Kyle Larson’s dominance in NASCAR appears to be waning during the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, raising concerns about his championship viability. As Hendrick Motorsports leans on its star drivers, the focus is shifting amid Kyle Larson championship struggles, with teammate William Byron gaining ground in the postseason battles.
Larson started the year as a clear contender, backed by previous success and strong early performances, but his recent results have raised doubts. William Byron, meanwhile, has gained momentum by securing consecutive Daytona 500 victories, leading to speculation that Hendrick’s internal hierarchy might be pivoting toward Byron as the team’s primary championship hope.
Kevin Harvick Questions Larson’s Current Form
On September 23rd, Kevin Harvick expressed clear skepticism about Larson’s pace during an episode of the Happy Hour podcast. He stated,
I still don’t see the same speed and dominant car out of that 5 car that we saw at the beginning of the year and that we’ve seen last year. I think Kansas should tell a good story
Kevin Harvick, driver and analyst
Harvick contrasted Larson’s waning performance with Byron’s improving consistency.
“I’m more impressed with the 24 car, to be honest, as far as their consistency of speed, and I think they’ve been better than the 5. So, still don’t see it out of the 5, but the 24 tends to. I tend to lean towards thinking that they have a little bit of life with how close they are now,”
Harvick added, signaling his belief that Byron is now the stronger candidate to carry Hendrick Motorsports forward.
Although Larson briefly led in some races, his edge has diminished compared to previous seasons. This is underscored by commentary on social media, capturing moments such as when Joey Logano quickly ended Larson’s lead, emphasizing the competitive challenges Larson faces.
Larson led for a moment, but @joeylogano said, “Not so fast.” pic.twitter.com/yrKRS2ImGH
— NASCAR (@NASCAR)
Harvick’s insight highlights that although Larson remains a talented driver, the momentum, team chemistry, and consistency now appear to favor Byron. If Byron avoids mistakes in this critical phase, he may well become Hendrick’s dominant championship contender moving forward.
Harvick Applauds Team Penske’s Turnaround at New Hampshire
Shifting focus to Team Penske’s performance at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS), Kevin Harvick lauded the team’s resurgence after a sluggish season start. On his podcast, Harvick noted the importance of persistence and strategic improvement behind Penske’s yellow cars.
“It just seems like you can never count them out at this time of year. We’ve seen it multiple years in a row now,”
he said, pointing to Penske’s ability to rebound as the season advances.
Harvick credited Joey Logano with playing a crucial role in this turnaround. He explained,
A guy like Joey Logano, there’s not very many of them that can go do stuff like that, but he’s dug them out of a hole,
Kevin Harvick, driver and analyst
Logano’s contributions during test sessions and at North Wilkesboro were vital, allowing the team to fine-tune car setups for top performance at Loudon, where Penske secured pole positions and demonstrated formidable speed. Harvick remarked on how selecting the right driver for testing can have significant returns on race day.
During the NHMS race weekend, the effectiveness of these efforts became apparent. Harvick observed,
They show back up. All the Penske cars are fast on the pole, on the front row. Josh Berry, Ryan Blaney, (and) Joey Logano leading laps,
Kevin Harvick, driver and analyst
Harvick noted Ryan Blaney’s consistency, which, despite lacking some top finishes, combined with Logano’s leadership and Josh Berry’s competitive pace, made the Penske contingent extremely difficult to beat. The team’s synchronized timing and execution brought a sharp contrast to their rough season start.
Summing up the weekend’s performance, Harvick said,
Look, you haven’t seen the Penske cars. Penske cars were awful to start the season. … But it was lights out this weekend from the time those cars rolled off pit road for the 12,
Kevin Harvick, driver and analyst
This resurgence reinforces that experience, strategic preparation, and team cohesion remain crucial in the fiercely competitive chase for the NASCAR Cup title.
What the Shifting Dynamics Mean for Hendrick Motorsports
The evolving championship landscape underscores a tense and uncertain period for Hendrick Motorsports. Kyle Larson championship struggles have opened the door for William Byron to emerge as the frontrunner within the team, potentially redefining the organization’s championship strategy. Kevin Harvick’s endorsement of Byron over Larson hints at a recalibration of expectations going into the playoffs.
Meanwhile, rival teams like Penske are regaining their stride, further intensifying the competition heading into the final rounds. How Hendrick Motorsports adapts to these internal and external pressures will likely determine their success as the season progresses.
As the NASCAR Cup Series advances toward its climax, the performance shifts between top drivers like Larson and Byron, alongside strong challenges from teams like Penske, promise a tense and unpredictable postseason battle. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see which drivers can maintain their form and avoid costly errors in their quest for the championship.
Larson led for a moment, but @joeylogano said, "Not so fast." pic.twitter.com/yrKRS2ImGH
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 21, 2025
