The Larson household had plenty of reasons to celebrate this week. For one, Kyle Larson swept a pair of dirt races at the Merced Speedway on Sunday. He made a welcome return to midget car racing, three months after winning the prestigious Knoxville Nationals. But if there’s one person who celebrated just as hard (if not harder), it was his mother-in-law Jennifer Sweet, who celebrated her ‘Sweet 60th’ birthday on November 24. 

To honor the occasion, Kyle Larson’s wife, Katelyn, and the Sweet family threw the rock of their clan a grand birthday party. Katelyn Larson’s video of the celebrations on Instagram is putting smiles across the various faces of the NASCAR community. 

By the looks of things, Katelyn was integral in getting the entire party rolling, and her mom had an amazing time, thanks to it. From a massive cake to gifts, candies with ‘Sweet sixty’ written on them, and smiles all around the venue, Jennifer’s birthday radiated so much warmth that one could feel it through their screens in her daughter’s video tribute.

Katelyn Larson posted a video montage, and captioned it, “Happy 60th Birthday to the very best grandma, wife, sister, daughter, friend anyone could ask for, and my mommy! To know her is to love her. We pulled off the best surprise.” Indeed, they did. The look on her mother’s face said it all. Accompanied by family members and friends, everyone joined in to ensure Jennifer Sweet’s special evening ended with the utmost happiness.

Even Brad Sweet, her racer son, who most recently won the 2024 Kubota High Limit Racing championship, was present to celebrate his mother’s incredible life. But Katelyn’s video did not feature her husband, Kyle Larson, who was probably busy preparing for this USAC return at Merced Speedway. Well, he might’ve been absent. But some notable NASCAR personalities poured in their love in the comment section.

Kelley Earnhardt-Miller, CEO and co-owner of Xfinity team JR Motorsports, and Denny Hamlin’s fiancee, Jordan Fish, were among the ones who came together to wish Jennifer Sweet a hearty 60th. Kelley’s two word comment ‘loved it,’ said it all. On the other hand Fish seemed to have been blown away by it. “Awww happy birthday to the best GMA Jen!” she wrote. But Jennifer’s humility stole the spotlight as she thanked everyone who wished her on her special occasion.

Jennifer wrote on daughter’s Instagram post, “All I can say is I am so so blessed. God gave me the best family and friends and I’m so grateful. Katelyn you really did an amazing job and surprised me. Thank you and I love you.” The gesture was certainly a heartwarming experience for the entire family. However, the tributes wouldn’t just stop at Kelley Earnhardt or Jordan Fish.

Kyle Larson’s mother-in-law shines brighter than ever at 60

Jennifer Sweet raised her family alongside her husband Don based on morals and values evident in the love she gets back in her old age. At 60, she is still full of energy, and her larger-than-life personality shines through the video posted by Katelyn. None of that missed the watchful eyes of Lorra Bowyer, wife of NASCAR driver-turned FOX analyst Clint Bowyer. She excitedly replied, “Happy birthday Jen!!!” followed by an apt heart emoticon.

Kasey Kahne’s wife Amy Long also wished Jennifer well, writing, “This makes me so happy!! Beautiful party! Sweet Sixty for sure.” Brad Sweet drives for Kasey Kahne in the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series. Eventually, Marco Andretti’s girlfriend, Billie Jo Powers, added her voice to the virtual celebrations, commenting, “So sweet!” And last but not least, outspoken insider and 3x Busch Series Most Popular Driver, Kenny Wallace made sure his compliments were heard loud and clear amidst the barrage of voices.

It was a wholesome day for the Sweet family. Even more so for Jennifer, their backbone, for over four decades. Through it all, she’s raised kids filled with joy and character, and her legacy lives on through her grandkids. Here’s to hoping she stays blessed with health, wealth, and all glory for a long time!