Kyle Larson, the accomplished driver of the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, addressed the press during NASCAR Playoff media day to discuss his team’s strengths, possible obstacles, and approach for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. As the postseason looms, Larson’s insights provided a measured yet confident look at both his readiness and the competitive landscape he will face.
Assessing Team Strengths and Areas for Growth
When asked about his team’s capabilities as they enter the playoffs, Larson refrained from pinpointing a single dominant attribute. He noted that speed has historically been a critical asset for his squad, while also acknowledging the collective resilience honed through a turbulent summer stretch. The team’s adaptability and preparedness, Larson indicated, are shaping their mindset for the challenging ten-race playoff schedule.
Responding to questions on team vulnerabilities, Larson provided concrete examples, focusing on the challenges presented by shorter, flatter tracks such as Gateway and New Hampshire. He recognized these venues as persistent difficulties, though improvements in their car setup have been observed. Referring to recent events at Iowa, Richmond, and races featuring his Hendrick teammates William Byron, Chase Elliott, and Alex Bowman, Larson described incremental gains. Yet, he admitted, more progress is needed for continued competitiveness at these specific circuits.
“Yeah, I think still the shorter, flatter tracks, so seeing Gateway and New Hampshire in the playoffs is not something that I was thrilled about. But I do think we’ve made our package better on that style of track. You know, I look at Iowa – we were fast and William (Byron) won. Chase (Elliott) was fast. Alex (Bowman) was fast. When we went to Richmond, we were all really good again. Alex finished second, and I think I was in sixth. Chase was probably one of the best cars that night. William was good, as well. I do think we’ve gotten our cars better on those places, but we still need to probably be better. We’ll see when we get to Gateway and New Hampshire.”
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Understanding Playoff Tensions and Rivalries
Larson addressed the implications of the playoff elimination structure and how the stakes could affect competitors’ tactics and mindsets. He stated that in general, the atmosphere remains largely unchanged despite potential do-or-die scenarios that sometimes prompt bolder pit calls. Drivers, he stressed, remain devoted to their best performances regardless of circumstance.
“I don’t know… I don’t really notice anything being different. We’re just out there racing. We’re all trying to do the best job we can. And then, yeah, sometimes drivers get into must-win situations and you’ll see different pit calls and stuff. But outside of that, you don’t really see it be too different.”
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Larson also discussed potential communication with Erik Jones relating to Daytona, indicating no direct outreach had occurred, though he remained open to conversation and transparency regarding his decisions during the closing laps.
“No, I haven’t spoken to him. No, but I’m open to it or at least to hear if he wanted to hear where I was coming from.”
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Momentum and Performance Reflect on Season’s Progression
Entering the playoffs off back-to-back top-ten finishes at Richmond and Daytona, Larson expressed mild satisfaction with the momentum but admitted that leading laps was still a primary objective not yet regularly achieved in recent outings. Each race remains an opportunity for execution and adaptation, with Darlington circled as a strong venue for the team to begin the postseason.
Navigating the Evolving Dynamics of Playoff Racing
When considering whether playoff events spark more aggressive or desperate driving, Larson offered a perspective grounded in recent experience. He described a tendency for competitors to exercise caution, particularly with so much at stake, though strategies do intensify in elimination scenarios. Notably, Larson mentioned that teams outside the playoff field recognize when postseason spots are on the line, sometimes altering their own approach in acknowledgment.
“Honestly, in my opinion, I feel like the racing has always calmed down a little bit once you get to the playoffs because everybody’s so conscious of finishing and trying to just get the best finish possible that day. Obviously, when you get to the cutoff races and stuff, maybe it might ramp up a little bit, or teams’ pit calls might get a little bit more desperate. But I feel like it kind of calms down because we’re trying to finish. Other teams that aren’t in the playoffs recognize that we’re racing for something and sometimes there’s a little bit more give and take. But it’s still ultra-aggressive. I mean, it’s Next Gen racing, but I do believe it dials back a little bit.”
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Focus on Key Playoff Tracks and Their Impact
Larson underlined the benefit of returning to familiar tracks during the playoffs, singling out Bristol as a particular favorite where Hendrick Motorsports has a strong record. He emphasized the importance of starting the playoffs with strong performances on these circuits, hoping to accumulate valuable playoff points and set a strong tone for deeper playoff rounds.
