Kyle Larson’s 2025 championship season will be remembered as a pivotal moment for both the driver and Hendrick Motorsports, who secured their fifteenth NASCAR Cup title. As the team prepares for the upcoming 2026 Daytona 500, Vice Chairman Jeff Gordon is reflecting on the hard-fought journey that led to this milestone—and on the broader significance it holds for NASCAR drivers and teams alike.
Inside the 2025 NASCAR Cup Triumph
In 2025, Kyle Larson captured his second Cup Series title, driving the No. 5 car and helping Hendrick Motorsports add a record-breaking fifteenth championship to their legacy. The achievement represented more than just another victory—it was a testament to the organization’s determination. According to Jeff Gordon, the path to Phoenix was anything but easy, as the No. 5 team persisted through immense pressure and adversity.
Gordon, now serving as Hendrick’s Vice Chairman and drawing on his own experience as a racing legend, emphasized the depth of emotion behind the scenes. The magnitude of the moment remains vivid for him, reflecting the drive and unity displayed by the entire crew.
“Being around the shop in meetings and interacting with the crew chiefs, teams and drivers you realize how bad they want it, how hard they’re working just to get to Phoenix,.Then, when you see them pull that off, that’s what pulls me in – the trust and belief and excitement and nervousness you have for them. I definitely felt that throughout the whole weekend”
— Jeff Gordon, Vice Chairman
Further describing his pride in the achievement, Gordon added,
“The record books years from now won’t talk about any of that, it’ll be that we won our 15th championship.. I think right now, where I am is just incredibly proud of knowing we put ourselves in that position. Our folks worked extremely hard and they did it.”
— Jeff Gordon, Vice Chairman
The final showdown in Phoenix was shaped by a critical strategic decision. While JGR driver Denny Hamlin seemed poised to claim his first Cup title, a last-minute call to take four tires versus Larson’s two ultimately shifted the championship fate in Larson’s favor. These tactical decisions underscored the razor-thin margins within which crews operate at the pinnacle of NASCAR racing.
Jeff Gordon’s Vision for Kyle Larson’s Future
After Larson’s championship-winning drive in Phoenix, Gordon was clear about his hopes for Larson’s legacy with the team. Speaking about his longstanding connection with Larson, Gordon highlighted not only the talent but also the potential for even greater accomplishments.
“I’ve known Kyle for many, many years, watching him race sprint cars, and I always knew that if you can put him behind the wheel of a Hendrick Motorsports car, he’d do special things,”
Jeff Gordon said of Larson.
“I also believe that records and championships, they’re made to be broken. As long as he’s on our team, I want him to win 10,”
said Jeff Gordon. — Jeff Gordon, Vice Chairman
This aspirational outlook for the Elk Grove native reflects broader ambitions within Hendrick Motorsports as they look to set new standards within the Cup Series and inspire the upcoming generation of NASCAR drivers.
Kyle Larson’s Racing Momentum Continues
Following his second Cup Series title, Kyle Larson has continued to showcase his relentless drive across the racing world. Immediately after his Phoenix triumph, Larson traveled to Australia, where he clinched another major victory at the High Limit International event in Perth, earning a record $110,000. With little rest, Larson quickly returned to the United States for the Tulsa Shootout in Oklahoma and is already preparing for competition at the ever-prestigious Chili Bowl Nationals.
Larson’s post-championship schedule reflects the determined mindset and work ethic admired by team figures like Gordon. The ongoing pursuit of excellence by Larson and the No. 5 crew highlights why 2025 is being hailed as a landmark year not just for the driver or Hendrick Motorsports, but for the entire NASCAR Cup Series.
What Lies Ahead for Larson and Hendrick Motorsports
With the 2026 Daytona 500 approaching, anticipation is building throughout the organization for what Larson and Hendrick Motorsports might achieve next. The 2025 run has set a new benchmark, and expectations are soaring—for more titles, broken records, and legendary moments in NASCAR competition. As the events of 2025 continue to be processed and celebrated, the focus on teamwork, strategy, and ambition remains central to the team’s ongoing quest for success.
