“He’s Been Killing It This Year”: Kyle Larson In Awe of 18-Year-Old Racing Sensation Ryan Timms

Ryan Timms' Knoxville Nationals win and hot form make him a likely favorite in upcoming sprint-car markets; punters should consider backing him in headline dirt events as bookmakers may shorten odds, but avoid speculative NASCAR futures until any official switch is announced.

Kyle Larson Praises 18-Year-Old Ryan Timms After Knoxville Triumph

Ryan Timms, the 18-year-old who shocked the dirt-racing world by winning the Knoxville Nationals in August, has drawn high praise from NASCAR champion Kyle Larson. Timms became the youngest winner of the Knoxville Nationals since Kenny Weld in 1964 and claimed a reported $190,000 payday, instantly elevating his profile across open-wheel and stock-car circles.

Larson: “He Has Been Killing It This Year”

Kyle Larson singled out Timms’ rapid rise and the strength of his equipment, saying, “He has been killing it this year. Their car is really, really good too. That was awesome to see him. I can’t imagine being 18 or whatever he is and winning 190,000 dollars and winning the biggest race of the year and then back it up...” Larson also noted Timms’ preparedness and confidence, and admitted uncertainty about whether the teenager wants to pursue NASCAR given the lucrative opportunities in dirt racing.

Timms’ Unconventional Path to Sprint-Car Stardom

Timms grew up around Late Model racing but gravitated toward open-wheel machines after his father put him in junior sprints. He began competing at eight years old on micro-sprint tracks in Oklahoma and quickly emerged as a top prospect. By 2017 he had won the junior sprint division of the Tulsa Shootout, and his decision to focus on sprint cars—rather than following a traditional Late Model-to-stock-car route—has paid off with early, high-profile success.

What the Praise Means for Timms’ Career Choices

The combination of prize money and immediate fame makes a move to NASCAR less certain for Timms. Larson highlighted that many dirt stars earn more and find greater financial security staying in open-wheel dirt racing. For now, Timms appears committed to sprint cars, where his talent and a prepared team have already yielded major results.

Betting Implications and Market Signals

Timms’ Knoxville win and mounting praise create clear market signals for bettors. Expect shorter prices in upcoming sprint-car feature markets as bookmakers adjust for form and public attention. Back him in headline dirt events where his momentum and team preparation are measurable advantages, but be cautious on long-term futures tied to a potential move to NASCAR—those outcomes depend on career decisions, not performance alone.

Ryan Timms, fresh off his history-making triumph at Knoxville Nationals in August as the youngest winner since Kenny Weld in 1964, has already caught the attention of some of the sport’s biggest names. Among them is 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson, who recently offered glowing praise for the teenager’s rise. Appearing on the [...]The post “He’s Been Killing It This Year”: Kyle Larson In Awe of 18-Year-Old Racing Sensation Ryan Timms appeared first on The SportsRush.

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