Kyle Larson, driving for Hendrick Motorsports, secured his second NASCAR Cup champion title in 2025 after a dramatic finale at Phoenix Raceway, further establishing himself among the elite ranks in the sport. This victory not only added to his impressive career but also contributed to Hendrick Motorsports’ legacy in the world of NASCAR.
Larson’s Path to the 2025 Cup Series Title
Larson, piloting the No. 5 Chevrolet and guided by crew chief Cliff Daniels, finished the season at the top of the standings after an intense final race. The championship came as Larson navigated challenging pit strategies to surpass Denny Hamlin during the closing laps at Phoenix Raceway. Despite finishing third overall in the race, Larson was the highest-placed finisher among the Championship 4 contenders, which sealed his championship win. This accomplishment makes him the 18th driver in NASCAR history to earn multiple Cup Series titles and the third to do so for Hendrick Motorsports, joining the legendary Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon.
Memorable Moments and Key Victories
Several standout performances defined Larson’s year. His most notable victory occurred at Bristol Motor Speedway in the spring, where his dominance was on full display. Larson led 411 out of 500 laps during the Cup race, sweeping both stages and energizing his team at a pivotal moment in the season. This win came immediately after a commanding Xfinity Series triumph at Bristol, and was emotionally significant as it followed the recent loss of longtime team PR representative Jon Edwards.
Larson’s impressive run continued at Kansas Speedway in May, where he led from pole position and captured another stage-sweeping victory. In that race, he led 221 laps—setting a new record for the most laps led in a 400-mile event on a 1.5-mile track within the series. These performances propelled him into the Cup Series points lead for the first time in 2025 and showcased his relentless skill and determination.
Rewriting the Record Books for Hendrick Motorsports
By claiming the 2025 NASCAR Cup champion title, Larson helped Hendrick Motorsports secure its record-breaking 15th Cup Series championship, just one year after celebrating the organization’s 40th anniversary. Notably, Larson also became only the third driver to win multiple championships under NASCAR’s elimination-style playoff format, joining Joey Logano and Kyle Busch in this exclusive club.
Reflections from Kyle Larson and Looking Toward the Future
“I don’t think any of us foresaw us getting a second championship in the fashion that we did today. That probably makes it seem even different. Nonetheless, we’re on the list two times. That’s something to be proud of. As far as for legacy, I really don’t put a whole lot of thought into that yet. Like I’ve mentioned many times before, I think it’s really hard to think about that sort of thing right now as you’re still competing and plan to compete for quite a while. We’re still going to try and go out there and win more races. The legacy will kind of take care of itself as we approach that.”
— Larson, in the hours after clinching the championship in Phoenix.
What Comes Next for Larson and the No. 5 Team?
Looking ahead, few changes are expected for Larson’s No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports team, which continues to be led by the accomplished Cliff Daniels. Larson’s contract with Hendrick Motorsports runs through the end of the 2026 season, making his continued presence a top priority for the organization. Although he has now gone 24 races without another Cup Series win—a rare drought given his talent—Larson remains a formidable contender. If he emerges in the title fight next year, he will defend both his race and series champion status at the season-ending event, which moves to Homestead-Miami Speedway as the new host track.
Kyle Larson’s 2025 NASCAR Cup champion journey reinforces his place as one of the premier drivers of his generation, while ensuring that Hendrick Motorsports’ influence continues to shape the history of the sport. Racing fans and competitors alike will be watching closely to see if he can add even more milestones in the seasons to come.
