Kyle Larson’s 2025 season, marked so far by three wins, one pole position, 11 top-five finishes, and 17 top-ten results over 30 races, initially showed promise but has recently struggled to maintain momentum. The 31-year-old driver’s campaign, especially with the NASCAR Cup Series returning to Kansas Speedway, displays a mix of strong performances and disappointing setbacks, highlighting why the phrase “Kyle Larson 2025 season” has drawn increased scrutiny from fans and analysts alike.
Larson, driving the No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports (HMS), hinted at a revival ahead of the Round of 12’s second race. Despite flashes of determination, his inconsistency remains a defining feature of the year. HMS supporters have been watching closely as Larson’s roller-coaster results contrast sharply with his dominant 2021 championship season.
Examining the Causes Behind Larson’s Uneven 2025 Campaign
Kevin Harvick, the 2014 Cup Series champion, suggested that Kyle Larson’s 2025 performance is significantly below his previous standards. Harvick singled out William Byron and the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports car as top contenders for the championship, implicitly questioning Larson’s ability to reach similar heights this year. This perspective raises an important question: what key factors or signs did Harvick observe that others might have overlooked?
Throughout this year, Larson’s Chevrolet No. 5 has lacked the sharpness it showed in earlier seasons. At this stage in 2024, Larson’s record included four wins, ten top-five placements, 13 top-ten finishes, and an average race finish of 13.6. Historically, Larson has raised his game in the playoffs, achieving eight wins, 19 top-five finishes, and 30 top-ten results in 50 playoff races.
Although Larson’s performance in 2025 shows some steadiness, the competition has intensified, with drivers like Ryan Blaney and William Byron emerging as formidable rivals. While Larson remains a favorite on the Kansas Speedway circuit due to his past successes, his recent decline has not gone unnoticed.
Decline Noted After Early Triumph at Kansas
Reporter Steven Taranto documented Larson’s downturn since his commanding May victory at Kansas. During that race, Larson led 221 out of 267 laps, marking his third win within the season’s first 12 events. However, this peak was followed by a notable decrease in dominance.
Back in May, Kyle Larson led 221 of 267 laps on his way to a Kansas win that was his third in the first 12 races of 2025. Since then he’s led just 126 laps and only has three top five finishes.
— Steven Taranto, Reporter
Larson’s gradual slump is evident statistically but has not shaken NASCAR Nation’s faith in his talent. Despite his struggles from May to September, these results are unlikely to overshadow his overall career achievements. Comparatively, Ryan Blaney of Team Penske has demonstrated remarkable steadiness, often outperforming Larson in recent weeks.
The season’s statistics also emphasize Larson’s capability; at Bristol, he led 411 of 500 laps, underscoring his skill when conditions align. Still, his average finish of 17.4 and only three top-five finishes across 18 races after May reflect the challenges faced this year.
Technical and Competitive Hurdles for Hendrick Motorsports
Aside from Larson’s personal form, Hendrick Motorsports as a team is facing difficulties tuning their cars on short and intermediate tracks. The Chevrolet entries have been outpaced by the growing strength of Toyota teams. This technical struggle further complicates Larson’s quest for consistent results, amid a fiercely competitive field.
Overall, Kyle Larson’s 2025 season highlights how even top drivers can encounter periods of difficulty, affected by evolving competition and setup issues. As the playoffs continue, observing how Larson and HMS respond will be critical to understanding the trajectory of his campaign and its impact on the championship race.
Back in May, Kyle Larson led 221 of 267 laps on his way to a Kansas win that was his third in the first 12 races of 2025.
Since then he's led just 126 laps and only has three top five finishes. pic.twitter.com/dqtcCMCpZv
— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) September 26, 2025