“Yeah, I think there’s definitely a number of tracks in the playoffs that we know we’ll be fast at. You don’t ever know, but you assume you’re going to be fast at them. It’s good to have those tracks, especially in the first round, to get our feet under us; get running strong, hopefully lead in laps and challenging for wins. Gaining some more playoff points would be great leading into the next rounds.”
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
The Marathon of the Ten-Week Playoff Calendar
The structure and duration of the playoff schedule present unique challenges. Larson shared his view on how championship favoritism can shift as weeks progress, suggesting that the competitive landscape is subject to frequent changes. The psychological and physical toll, he said, may not be readily apparent to viewers, but focus is maintained due to the high stakes involved.
“Yeah, definitely feels long. Not that it feels long, but I feel like the favorite to start the playoffs might not necessarily be the favorite seven weeks from now. It feels so long. The sport still changes a lot and momentum can change quite a bit.”
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Team Resilience and Comeback Strategy
The No. 5 team’s resilience was highlighted through examples such as recovering from incidents at Watkins Glen and Mexico. Larson credited crew chief Cliff Daniels and the team’s refusal to give up as key elements of their strategy, particularly in capitalizing on opportunities after repairs or setbacks.
“I don’t know. I mean, we just never give up, really. It’s not that others, I don’t think, are aware of that. You know, I think people are — if you go to the DVP and can fix your car, I feel like nine times out of ten, teams are doing that. It’s just happened to where our car is still drivable and fast enough to go for that stuff. Like Watkins Glen was a brake fitting. In Mexico, we got smashed, but thankfully our car was driving okay and we were able to go out and get the fast lap. So, yeah, it is cool that it paid off because you don’t know if those little moments are going to pay off, but it was neat that it did.”
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Fuel Strategy and Its Influence on Race Outcomes
Fuel mileage races and the role of fuel strategy have become focal points of discussion this season. Larson reflected that saving fuel on superspeedways has long been standard practice among seasoned drivers but has drawn new attention through recent data visibility and broadcast coverage. He pointed out collaboration with his Chevrolet teammates, such as Chase Elliott, to optimize pit stop timing and ensure preparedness for late-race scenarios.
“No, I mean, I don’t know. I guess over time, you get the hang of it. A lot of people act like we’ve never saved fuel before on superspeedways, but as long as I’ve ever been in NASCAR, we’ve always been saving fuel, it’s just now we have SMT and TVs can look at it and stuff, so it’s just a topic. But yeah, we’ve all been saving fuel at those places for over 10 years now, at least in my career.”
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
“Yeah, I mean, I guess. I will say, at least for the Chevys, we have the key partners’ stuff that we study. I would say Chase and myself are the most conscious about fuel savings, at least having enough fuel on board to have a short pit stop for the green flag cycle. So that’s really all it is.”
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Rivalries and Respect Among Top Competitors
Larson was asked about Christopher Bell, a frequent playoff adversary with Joe Gibbs Racing and a driver known for his late-race prowess. Larson described Bell as a consistently formidable presence, capable of rising through the field and securing necessary victories at crucial times. He cited Bell’s performances at circuits like Homestead, the Charlotte Roval, and Martinsville as evidence of his threat level during playoff runs.
“Yeah, he’s an extremely great race car driver; very smart and calculated in the NASCAR stuff and dirt stuff. I mean, he’s always been good on dirt. But NASCAR, especially in the playoffs, it seems he’s been like a closer, you know? He’s won when he’s needed to. I’m thinking of like a Homestead or something, you know, he’s quietly been mid-pack during the race, and then boom, there he is at the end winning or whatever the case may be. I think he’s done it at the Roval before and Martinsville. He’s a threat everywhere.”
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Balancing Cup Ambitions and Sprint Car Series Growth
In addition to his Cup Series campaign, Larson commented on his ongoing role in sprint car racing, particularly as a series promoter for High Limit. While highlighting the progress made, he affirmed that the series franchise model is close to full implementation. He expressed gratitude for his team’s efforts, including longtime collaborator Brad Sweet, underscoring a collective commitment to expanding sprint car events and building on the current momentum.
Looking Ahead: What’s at Stake for Larson and Hendrick Motorsports
With the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs fast approaching, Kyle Larson’s interviews at NASCAR Playoff media day provided a composed assessment of both internal strengths and external challenges. His pragmatic examination of team progress, strategic depth in fuel management, and steady focus on execution reflects a cautious optimism. As the field heads toward Darlington, all eyes will be on how Larson, Cliff Daniels, and the Hendrick Motorsports camp handle both the familiar and the unpredictable elements that define the path to a championship.
