Driver Reviews; No. 17 Kyle Larson

After doing exit interviews for Sprint Cup Series drivers in 2013, we’re turning the tables. We want the drivers to sell themselves. So here are the resumés for all full-time Sprint Cup Series drivers in 2014. Then, at the end, we’ll provide a summation of the driver’s season in 150 words or less.

Name: Kyle Larson

NASCAR Experience: Just a solitary season in the Sprint Cup Series and almost two seasons in the Nationwide Series. Plus a Camping World Truck Series win at Rockingham.

Most recent team: Chip Ganassi Racing

Most recent season finish: 17th

2014 accomplishments: Eight top five finishes including second place finishes at Auto Club, Loudon and Kansas. Until finishing 17th at Talladega, had finished in the top six in the first five Chase races.

Most memorable moment: The burnout without a steering wheel at Auto Club after the Nationwide race celebrating Nationwide Series win No. 1.

Strengths: Considered the driver with the most potential in the Sprint Cup Series. Combined with eight top fives in a rookie season…

2015 goals: The same as Jamie McMurray’s. WIn a race, make the Chase and avoid any of that sophomore slump talk.

FTM’s Take: While still a relative unknown to a lot of NASCAR fans, Larson entered the Cup Series as a well-known commodity in the garage because of his driving talent. And now most NASCAR fans know who he is.

It’s dangerous attaching a “next big thing” label to a driver given the cluster at the top of the Cup Series. Good drivers with good teams implant themselves near the top of the standings. Climbing to the top is less like taking someone’s place and more like elbowing your way into a crowded party. Larson can do it, but it’d be wise to be patient with him. Just look at Joey Logano.

Previous reviews: No. 18, Jamie McMurray, No. 19 Clint Bowyer, No. 20, Austin Dillon, No. 21 Paul Menard, No. 22 Brian Vickers, No. 23 Marcos Ambrose, No. 24 Martin Truex Jr., No. 25 Tony Stewart, No. 26 Casey Mears, No. 27 Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 28, Danica Patrick, No. 29, Justin Allgaier, No. 30, David Gilliland, No. 31 Cole Whitt, No. 32 David Ragan, No. 33 Michael Annett, No. 34 Reed Sorenson, No. 35 Alex Bowman