Kyle Larson to honor Tim Richmond with 2022 Cup Series Throwback paint scheme for Darlington

 

Hendrick Motorsports

    Kyle Larson will be paying tribute to a former Hendrick Motorsports driver this coming Throwback weekend at Darlington Raceway, and in a way, it is very fitting.

Tim Richmond officially signed with Hendrick Motorsports in 1986 but drove a few races during 1984 in NASCAR's lower series for Rick Hendrick's team, then known as "All-Star Racing".

After Kyle Larson won in Charlotte last year and helped Hendrick Motorsports secure their record breaking 269th victory, team owner Rick Hendrick was asked if Larson's driving reminded him of anyone. "Tim Richmond," Hendrick said. "He'll put a car in places that you don't think it'll go, and having fun and wanting to win, wanting to lead every lap. He just reminds me a lot of Tim."

And that is very true, as Kyle Larson doesn't just race and lead laps on Sundays. He goes back to his dirt racing roots and turns laps and brings home more trophies than any of the other NASCAR Cup Series drivers do in a single month: or possibly a week. It doesn't matter if it is a winged sprint kart, or even a late model, Larson drives them all. Why? Just for the fun of it, of course!

Kyle Larson will be back behind the wheel of his usual No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro, competing for another NASCAR Cup Series victory on Sunday, but this week with a special paint scheme. The No. 5 machine will be dressed up as Tim Richmond's 1984 ride with Rick Hendrick. With a off-white base, the pinstriping leading to a large red star on the side of the car will ride next to the "Hendrick Chevrolet" dealership branding.

The 2022 "Goodyear" 400 at Darlington Raceway will take place on Sunday, May 8th. Live race coverage will begin at 3:30 PM EST on FOX Sports 1.