If you’ve ever seen Kyle Larson standing next to his Hendrick Motorsports teammates like Chase Elliott or Alex Bowman, you probably noticed something immediately. He’s small. Like, really small for a guy who controls a 3,400-pound beast at 200 mph. It leads to the question every fan eventually asks: how tall is kyle larson exactly?
The Tape Measure Doesn't Lie
Kyle Larson stands at 5 feet 6 inches tall. In a world where we often think of athletes as towering giants, Larson is a bit of an outlier. He weighs in at roughly 135 pounds. Honestly, that’s about the size of a high school freshman, yet he’s arguably the most talented driver on the planet right now.
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It’s kinda funny when you think about it. You’ve got a guy who looks like he could disappear in a crowd at a grocery store, but the second he steps into the No. 5 Chevrolet, he becomes a titan. His height is a constant topic in the garage, mostly because he’s often the shortest guy on the podium.
Is Being Short an Advantage in NASCAR?
You might wonder if being 5'6" actually helps.
In horse racing, being small is a requirement. In NASCAR? It’s complicated.
- Center of Gravity: A smaller driver allows engineers more flexibility with weight distribution.
- Cockpit Comfort: Smaller drivers aren't as cramped in the hot, tight interior of a Next-Gen car.
- Weight Savings: NASCAR has minimum weight rules that include the driver, but a lighter driver means more "ballast" can be placed low in the frame to improve handling.
Basically, Larson’s size isn't just a quirk; it’s a tiny mechanical advantage. When every ounce matters, being 5'6" and 135 pounds is better than being 6'3" and 210 pounds.
How Kyle Larson Compares to Other Drivers
NASCAR isn't the NBA, but the height differences are still pretty wild.
Most drivers hover around 5'9" or 5'10". Then you have the tall guys like Michael McDowell, who stands about 6'2". When Larson stands next to them, the difference is jarring.
It’s sort of like the "Yoda" effect. He’s small, but his presence is massive. He recently won the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Championship, marking his second title in five years with Hendrick. He’s also out-pacing legends like Jeff Gordon in certain statistical categories during his first few years with the team.
Larson’s stature has never held him back in the dirt racing world either. Whether it’s a Midget, a Sprint Car, or an IndyCar, he fits. He recently competed in the Indianapolis 500, and his small frame was perfect for the tight confines of an open-wheel cockpit.
Does it Affect His Driving Style?
Not really.
Larson is known for "ripping the fence." This means he drives inches away from the outside wall to find speed. That takes guts and incredible hand-eye coordination. Height has nothing to do with that.
In fact, his heart rate during races has been recorded as high as 198 beats per minute. That’s elite athlete territory. He might be 5'6", but his cardiovascular system is working like a marathon runner's.
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The Physicality of the No. 5 Team
Racing is exhausting.
Even though Larson is on the shorter side, he has to be incredibly strong to handle the steering forces, especially at tracks like Bristol or Darlington. He doesn't look "buff" in the traditional sense, but he’s "racing fit."
People often underestimate the strength needed to hold a car steady while your body is being pulled by 3 or 4 Gs in a corner. Larson’s size actually helps him stay agile. He doesn't get as fatigued as some of the bigger drivers because he isn't fighting his own body weight as much.
Why We Care About Driver Height
It’s mostly about the "everyman" appeal.
Fans love that how tall is kyle larson is a common search because it makes him relatable. You don't have to be a 6'6" specimen to be the best in the world at this. You just need "the seat of your pants" feel.
Larson has that in spades.
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He’s a two-time champion, a Chili Bowl winner, and a Knoxville Nationals king. He’s 5'6" of pure talent.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
- Watch the Podium: Next time Larson wins (which is often), look at how he stands compared to the second and third-place finishers.
- Check the Stats: Don't let his size fool you; he leads more laps than almost anyone in the Next-Gen era.
- Relate to the Gear: If you're a smaller person, Larson is proof that physical stature doesn't limit your ceiling in motorsports.
If you're ever at the track and see a guy who looks like he could be a jockey walking toward a hauler, that’s probably the best driver in the world. He just happens to stand 5'6".
Next Steps to Track Larson’s Growth (On the Stat Sheet)
- Monitor the 2026 Season: With the new season starting, keep an eye on Larson’s performance at "high-load" tracks like Dover to see how his fitness holds up.
- Compare to Teammates: Check out the official NASCAR media guide for the updated weight and height of the entire Hendrick Motorsports roster to see the full range of driver builds.
- Study the Ergonomics: Look for "in-car" camera shots of the No. 5 car to see how Larson’s seat and steering wheel are positioned differently compared to taller drivers like Chase Elliott.