NASCAR Q&A: Kyle Larson now chasing history, Tony Stewart ready to "go straight"

Is it time to reconsider Kyle Larson’s season in a historical sense?

You read my mind. Yes, in terms of raw numbers, Kyle isn’t just putting together the best resurrection season in memory, but might end up with the best year-round run of the 21st century. How’s that for historical? Remember, though, I said “might.” In order to do that, he’ll need to win two of the final three races to match the 2007 championship season of Jimmie Johnson, who had 10 wins and 24 top-10s that year.

Martin Truex Jr. had eight wins and 26 top-10s four years ago. Kyle has 24 top-10s to go  along with his eight wins, and frankly, whatever happens these next three weeks (maybe he wins the last three!), he’s not only had his best year ever, but established himself as a contender for the foreseeable future.

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Tony Stewart is doing WHAT?

As the press release said, he’s finally taking aim on a straight-and-narrow path. Yes, Tony Stewart Racing is going drag-racin’ in 2022, with an NHRA team that will include an entry in Top Fuel (driver: Leah Pruett) and Funny Car (driver: Matt Hagan).

Pruett is Tony’s future bride and obviously the reason behind Tony’s newfound NHRA interest and subsequent desire to take this big ownership step. Between his track-ownership interests and widely varied race-team holdings, he has become quite the motorsports mogul. Interesting question, however: Where will he be the third weekend of 2022, when NASCAR’s season is opening at Daytona and NHRA is cranking to life in California?