Jeff Gordon believes Kyle Larson is a better driver than him after Las Vegas win

Today Kyle Larson got the job done for Hendrick Motorsports in Las Vegas. Jeff Gordon was very happy his driver took the checkered flag. There is a lot of talk about how good Larson is in the grand scheme of things, coming off this week, he’s shown his versatile ability in a big way, in and out of NASCAR.

Kyle Larson won his own High Limit sprint car series this week. Then he went on to complete and pass his rookie orientation program for the Indy 500 that he will attempt in 2024. Finally, he finishes it all up with a big NASCAR Playoffs victory to advance to the Championship 4.

After the race, Jeff Gordon took questions from the media. When asked plainly if he believed Larson was a better driver than him, he was honest.

From one California driver to another.

“Yes,” Gordon said smiling. “I’m glad I didn’t have to race. I got my butt kicked by one guy at Hendrick Motorsports that was my teammate. I didn’t need to have two of ’em.

You take a guy like Kyle and his capabilities, his talent. He’s impressed me with his work ethic, too. I wasn’t sure how he approached the Cup Series, especially with Cliff and all the data, all the homework that Cliff gives him, the meetings they have. Cliff is an intense guy and he brings a lot to the table. It’s a lot of information that you have to absorb.”

There is a big key to Kyle Larson’s success, if you ask Gordon.

Jeff Gordon praises Kyle Larson after Vegas win

Is there any greater praise than being told you are a better driver than a four-time Cup Series winner? A driver with 93 wins at the highest level? Well, Kyle Larson also gets to drive for Jeff Gordon, so I’d say that’s even better than just getting compliments.

When assessing Larson’s success, Gordon knows exactly what the driver brings to the table.

“Well, I think anybody that’s bringing a high level of talent and aggressiveness, speed to match up with the people that are building the cars,” Gordon continued in the press conference. “It’s about having confidence in one another. I’ll remember the first time I met with Cliff Daniels, told him who we were looking to be as a new driver. You saw he lit up. He was excited about that.

“There’s certain drivers that bring that, not a lot of ’em, but the ones that do instantly elevate up the team. Like I said, you got to follow that up with you got to work hard at it, too. He’s doing both of those things. It’s a good combination.”

Jeff Gordon sees that he has a real talent in Larson. Now, he’s got one driver in the Championship 4 and next week, Hendrick Motorsports will try to get William Byron there as well.