The three-time NASCAR Cup Series and IndyCar Series champion Tony Stewart paid homage to Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson during the pre-race show for the Dirt Late Model Dream at Eldora Speedway.
Stewart started his NASCAR Cup Series career back in 1999 and won the first of his three championships in the 2002 season, barely defeating Mark Martin.
Smoke was asked during the pre-race show for the Dirt Late Model Dream if HMS driver Kyle Larson was the greatest raw talent since he raced, he replied.
“Kyle Larson is better than I was,” Stewart said, according to Autoweek. “I honestly believe that.”
Stewart elaborated on his statement.
“I remember watching him during the first time he ran the 4-Crown Nationals, and won all three races, in his first time racing here,” he said. “This isn’t the easiest place to come to for your first time and for him to take a Midget, and a Sprint car, and a Silver Crown and just dominate in the fashion that he did.”
Tony Stewart sends out driver warning to drivers ahead SRX debut
Is @KyleLarsonRacin better than @TonyStewart?
Smoke makes a BIG statement on the matter.— FloRacing (@FloRacing) June 10, 2021