Kyle Larson and Jeff Gordon chatting with each other at Homestead in November 2013 Photo – Pat Carter/AP

The 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year candidate, Kyle Larson was racing among the Chase contenders in the top-five throughout a good part of the race at Chicagoland Speedway on Sunday, giving fans a thrilling race to watch.  In the end he finished third behind Jeff Gordon and race winner Brad Keselowski.

After the race, Gordon took a few moments to stop by Larson’s car and speak to him about their racing on the track. Gordon shared what he said in his post race interview. 

“Just how proud I am of him,” said Gordon. “I think this kid is the real deal. He’s going to be a star in this series for a long time. I really wanted to see him win because I like him and I know he’s going to win a lot of races, but I also didn’t want to see those other guys win.

“I’m a big fan. I like seeing young guys out there driving like that. That’s so much fun. That’s what this sport is all about. I just wanted to let him know what a great job I thought he did.”

That praise was not the only thing Gordon shared with Larson. When asked what it meant to have Jeff Gordon’s praise, Larson added that Gordon gave him a bit of advice that some may find amusing.

“It means a lot,” said Larson and then he added, “He gave me some advice on the restarts.”

Gordon’s immediate response…

“Don’t tell them that part.”

Laughter from all within earshot followed both comments.  But Larson went on to elaborate his thoughts about Gordon’s advice on restarts.

“I’m never out front really,” Larson added. “I’m never on the front row, so I don’t know what to do. You look at my Nationwide races, I’m maybe on the front row a handful of times. Then the Cup Series, another handful. I’m still learning that part of it.

“He came down to give me some advice, which was nice. I know Jeff thinks a lot about me and I think a lot about him too. It was fun racing him. I definitely wanted to beat him. I was trying all I could. Just tried a little bit too hard. Was running probably an inch or two off the wall all day and finally got into it.

“But, yeah, it’s nice whenever Jeff comes around or I read the stuff he says about me. It’s cool.”

Some may find it bit surprising that Gordon would be giving advice on restarts after admitting he’s been struggling with his own restarts.

“Do as I say, not as I do,” was Gordon’s response followed once again by laughter.

The mutual respect between the Sprint Cup Series veteran Jeff Gordon and the rookie Kyle Larson is fun to witness. And for fans of racing, the intense interaction between the two drivers on the track is even more amazing to watch. There’s a lot to appreciate in the admiration they show to each other on and off the track.

*This post was submitted for a NASCAR sponsored program