Rick Hendrick has revealed that he nearly missed the chance to work with two-time champion Kyle Larson before their successful NASCAR partnership began. The opportunity to sign Larson arose before Larson ever drove for Chip Ganassi Racing, but Hendrick initially hesitated. Hendrick credits this early delay as a missed opportunity in their collaboration.
Speaking on the Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour podcast, Hendrick explained how Jeff Gordon played a crucial role in bringing Larson to his attention.
“Jeff Gordon had talked about him, and Jeff actually brought him to me back before he ever got in a car with Ganassi,”
Hendrick said.
“And that’s where I made a mistake.”
Hendrick admitted that not acting sooner set them back.
“If I had listened to Jeff, we would have been down the road further,”
he noted.
Jeff Gordon’s Persistence Helps Seal the Deal
Though Hendrick missed an early chance, Jeff Gordon’s continued advocacy for Larson eventually led to a meeting between the three. That meeting confirmed Larson’s potential as a top driver if he was placed in the right environment. Hendrick said their confidence in Larson’s capabilities was quickly validated.
“When I met with Kyle and Jeff, we knew that he could get the job done if we put him in the right situation,”
Hendrick stated.
“And boy, did it work out the first year with 10 wins and a championship.”
Since then, Larson’s success at Hendrick Motorsports has only soared. He currently holds 26 victories in the No. 5 Chevrolet, securing two Cup Series championships with the team.
Long-Term Commitment Secured Between Larson and Hendrick Motorsports
This week, Larson and Hendrick Motorsports formalized their relationship with a five-year contract extension lasting through the 2031 season. Crew chief Cliff Daniels also agreed to a multiyear contract to stay with the team. HendrickCars.com, serving as Larson’s primary sponsor, committed to supporting the No. 5 car for 35 of the 38 race weekends annually over the next five years.
At 33 years old, Larson expressed strong confidence about his place in the company and the sport going forward.
“I believe Hendrick Motorsports is the best in the sport,”
Larson declared after signing the extension.
“To be associated with that for a good part of the next future is super exciting.”
Collaboration with Crew Chief Cliff Daniels Critical for Championship Success
Larson attributed much of his recent success to the leadership of crew chief Cliff Daniels. After a challenging 2025 season, the duo managed to recalibrate and eventually drive the team to a championship victory.
“I wouldn’t have wanted anybody else leading our team to get back on track and get pointed in the right direction to go chase a championship,”
Larson remarked.
Rick Hendrick echoed this praise when announcing the new contracts.
“Kyle is one of the most complete drivers in our sport,”
Hendrick said.
“His talent, work ethic and instincts give us a chance to win every time we race.”
Influence Beyond the Track Strengthens Larson’s Growth
Beyond the racing achievements, Larson credited Hendrick himself for shaping his development as a driver and leader within the team.
It starts with Rick, Larson said.
“He’s just a great, great person. That relationship has allowed me to mature as a racer, as a teammate, as a leader.”
What almost became a missed opportunity now stands as a strong and enduring partnership, promising further successes in the years ahead for both Kyle Larson and Hendrick Motorsports.
