Kyle Larson comes into the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season as a two-time champion with grit, strength and conviction. (Photo: Hendrick Motorsports)
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Two-time and defending NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson is preparing to start the 2026 season in the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet after an emotional, character-defining 2025.
Reflecting on a championship campaign defined as much by perseverance as speed, Larson shared insights into the mindset, team culture, and personal growth that helped him and his crew reach the top of the sport.
“We’re good. Ready to get going and get back behind the wheel,” Larson said. “Hopefully start the year like we ended and celebrate it.”
Larson’s 2025 season was far from smooth. After a strong start, he and his team hit a midseason slump that could have jeopardized their championship run.
“It didn’t seem like we were going to be celebrating like that throughout the summer,” he said. “We started off the year really good, and then throughout the summer, we just kind of got into a rut and couldn’t really find our way out of it. But we continued to work really hard. Once the playoffs came around, we finally saw an uptick in performance. Still, we didn’t win in the playoffs, but we kept ourselves in the hunt.”
For Larson, the season-ending race in Phoenix perfectly encapsulated the team’s journey. Strategic decisions, focus, and a little bit of fortune combined to secure the championship.
“We weren’t the fastest at Phoenix, but we were there when it mattered. Good strategy and a little bit of fortune helped us come away champions. I’m super proud of everybody on the team, especially Cliff [Daniels, crew chief] for continuing to push and find new ways to evolve. That’s what really propelled us to be a champion.”
The season presented several moments that could have ended their championship hopes. Larson recalled a key race where a tough pit stop and a flat right-front tire left the team a lap down.
“We could have thrown in the towel, but that’s not what we’re about,” he said. “We got back to the lead lap, made some risky two-tire calls, and ended up running third in the race for a shot to win the championship. That single race really mirrored our season.”
Resiliency wasn’t just about the racetrack. Larson highlighted the role of team culture and leadership development in navigating tough stretches. Increased team bonding and book studies helped maintain focus.
Kyle Larson (second to the left) and Cliff Daniels (far right) will continue their championship pursuits through the 2031 NASCAR Cup Series season. (Photo: Nigel Kinrade | Nigel Kinrade Photography)
“Cliff has always been a great leader, but he’s always evolving,” Larson said. “Last year, we did more events together, including book studies. Doing that in the midst of our struggles allowed us to focus on who we are as competitors and people, keeping us on the right path.”
For Larson, a critical part of staying competitive is remaining inside his own bubble and filtering out distractions.
“As I’ve gotten older, I pay way less attention to outside noise,” he said. “I just try to stay focused on myself and what our team has going on. Winning motivates us as a team, but I don’t let what other people say fuel me. I just worry about our internal goals.”
His growth as a driver is inseparable from the environment at Hendrick Motorsports. Full-time in the Cup Series since 2014, Larson credits both resources and mentorship for helping him evolve quickly, intangibles he will enjoy through 2031 after signing a contract extension with the series’ most successful multi-car operation.
“Even my dirt stuff factors into how I run in NASCAR, and vice versa,” he said. “Getting with Hendrick Motorsports and having the resources, plus a guy like Cliff pushing me, really helped me evolve faster. I’m grateful for my time at Ganassi—it gave me a strong work ethic. You’re trying to push hard every week even when you don’t have the resources, and I carried that over here, fine-tuning and getting better.”
The philosophy of continuous evolution applies across the team. Larson stressed that complacency is the enemy of sustained success.
“Every year is different, every year evolves. That’s what makes our team, and all the teams in the sport, good. You can’t be satisfied with what you did the year before. You’ve got to keep working hard.”
Larson also reflected on legacy and influence, noting that while racing demands full attention, he wants to leave an impact on the next generation.
Kyle Larson hopes to inspire the next generation, including his son, Owen, and daughter, Audrey. (Photo: Danny Hansen | Nigel Kinrade Photography)
“I see a lot more people not committed to just one form of racing, and that’s cool,” he said, referencing drivers balancing dirt and pavement. “Eventually, maybe my legacy is that I had an impact on young racers and what they perceive as the best way to develop. I hope my kids see the work ethic I had, the sacrifices I made, and carry that mindset forward.”
He emphasized that racing is more than a hobby—it’s a lifestyle.
“I want to be really good at it,” Larson said. “I’m continually finding ways to get better and be one of the best.”
Mentorship and collaboration also play a critical role in Larson’s approach. Surrounding himself with the right people, both on and off the track, accelerates growth and decision-making.
“Getting with Hendrick and having Cliff pushing me, plus the resources to refine things, has made a huge difference,” he said. “You can learn a lot in this sport from just being around the right people.”
Larson’s focus extends beyond racing to team cohesion and development. Activities like bonding exercises and book studies strengthen the group’s shared purpose and allow them to weather challenges.
“Doing that in the midst of our struggles allowed us to focus on who we are as competitors and people, keeping us on the right path,” he said.
For fans, Larson’s words reveal the mindset behind success: resilience, trust, and the ability to adapt under pressure.
Kyle Larson pursues his first DAYTONA 500 win, hoping his 13th start will be his luckiest one. (Photo: David Rosenblum | Nigel Kinrade Photography)
“It’s about focusing on what you can control,” he said. “If you do that, you can handle anything the season throws at you.”
Larson’s 2025 campaign illustrates the payoff of that philosophy: persistence through setbacks, reliance on team strategy, and decisive action when stakes were highest.
“The season was a rollercoaster, but it showed what we’re capable of when we stick to our process and trust each other,” he said.
Even as a champion, Larson acknowledges that the human element, family, supporters, and teammates, is critical.
“I just want to thank everybody for their support,” he said. “I truly appreciate it. Hopefully, we can have another solid season, win a lot of races, and celebrate in Miami in November.”
As Daytona Beach welcomes the Cup Series back to the track, Larson and the No. 5 HendrickCars.com team are poised to show why championships are earned not just on speed, but through strategy, preparation, and relentless work ethic.
“Hopefully, we can start the season strong and keep building,” Larson said. “It’s going to be a long year, but we’re ready for it.”
Author’s Note
This feature captures the championship result. The full TPF+ edition dives deeper into the summer stretch that tested the No. 5 team, the leadership discussions that sharpened their focus, and the decisive calls at Phoenix that sealed the title.
For subscribers, The Podium Finish+ delivers exclusive longform storytelling and extended insights that place you inside the moments that define a season. Race on over to TPF+ to experience the complete championship story!
