October 19, 2020 | By Lee Spencer

NASCAR reinstates Kyle Larson

After more than six months on the sidelines, NASCAR reinstated Kyle Larson on Monday.

He will be cleared to return to all NASCAR activities starting on January 1, 2021.

“NASCAR continues to prioritize diversity and inclusion across our sport,” NASCAR said in a statement. “Kyle Larson has fulfilled the requirements set by NASCAR, and has taken several voluntary measures, to better educate himself so that he can use his platform to help bridge the divide in our country. Larson’s indefinite suspension has been lifted. Under the terms of his reinstatement, he will be cleared to return to all NASCAR racing activities effective January 1, 2021.”

Larson was suspended from competition following the slip of a racial slur during iRacing competition on April 12. He was fired from Chip Ganassi Racing two days later.

The 28-year-old Elk Grove, California native scored six wins, eight poles, 56 top fives and 101 top 10s in 223 Cup starts. But he’s been a prolific victor during his stock car sabbatical scoring 42 wins in 83 open-wheel starts, most recently in a USAC silver crown race during the 57th running of Bettenhausen 100 at the Springfield Mile on Sunday.

"I'm truly grateful to everyone at NASCAR and appreciative of their process," Larson said. "The work I've done over the last six months has had a major impact on me. 

"I will make the most of this opportunity and look forward to the future."