Kyle Larson’s NASCAR Cup pursuit continues as he heads into another Championship 4 appearance at Phoenix Raceway, looking to secure a second title and confirm his place among the series elite. After previous attempts fell short in the NextGen era, Larson enters this crucial weekend with both determination and unfinished business.
For the second time since 2022, Kyle Larson, representing Hendrick Motorsports and piloting the No. 5 car, returns as a contender in the NASCAR Cup Series’ final showdown. This time, in Avondale, Arizona, he is the only Championship 4 driver who has previously claimed the Cup, having won his first and only title in 2021, a feat that marked the end of the previous generation of cars. Past seasons, however, have proven less kind, with Larson’s subsequent efforts to take another championship foiled in dramatic and disappointing ways.
Title Challenges in the NextGen Era
Larson’s quest for another championship has not followed the script of his dominant 2021 run. In 2022, his title defense ended abruptly during the Round of 12. The following year, his shot at the championship at Phoenix unraveled after a costly misstep on pit road late in the race. Last season, after coming up short at Martinsville, Larson didn’t progress to the final round, leaving his hopes unfulfilled.
Despite consistent performance, a second title has remained just out of reach. Now, as a member of the final four, Larson is within striking distance again, aiming to reclaim the top spot in the upcoming 2025 season.
Strong Start Defines Larson’s 2025 Season
Larson launched his 2025 campaign with impressive momentum, scoring three early wins at Homestead, Bristol, and Kansas. By this point in the season, the team had already collected eight top-five results in the opening dozen races. The No. 5 crew looked poised for another impressive playoff run, but the energy from the opening races waned quickly.
The morning following his Kansas victory, Larson traveled directly to Indianapolis, beginning his second consecutive attempt at competing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600—a challenge known as “The Double.” Both ventures ended in disappointment, as he experienced consecutive DNFs at Indianapolis and Charlotte. These setbacks hinted at the uneven stretch that would characterize the remainder of his regular season.
Over the final 14 regular races, Larson managed just three more top-five finishes, raising questions about whether his initial strength could be sustained deep into the playoffs.
Navigating Playoff Pressures
Those questions about Larson’s momentum followed him into the playoffs. Disappointing performances at Darlington, Gateway, and Bristol—despite being favored at the latter—were enough for Larson to advance through the rounds, yet failed to provide fans with full confidence in his championship run.
With a reset in points and renewed focus, Larson saw an opportunity to reverse his fortunes. New Hampshire Motor Speedway, typically a difficult track for both Larson and Hendrick Motorsports in the NextGen era, produced their first top-10 finish of the playoffs, providing a crucial boost. Building on that resilience, Larson and his crew showcased their speed at Kansas, the Charlotte Roval, and Las Vegas, ultimately securing their spot among the final four contenders.
Renewed Determination Heading Into Phoenix
Arriving at Phoenix without a playoff win on his record, Larson still stands out as a formidable challenger. Through patience, a composed approach, and the fuel of past disappointments, he positions himself as a serious threat to the rest of the field at Phoenix Raceway, with a renewed focus on redemption.
“When he’s locked in, he makes the extraordinary look effortless.”
— Dominic Aragon/TRE
Guided by his relentless drive and supported by the strength of Hendrick Motorsports, Kyle Larson approaches this title battle with considerable experience and determination.
The outcome of Larson’s latest challenge will not only shape his legacy but could also signal a shift in the dynamics of the NASCAR Cup Series as teams and drivers adapt to the demands of the NextGen era. As Larson takes the green flag at Phoenix, fans and competitors alike are watching closely to see if his championship pursuit finally leads back to victory lane.
