In 2021, Kyle Larson found himself at a pivotal moment in his racing career. After serving a one-year suspension due to racially insensitive comments and losing his ride with Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR), Larson was ready for a comeback. Rick Hendrick’s Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) stepped in to offer Larson a fresh start, an opportunity he embraced fully. Larson repaid HMS’s faith by delivering a spectacular season that included ten wins and a championship, cementing his status in the sport.
Since joining HMS’s No. 5 Chevrolet, Larson has captured two championships and amassed 32 wins, becoming a prominent figure for the Chevrolet team. Recently, he signed a five-year contract extension that will keep him driving the No. 5 HMS Chevy through the 2031 season.
Despite this success, Rick Hendrick admitted he missed a significant opportunity to sign Larson much earlier. Before Larson joined CGR, Hendrick’s Vice-Chairman Jeff Gordon had urged him to pursue Larson. However, Hendrick did not act on this advice at that time, a decision he now considers a major mistake.
Jeff [Gordon] actually brought him to me before he ever got in a car with Ganassi. And that’s where I made a mistake. And if I had listened to Jeff, we would have been down the road further.
Rick Hendrick said via Happy Hour podcast.
Hendrick’s regret stems from the realization that an earlier Larson signing might have changed his team’s trajectory long before 2021. When Larson became available again that year, Hendrick wasted no time and assigned him the No. 5 car, which holds personal significance. This trust paid off immediately with Larson’s dominant first season back.
But then, when I met with Kyle and Jeff, and I did, and we knew that he could get the job done if we put him in the right situation. Boy, did it work out the first year with 10 wins and a championship.
Rick Hendrick added.
Jeff Gordon Highlights the Synergy Between Larson and Crew Chief Cliff Daniels
Much of Kyle Larson’s achievements with Hendrick Motorsports can be attributed not only to his driving skills but also to his collaboration with crew chief Cliff Daniels. Their shared passion for pushing race cars to the limit provides them with a unique edge on the track.
He’s on the edge, and that pushes Cliff [Daniels] to make sure that the car can live there on the edge, right? He can tune the car to get it to do what he wants it to do.
Jeff Gordon said.
According to Jeff Gordon, Larson and Daniels consistently motivate each other to improve. Their ongoing efforts to elevate car performance and team capabilities set a high standard within the competitive environment of HMS.
They push one another to just constantly raise the bar with the speed of the car, the abilities of the team, and I mean, to me, when you’re around these guys, it’s pretty obvious why they’re successful.
Jeff Gordon added.
This strong partnership has helped Larson distinguish himself inside the already star-studded Hendrick Motorsports garage. The considerable resources and focus HMS dedicates to the No. 5 team reflect their commitment to maintaining Larson’s momentum.
The Road Ahead for Kyle Larson and Hendrick Motorsports
The reflections of Rick Hendrick and Jeff Gordon reveal how Hendrick Motorsports has built a team environment centered around Kyle Larson’s talent and determination. From missed opportunities to a powerful current collaboration, their journey highlights both challenges and successes.
With Larson secured under a long-term contract, the future appears promising for HMS and the No. 5 Chevrolet team. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as this duo aims to build on their recent championships and continue setting high standards within NASCAR.
