Kyle Larson preparation for NASCAR’s toughest race is under the spotlight as crew chief Cliff Daniels shares insights into the team‘s strategies ahead of the grueling event. With his second attempt at ‘The Double’ approaching, Larson and his crew are focused on every element to ensure peak performance both on and off the track.
Cliff Daniels’ Journey to Crew Chief and His Impact on Larson’s Success
Cliff Daniels joined Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) in 2014, where he first contributed as a race engineer for Jimmie Johnson’s No. 48 team. His technical expertise and leadership skills drew attention from the top executives, quickly moving him into more prominent roles. Over the years, Daniels led teams of engineers and, by 2019, took on the responsibility of crew chief.
When he began working with Kyle Larson in 2021, immediate results followed: Larson claimed the Cup Series championship in their first year as a team. Since that breakthrough, the duo has achieved a remarkable record of 28 Cup Series victories, drawing notice throughout NASCAR.
High Stakes and Rising Expectations for ‘The Double’
As Kyle Larson prepares for his second attempt at the demanding ‘The Double’—a feat blending NASCAR and IndyCar events on the same day—expectations have soared. His strong form in the Cup Series ensures widespread attention, and naturally, this elevates the pressure on both Larson and his No. 5 crew to keep delivering. Daniels and his team face renewed challenges in managing both the technical aspects and the demanding schedule that comes with competing at the elite level across different types of races.
Insights from the Crew Chief: Balancing Experience and Continuous Learning
In an interview at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports, Cliff Daniels discussed his approach to preparing both himself and Larson for the high-stakes weekend. When asked if he was at the event as a supporter or as a learner, Daniels said,
“All of the above.”
—Cliff Daniels, Crew Chief
Pockrass pressed further about Daniels’ confidence in Larson’s readiness for the Coca-Cola 600, asking:
“Do you [Daniels] feel good about his [Larson’s] preparation for the 600?”
—Bob Pockrass, Fox Sports Reporter
Daniels responded with optimism, highlighting his trust in Larson’s process no matter the circumstances, saying,
“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,”
—Cliff Daniels, Crew Chief
The conversation shifted to Larson’s participation in additional races beyond his full-time Cup commitments. Daniels commented on how these extra opportunities benefit Larson’s primary racing efforts, explaining,
“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.”
—Cliff Daniels, Crew Chief
When discussing the final stages of preparation, Daniels described how their routine ensures focus and readiness, 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,”
—Cliff Daniels, Crew Chief
Significance of Daniels’ Approach and What Lies Ahead
Cliff Daniels’ long-standing work with both engineers and drivers, including his pivotal years with Jimmie Johnson and now with Kyle Larson, reflects the importance of ongoing learning in elite motorsports. By embracing flexibility and preparation, Daniels helps ensure that Larson remains competitive regardless of the unique demands posed by events like ‘The Double.’
With anticipation building and expectations high at the garage and among fans, the collaborative approach between Larson and Daniels will be tested as preparations transition into race day. As the team puts their methods to the test on one of racing’s biggest weekends, their adaptive strategies could play a decisive role in the outcome of NASCAR’s toughest challenge.
