In the hallowed halls of NASCAR history, some moments transcend mere racing—they become living legends that bridge generations. The roar of engines, the vibrant liveries, and the unspoken camaraderie among racing families create a tapestry rich with stories of triumph and passion. This year’s Darlington Throwback Weekend promises to weave another chapter in this storied narrative, with Kyle Larson preparing to honor Terry Labonte’s iconic 2003 Southern 500 win in a tribute that’s more than just a paint scheme—it’s a celebration of racing heritage.
The orange-black-yellow-blue Kellogg’s paint scheme is etched into the memory of every NASCAR fan, as it was a true representation of the 2000s. The bold colors, with vibrant contrasts, set the track alight. It was Terry Labonte’s last win in the Cup Series toward the tail end of his career, adding another layer of nostalgia to this throwback. Labonte and Larson both opened up about their feelings towards this throwback, and their respect was mutual, despite Larson admitting that Labonte was not necessarily his favorite Hendrick Motorsports driver back in the 1990s.
Terry Labonte and Kyle Larson – Similar, yet so different
Terry Labonte’s victory at Darlington in 2003 was a special moment for NASCAR fans. Everybody loved seeing Labonte win. A perennial underdog who battled through eras where others dominated and still managed to claim two championships (1984 and 1996), 12 years apart nonetheless. So, when Kyle Larson adopts this scheme, it creates a unique dichotomy. Larson is a serial winner and always the favorite to win. The #5 already has more wins for Hendrick Motorsports (30) than Labonte did (12) in his 11 years with the team, and Labonte is glad that Larson has this ride.
When Terry Labonte first saw the throwback scheme, his excitement was palpable. “Well, I think it’s awesome,” he exclaimed. “The thing that’s really cool for me is the fact that Kyle Larson’s behind the wheel of a Hendrick car—he can win the race in it.” His enthusiasm stretched beyond mere nostalgia, with a genuine belief in Larson’s potential. “I swear last year I thought he was going to win the race with that throwback paint scheme, and hopefully this year things will go his way and he can get to victory lane.”
Larson donned Labonte’s 1996 championship-winning Kellogg’s scheme at the Throwback Weekend in 2024 and came very close to taking it to victory lane. He led 15 laps, won stage 1, finished fifth in stage 5… until his left rear tire decided to go flat in the final stage, resulting in a DNF. Larson was in sixth position and gaining time on the race leader, too. However, Labonte still believes that the best guy to drive this scheme is the Elk Grove native.
Labonte’s admiration for Kyle Larson goes far beyond the paint scheme. “It doesn’t matter where you watch him run at, he’s just impressive,” he said emphatically. “Whether it’s a sprint car, an Indy car, or a stock car at any track, or a dirt late model—he’s just one of the most talented drivers I think I’ve ever seen behind a wheel. And I’ve seen some really good ones!” This praise carries significant weight, coming from a driver who has witnessed generations of racing talent.
Larson’s prowess across tracks is simply undeniable. From his sprint car racing series, High Limit Racing, to his 3x Chili Bowl Nationals titles and to winning the 24 Hours of Daytona! Kyle Larson can do it all. It’s really no surprise that the legends of the past hold him in such high regard. Terry Labonte, for instance, has raced with the likes of Richard Petty to Larson’s self-proclaimed idol, Jeff Gordon! Labonte and Gordon were teammates at Hendrick Motorsports when the former won his second championship and then raced for another eight years before calling it quits on a full-time career.
Terry Labonte’s 2003 Darlington triumph was voted as the most popular win in 2003 by 90% of NASCAR fans. This is the stronghold a legend like him had on the community. And to be fair, Labonte was 47, so getting a win that late in his career must have felt special. However, there was one future driver who was probably rooting for Jeff Gordon while watching that race, although he does confess to not following the sport as much. Yes, we’re talking about none other than Kyle Larson himself!
Terry Labonte on Kyle Larson driving paint schemes that are tributes to Labonte’s days at Hendrick Motorsports: @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/zcFv1lrIh6
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) March 27, 2025
Larson’s perspective adds another layer to this tribute. While he admits he wasn’t a die-hard NASCAR fan growing up—“I didn’t watch a whole lot of NASCAR back then”—he found his connection through unexpected means. “Obviously, I was Jeff Gordon fan… but I ate Kellogg’s, so I’m sure I was a Terry Labonte fan,” he chuckled. His deeper understanding came through stories from Jeff Gordon, Labonte’s teammate and current Hendrick Motorsports Vice Chairman.
“Jeff told me stories about how much of a tough competitor he was. Personality was very quiet.” Larson shared. “He said he never really knew what Labonte was thinking, and when he would pay you back, he would pay you back big.” This glimpse into Labonte’s competitive spirit reveals why he’s considered a legend in the sport. Labonte was outspoken but never outworked. He was the victim of an era of NASCAR where dominant personalities like Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt stole the show. Meanwhile, Labonte racked up accolades in the shadows.
Larson feels he can see himself in Labonte, from the stories he has heard, “Very similar to, I feel like, myself. Just quiet, calm, mellow. He’s just a legend.” Two quiet racers who love nothing more than getting in a car and driving for hours. No wonder Larson and Hendrick Motorsports love throwing it back to Labonte’s cars. In fact, HMS even kept Labonte’s real car from the 2003 victory, and the 2-time Cup Series Champion was grateful to Rick Hendrick.
Labonte recalled seeing his original 2003 car: “I saw it down at Hendrick a couple of years ago. It was sitting there in the museum. It’s pretty cool they’re gonna bring it up here and put it in a museum for a year.” Rick Hendrick’s commitment to preserving racing history is not lost on Labonte, who appreciates “how he keeps a lot of those old cars that have special races.”
The Hendrick Motorsports Museum in North Carolina is filled with rich history. For a team boasting over 300 Cup Series victories, it’s no surprise that they’ve managed to keep some of the most iconic cars to themselves. From Labonte’s win at North Wilkesboro during his championship season in 1996 to Jeff Gordon’s 2005 Daytona 500 win that gave HMS back-to-back Daytona 500 triumphs, the museum is etched in racing heritage.
As Larson takes on this paint scheme, with the hope of creating his own legacy, it symbolizes the shift in generations. Labonte was in an era of NASCAR where such paint schemes were the norm, and the connection between Kellogg’s and Labonte is not lost to this day. His unique post-racing life includes an intriguing role managing over 100 Tony the Tiger costumes for Kellogg’s, a remnant of his long-standing sponsorship relationship that continues to bring a smile to his face.
We hope that smile can be broadened when the Cup Series moves to Darlington next week, as this scheme is arguably the most well-executed one of the lot. What do you think? Can Kyle Larson drive past his ghosts of 2024 and clinch a win at Darlington to honor Labonte’s legacy? Let us know in the comments!
The post Terry Labonte Stoked to See 22 YO NASCAR Legacy Return as He Pins Hope on Kyle Larson Despite His Betrayal for Jeff Gordon appeared first on EssentiallySports.
