Take a look at this, Larry Larson Opens Up About No Prep Kings, Drag & Drive Legends, and What’s Next!
Larry Larson is a name that echoes through the halls of drag racing history. Known for his trailblazing builds and fearless attitude on and off the track, Larry recently sat down for an in-depth chat on the Talkin’ Shift podcast, where he opened up about everything from his earliest street racing days to his No Prep Kings journey and what’s next on the horizon.
A Racing Legend from the Start
From the first Drag Week in 2003 to legendary street races in Kansas City, Larry’s roots run deep. He recalled his early days racing a dark blue Chevy II, his first big-block Camaro, and competing against icons like Ryan Mitchell and Mike Crow. His hands-on approach and commitment to going fast—no matter the obstacles—have defined his career from day one.
The No Prep Kings Experience
Larry joined Street Outlaws: No Prep Kings in 2018 during the show’s inaugural season. Though he nearly clinched the championship, a heartbreaking loss in the final race cost him the title. Despite the setback, Larry played a key role in helping Mike Murillo secure his own championship victory. He fondly recalled the raw energy of early NPK seasons, before it became more structured and moved away from network TV.
According to Larry, the evolution of the series brought more rules, fewer surprises, and some loss of the gritty magic that first drew him in. Still, his respect for the platform remains—and so does his love for competition.
Pushing Performance Limits
Larson’s knowledge of drag racing performance is unmatched. He broke down the massive horsepower numbers behind various setups:
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Twin-turbo builds reaching over 4,000 horsepower
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Screw-blown cars topping 3,500 horsepower
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Centrifugal blower setups pushing 3,300+ horsepower
He emphasized how far the sport has come and what it takes to stay competitive—especially in high-stakes races where every tenth of a second counts.
Drag & Drive Stories That Became Legends
Drag-and-drive events are etched into Larry’s legacy. He shared tales of racing in the rain through the mountains, wrenching through sleepless nights, and barely making it to the next track. One of the most iconic moments? Watching Carl Scott roll into the gates last minute and take the win, despite blowing up the motor mid-week and rebuilding it on the fly.
Larry also revisited a time when he swapped pulleys and fuel types between passes—running on pump gas for the road, then flipping to race gas with a quicker blower speed at the strip. True innovation in motion.
Safety First—Always
Despite his need for speed, Larry never compromises on safety. He raised concerns about compressed air-powered vehicles, noting the potential dangers of racing with high-pressure tanks in the car. For Larson, winning isn’t worth it without smart safety choices.
Current Projects & What’s Ahead
These days, Larson is still deeply involved in building high-performance machines for clients. One notable project? A ‘69 Mustang that had been in storage for nearly two decades. He’s also considering branching out into tuning work and exploring less demanding roles in the racing world—while staying close to the sport he loves.
Final Thoughts: A Legacy Still in Motion
Larry Larson’s racing legacy isn’t just built on wins—it’s built on innovation, resilience, and passion. From the strip to the streets, his journey is far from over. Whether he’s behind the wheel, under the hood, or mentoring the next generation of racers, Larry Larson continues to drive drag racing forward, one run at a time.
