Kyle Larson secured his second NASCAR Cup Championship in 2025, joining the exclusive group of multi-time champions as the 18th driver and the third to win multiple titles with Hendrick Motorsports. The thrilling conclusion unfolded at Phoenix Raceway, where a tense battle between Larson and Denny Hamlin kept fans uncertain until the final moments of the race. Despite the drama and unexpected nature of the win, Larson recently shared that this championship does not top the list of his most memorable accomplishments.
In a recent conversation on the Out of Bounds podcast, host David Pingalore asked Larson to identify the highlight of his NASCAR career. Sitting in the backseat en route to the airport, Larson immediately pointed to his 2021 NASCAR Cup Championship, a season he described as both dominant and rewarding.
Larson recalled,
“It was a great season. We won 10 races that year. And then, to cap it off with the championship at Phoenix was just a dream come true. And kind of celebrating with your team. The moment of all that was amazing.”
He added,
“And I know I’m with a great team, so I’ve got a good opportunity every year to relive that feeling. But it just takes a lot of hard work. But that championship is definitely one of the coolest moments of my career, but definitely the coolest in NASCAR.”
When asked about the balance between having reliable equipment and a strong team, Larson emphasized the importance of both but acknowledged the foundational role the team plays. He said,
“Oh, well, you need all of it because your team is what makes the car. So, I guess you would start with your team. But then, you need all the pieces, really, to have success in the Cup Series. It’s so tough.”
Comparing Kyle Larson’s 2021 and 2025 Championship Campaigns
The 2021 season showcased Larson at his peak, as he consistently outpaced his competition from start to finish. Beginning the year with a 10th-place finish at the Daytona 500, Larson went on to win 10 races during the season. His performance included finishing in the top five 20 times and reaching the top 10 a total of 26 times in 36 races. Throughout the year, he led an impressive 2,581 laps, dominating many events from green to checkered flag.
Notably, Larson led over 100 laps in 11 races, with seven wins and three second-place finishes among those outings. His standout performance came at the Coca-Cola 600 held at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Memorial Day weekend, where he led 327 of the 400 laps—an extraordinary display of dominance. His overall laps led in 2021 were the highest in NASCAR’s premier series since Hendrick Motorsports Vice Chairman Jeff Gordon led 2,610 laps during his 1995 championship season.
In contrast, Larson’s 2025 season saw fewer wins, with three race victories, but remained marked by consistency, including 15 top-five finishes and 22 results within the top 10. He led around 1,106 laps, significantly fewer than in 2021. The year presented challenges, including a difficult period after attempting the demanding Memorial Day Double-Duty, which had a negative effect on his confidence and performance.
However, Larson regained momentum when the playoffs began and managed to return to a championship-winning form. His 2025 title came after a dramatic final race where a late caution helped him edge past longtime friend and rival Denny Hamlin to claim the trophy in Phoenix.
Larson’s Journey Before Joining Hendrick Motorsports
Before his move to Hendrick Motorsports in 2021, Larson raced for seven seasons with Chip Ganassi Racing. While he often praised his former team for preparing competitive cars and achieved several top-10 driver standings finishes, he did not reach championship success during that period. His breakthrough happened almost immediately after joining Hendrick Motorsports, illustrating the impact of team dynamics in NASCAR.
This combination of strong team support and robust equipment remains critical to Larson’s success, as he himself acknowledged. His reflections underline the complexity of winning in the Cup Series, where many elements must align to secure a championship.
Significance of Larson’s Championships and Outlook
Kyle Larson’s career, highlighted by his dominant 2021 championship and his dramatic 2025 victory, reflects his growth and resilience as a driver. His ability to maintain focus through challenges, rebound in tough moments, and perform under pressure shows why he remains a top contender in NASCAR. His relationship with Hendrick Motorsports and comparisons with NASCAR legends like Jeff Gordon further establish his status among the sport’s elite.
As Larson continues his career, his experience balancing team efforts and personal skill will be key in pursuing additional titles. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how he builds on past successes, navigates new adversities, and continues to leave his mark on NASCAR’s premier series.
