Kyle Larson looks to make the most of his second chance in NASCAR

2020 was sort of season of change when it came to NASCAR and race relations. The sport banned the Confederate flag at it's tracks and suspended one of its top drivers for using a racial slur.

Kyle Larson came into NASCAR via its diversity program, so his use of a slur and subsequent suspension came as a shock to some. Now back behind the wheel, Larson is out to prove its a mistake he won't make again.

"I really never though that I would get another chance to race in NASCAR, " said Larson. "I kind of accepted that through the middle of last year."

Larson was fired from his previous job at Chip Gannassi Racing and suspended from NASCAR, Aafter he used a racial slur while playing an online racing game last April.

"There were a lot of thoughts I guess about my life though over the summer, but I was kind of at peace with that," said Larson.

After Larson completed NASCAR mandated diversity training and and was reinstated by the sanctioning body, top team owner Rick Henrick decided that Larson deserved a second chance..

"Everybody knows or most people know how hard he's worked to make things right or to say he's sorry and take ownership," said Hendrick. "I've seen a different kid, his life has changed."

Those who compete on track with Larson also see that as well

"The way he presented himself, the way he carried himself, showing initiative going through the road to recovery," said former teammate Kurt Busch. "Just everything about him shows what he's going to bring to the track in 2021."

One of his current teammates agrees.

"Just to see the change in him and to see how his life changed overnight and the efforts he's made to make that right and better himself through that is something we should all admire," said Chase Elliott.

Larson hopes to prove he deserves this second chance he's been given..

"Tt was a tough year for sure, but I grew as a person, I grew as a race car driver," said Larson. "Now I look forward to putting everything together this year and being a great person and great race car driver."

Henderson says sponsors have been receptive to Larson's redemption story and a few have already signed on to support the car. He also believes as people continue to see how Larson has changed, more will step in to sponsor the number 5 car.