Cain: Larson missed out this time, but he’s the future favorite to win a title

RELATED: Stunned Larson reacts at Kansas  There are few things in big-time auto racing you can predict with certainty. However, the likelihood Kyle Larson will win a Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship is one of those rare, not really going-out-on-a-limb expectations. And when he finally hoists that trophy in the near future, he will feel tremendous accomplishment. Not just because he won that trophy but because he experienced the loss of another one first. After his No. 42 Credit One Bank Chevrolet blew an engine early in the playoff elimination race Sunday at Kansas Speedway, Larson stood outside his team hauler and patiently, thoughtfully answered every single question from every news outlet surrounding him -- television, radio and print reporters two- and three-deep. He probably would have preferred to just go inside his team's hauler and in the privacy of those confines put his head in his hands. He was a popular and good-sense favorite to challenge Sunday's race winner Martin Truex Jr. for the championship in the season finale on Nov. 19 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Instead, his postseason abruptly ended with a blown engine -- his first in four years at the Monster Energy Series level. In the minutes after Larson's Chip Ganassi Racing team parked his hobbled car in the Kansas garage, the 25-year-old looked as shocked by the chain of events as everyone else watching. As the gathering of reporters eventually dispersed, Larson went inside the team's trailer. Moments later NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin let himself into the trailer behind Larson, surely to offer perspective and consolation to the young superstar. Being assured that he will have another chance to hold the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup high one day probably was of little consolation to Larson on Sunday. But he will have more opportunity. MORE: Larson joins list of playoff surprises From the first time I met and interviewed Larson -- back before his first Camping World Truck Series start in 2012 -- something just felt different about him. He is calm, good-natured, thoughtful and obviously super talented -- the rare combination of a lot of talent but also the drive to make use of it and continue to learn. He gets it honestly. His parents are down-to-earth and supportive -- so happy and eager to now watch their son shine on the sport's biggest stage after cheering him on as a kid on the rural high banks near their Northern California home. Team owner Chip Ganassi also liked Larson's vibe and chose him to drive, to rise in the ranks, to perhaps bring the organization its first Monster Energy Series championship -- without asking Larson to bring any kind of sponsorship or money to the team. This is an important distinction and a rare occurrence in auto racing these days. But it's worked out well for Ganassi, who says he "had a feeling" about Larson's trajectory. And it's worked out for Larson whose natural talent and good disposition has made him one of NASCAR's brightest stars. In many ways -- and not just their shared California cool -- Larson reminds me of a certain seven-time champ from Southern California. Like Jimmie Johnson, Larson came from modest beginnings and earned a shot in NASCAR's big leagues because of his talent and promise. And like Johnson, Larson has already developed a reputation for his good nature, steady demeanor and high ability behind the wheel. Sunday's turn of events was especially remarkable considering Larson is having his breakout year -- collecting four wins and sweeping both races at Michigan. He's led more than 1,000 laps and has eight runner-up finishes to complement the trophies -- including three second-place finishes in a row at Atlanta, Las Vegas and Phoenix early in the season. His four wins are one more than Johnson and second only to Truex among the remaining eight playoff drivers. It all speaks to a championship future ahead for Larson, even though that may not come as any consolation to him now. The talent on track and grace away from it are another indication the sport is in good hands -- very good hands.