NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series

Kyle Larson reflects on fatherhood at Boys and Girls Club holiday donation event

Published Dec. 14, 2016 8:44 a.m. ET

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Chase Wilhelm

Christmas came early for children in the Charlotte, North Carolina-area thanks to Chip Ganassi Racing driver Kyle Larson and primary sponsor, Target.

Larson was on-hand Wednesday evening to surprise members of the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club of Greater Charlotte, which creates a safe, positive place for inner-city students to enable all young people to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

“Target does an amazing job with everything they do for a lot of communities and charities out there,” Larson said at the event. “They donate millions and millions of dollars to help out local communities.”

Larson was also joined by girlfriend, Katelyn Sweet, his son, Owen, No. 42 team gasman, Josh Patch, and front-tire carrier, Wilbert Johnson.

Johnson actually grew up as a member of the Boys and Girls Club in Charlotte.

Representing a sponsor deeply-rooted in helping those in need, specifically children, is something very important to Larson, especially since becoming a father.

“Since having Owen, they’ve (Target) had me do a lot more stuff with kids,” said Larson. “They’ve tried to tie that in now since I’m a father. With having Owen, it gives me another respect when I come to do things like this. It’s a lot of fun.”

Larson knows everyday life is less worrisome with the more lavished lifestyle that comes with being a driver at NASCAR’s top level, which is something he’s extremely grateful for. But it’s allowed him to have an even bigger heart for those who aren’t as fortunate.

“With our lifestyle, we don’t have to worry about things much, so you get to open your eyes to what other people’s lives are like and people who live differently than our lifestyle,” Larson said. “It’s cool and unique to come out here and see that small things go a long way with these kids. It’s awesome.”

After brightening up the holiday season with toys and games for the kids, Larson spent time reflecting on becoming a father at a young age.

According to the 24-year old racer, his experiences as a father over the course of nearly two years has sped up his growth and maturity as a person.

“I was really young with having him, so my life changed really quickly. But, in a good way,” Larson said. “It helped me grow up even faster and mature a little bit quicker. I don’t play any video games anymore. I wake up early and go to bed semi-early. He can’t take care of himself, so you find a whole new responsibility level.”

He also joked that he even has learned another language from his son, which is something of which all parents can relate.

“You have to learn a different language,” he said. “I feel like I’m bilingual now. I can speak baby and can interpret what he’s trying to tell me. It’s a blast.”

As Owen continues to mature, Larson feels it will be important for his son to join him at charitable events in order to teach the importance of giving back.

“This is the first time he’s gotten to come to anything like this,” Larson said. “He doesn’t comprehend it yet. He just sees toys and wants to play with them. As he grows up, I definitely want to bring him when I go to do charity things with Target.”

“But, it’ll help him grow up and learn what respect is and what giving back is,” he added. “It’s cool to have him a part of my life every day. A lot of parents don’t get to bring their kids to work, so it’s fun to get to take him everywhere I go, especially these things.”

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