NASCAR Cup Series

Kyle Larson not upset Chase Elliott landed Jeff Gordon's No. 24 ride

Published Feb. 2, 2015 2:45 p.m. ET

foxsports

When news broke that 2015 would be Jeff Gordon's final full-time season in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, some began to speculate who would replace him in the famous No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet.

While Chase Elliott was officially named to that role last Thursday, some wondered if 2014 Sprint Cup Rookie of the Year Kyle Larson would make the move from Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates to drive the No. 24.

Larson was a fan of the four-time champion growing up, and throughout last season Gordon highly praised the young driver for his talent behind the wheel.

However, as most expected, Elliott was called on to fill the seat in the No. 24 Chevrolet in 2016, and Larson has no problem with that.

"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 labeled the 'next big thing' in the sport, Larson welcomes a friendly rivalry with Elliott when he makes his way into the Sprint Cup Series.

"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."

As for now, Larson plans on enjoying his time on track with Gordon while he can.

"It's going to be really cool to be on the track with him this year, knowing it's his last full season," he said. "Come Homestead, once the checkered flag falls, if I'm not the champion I hope he is."