Jeff Gordon, long one of NASCAR's most famous faces, will be leaving the track for good at the end of 2015. By next year, a new young stud-Chase Elliot-will be behind the wheel of Chevrolet's famous No. 24 car.
Some thought that Chip Ganassi driver Kyle Larson, who was the 2014 Sprint Cup Rookie of the Year, would have a shot at that coveted seat. When Elliot was named the successor though, Larson reacted graciously.
"I'm happy where I'm at, just flip-flop the number and it's good," said Larson. "That's cool for Chase. He'll definitely be a front-runner right off the bat."
Both drivers are extremely talented and promising; they will no doubt be compared to one another throughout their careers. Larson is looking forward to that, and he may have less pressure on him because he won't be commanding the great Jeff Gordon's car.
"When I think of rivalries I think of two drivers that butt heads, me and Chase are friends and he's really, really good," he said. "I hope we have a rivalry in a competitive way, because that means we're both running up front and competing for wins."
Larson had 17 top 10 finished in 2014, eight Top 5 finishes, and two poles. This year he is hoping to have a few first place finishes. He also said if he can't win the Chase Cup, he's hoping Gordon pulls it out.
"It's going to be really cool to be on the track with him this year, knowing it's his last full season," Larson said. "Come Homestead, once the checkered flag falls, if I'm not the champion I hope he is."
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