing it again. But, where did it come from?
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Kyle Larson explains the steering wheel celebration
“I kinda stole the idea from my sister’s ex-boyfriend,” Larson stated via a NASCAR Q&A on social media.
“We used to race karts and stuff together, a long time ago. He had the awesome victory celebrations where he would do crazy fast donuts and hold the wheel outside the car.”
“I just thought that was cool. And nobody had done it yet, in NASCAR.”
“When I got to NASCAR, I started doing it. Then, got in trouble a couple times. Stopping doing it for awhile.”
Larson concluded, “Doing it again.”
Kyle’s sister is Andrea Larson, who formerly worked for Spire Sports & Entertainment. Her LinkedIn page stated she was the account manager for Kyle Larson Racing in the World of Outlaws until July 2020.
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Kyle Larson talks his steering wheel donuts