With just one race left before the NASCAR Cup Series champion is decided, Kyle Larson is looking to solidify his legacy in his ongoing NASCAR championship pursuit. Racing for Hendrick Motorsports at Phoenix Raceway on November 2, Larson, guided by crew chief Cliff Daniels, remains intensely motivated to add another title to his collection.
Larson, Hendrick Motorsports and the Final Push
Kyle Larson’s journey this season places him fourth in the championship standings, with three race victories and a total of 14 top-five and 21 top-10 finishes. Backed by Hendrick Motorsports and support from notable figures such as Cliff Daniels, Larson believes that there is still ground to cover before claiming fulfillment in the Cup Series. Cliff Daniels shared his insights on Larson’s drive and the team’s ambitions:
“He (Larson) certainly is leaning into trying to maximize everything he can in the Cup Series, and in a way, he feels like he has a little bit of unfinished business. And I kind of do as well for our team, of knowing how competitive we’ve been and certainly scored some wins, we feel like there’s more wins to go get.”
— Cliff Daniels, Crew Chief
“And of course, neither of us is satisfied just having one championship. So I think that’s what keeps him motivated and certainly me and his team as well,”
he added. — Cliff Daniels, Crew Chief
The championship battle is shaped significantly by two powerhouse teams: Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing. Larson, now in his fifth year with Hendrick, remains one of the main contenders. William Byron, his teammate and the driver of the No. 24 Chevy, also has his sights set on the trophy, hoping to disrupt Team Penske’s dominance over the past three years.
Phoenix Raceway Showdown Set to Decide Title
Fans and teams alike are gearing up for the climactic 312-lap contest at Phoenix Raceway. Scheduled for Sunday, November 2, the season’s most important event will be broadcast live on Peacock starting at 3 pm ET, with radio coverage provided by MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. The showdown is expected to highlight the rivalry, strategy, and skills of the series’ most successful drivers and teams.
Contrasting Approaches: Larson Versus Hamlin on Racing Milestones
This season, Denny Hamlin, another top championship contender, marked a milestone with his 60th career win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This victory secured Hamlin’s spot in the coveted Championship 4. At 12 years younger, however, Kyle Larson approaches the quest for career milestones differently, highlighting his age and experience as factors.
In an interview, the Elk Grove-born racer explained why he does not aim for a fixed total of wins, unlike Hamlin, who is nearing retirement and has established 60 as a personal benchmark.
“I’m still so young, I don’t feel like I’m anywhere close to the end,”
Kyle Larson explained.
“So for Denny. I think it’s easier for him to pick 60 as his number that he wanted to get to because he’s much closer to the end than I am.”
— Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
“I’m just going to try and do the best job I can. And wherever those numbers end up, they end up,”
Larson continued. “And as I approach the end of my career, we’ll see what that end number might look like.“ — Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
With a current total of 32 Cup Series wins, Larson is focused on delivering more victories for Hendrick Motorsports. A win at Phoenix would elevate him further, tying him with legendary driver Fireball Roberts at 28th on the all-time win list. The upcoming race therefore represents both a personal and professional milestone for Larson and his team.
What Awaits After the Phoenix Finale
As the NASCAR season comes to a gripping conclusion, Kyle Larson’s championship hopes rest on one defining performance in the desert. Facing off against the best from Joe Gibbs Racing, Team Penske, and his own teammate William Byron, Larson’s relentless pursuit of excellence keeps the energy high. His team’s commitment and drive, as emphasized by Cliff Daniels, signal that another chapter in Larson’s racing journey could be written this Sunday. The Phoenix showdown will not only determine a champion but also set the stage for what is possible for Larson, Hendrick Motorsports, and the evolving storylines of NASCAR’s elite.
