Preparing a race car for a full season in NASCAR involves much more than meets the eye. While the driver’s talent is critical on the track, even the best racers rely heavily on a skilled crew to achieve top results. One key figure in this setup is the crew chief, who makes crucial decisions that can significantly affect the outcome of each race.
Kyle Larson, widely regarded as one of NASCAR’s rising stars, benefits from a strong supporting team led by his crew chief, Cliff Daniels. Ahead of Larson’s second attempt at the challenging ‘The Double’ event, Daniels opened up about the strategies and preparation required for such a demanding weekend.
Cliff Daniels’ Journey to Leading Kyle Larson’s Team
Cliff Daniels has been part of Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) since 2014, starting as a race engineer for Jimmie Johnson’s No. 48 car. His success in that role earned him recognition within the organization, leading to his promotion to crew chief in 2019. By 2021, Daniels began leading Larson’s No. 5 crew, and in their first season together, Larson captured the Cup Series championship.
The Daniels-Larson partnership has since accumulated an impressive 28 victories, cementing their status among NASCAR’s elite. Given Larson’s current trajectory, expectations for the team are high as they prepare for ‘The Double,’ a grueling challenge that demands exceptional skill and coordination.
Daniels Expresses Confidence in Larson’s Preparation and Versatility
Speaking with Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway just before the event, Daniels provided candid insights into the team’s mindset heading into the weekend. When asked if he was present as a fan or to study Larson’s preparation as a crew chief, Daniels replied, “All of the above.”
Regarding Larson’s readiness for the Coca-Cola 600 portion of ‘The Double,’ Daniels stated,
“Any time he’s in a racecar, I feel good about his preparation. We’re used to being flexible and going with the ebb and flow of his racing schedule,”
he said, highlighting the adaptability ingrained in their approach.
Daniels also noted the benefits Larson gains from competing in multiple races beyond his full-time Cup Series calendar. Addressing how extra track time influences performance, Daniels explained,
“When he runs more midweek races, typically, it helps us. Obviously, in this case, it’s not a midweek race, but anytime he’s in a race car, he’s always learning, giving feedback, interacting with teams, and all that. So, it’s odd to say probably, that him doing other things actually helps us in the Cup car, but it really does.”
Focused and Ready for the Challenge Ahead
Confident in Larson’s skills and preparation, Daniels emphasized the crew’s readiness for the demanding weekend. He shared their routine plans to ensure peak performance, stating,
“There’s not a ton to refresh ourselves on with the Cup stuff. Once he walks into the garage tomorrow, I’ll hit him with my one-pager like I always do on a Saturday morning, and we’ll be ready to go,”
he said, underlining their efficient and focused approach.
This preparation reflects the synergy between Daniels and Larson, whose combined expertise and experience create a competitive edge for tackling ‘The Double.’ As NASCAR fans eagerly await the event, the duo’s dedication sets high expectations for strong performance outcomes.
