Jeff Gordon, a four-time Cup Series champion and current vice chairman at Hendrick Motorsports, experienced overwhelming emotion as Kyle Larson secured the Kyle Larson NASCAR Cup Championship in Phoenix last November. The moment marked Hendrick Motorsports’ 15th title, an achievement Gordon admits he’s still processing, reflecting a level of pride and disbelief after witnessing the culmination of relentless effort by the No. 5 team.
The Moment Sinks In After Phoenix Win
During the race at Phoenix, Gordon was stationed in the pit area of the No. 9 team as Larson crossed the finish line, securing the team’s 2025 crown. It wasn’t until Gordon climbed down from the pit box and made his way toward Victory Lane that he started to grasp the significance of the accomplishment. Even weeks later, he acknowledges that the full impact has yet to settle in. Being part of the behind-the-scenes process, Gordon often attends internal meetings with crew chiefs, engineers, and drivers, consistently reminded of the team’s singular goal to win at Phoenix and lift the championship trophy.
“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 … Then it was more, ‘Holy cow, that just happened.’ And I’d say I’m still a little bit in that mode.”
– Jeff Gordon, Team Vice Chairman
Legacy in the Records, but Emotions Remain Personal
Looking ahead, Gordon recognizes that history will capture only the facts: the 15th Cup Series championship for Hendrick Motorsports. The deeper story—the range of emotions, dedication, and tension lived by those behind the scenes—may never be fully represented in the record books. With a perspective born from years of racing experience, Gordon acknowledges that while the official narrative will be about the title count, the journey to earn it holds far more weight for those involved.
Preparing for Continued Success in the Next Season
Despite still processing the 2025 victory, Gordon is already focusing on the team’s objectives for the 2026 season. His forward-thinking mindset epitomizes the drive of champions, emphasizing continual growth and improvement regardless of past achievements.
“I think what our folks are so good at, no matter how good you did last year, they’re working equally or even harder at raising the bar the next year.”
– Jeff Gordon, Team Vice Chairman
Innovations and Optimism Heading Toward 2026
Looking toward the future, the team is set to introduce a new Chevrolet body for the 2026 Cup Series, an upgrade Gordon is helping to fine-tune for optimal performance. He remains thrilled about the possibilities this change can bring, believing it will build on the impressive foundation already established by Hendrick Motorsports. The excitement and determination within the organization remain high, with key figures like Kyle Larson and Jeff Gordon leading the charge to sustain their championship legacy.
