Kyle Larson, a key Hendrick Motorsports driver, finished 11th on the practice chart and consistently ranks among the top contenders heading into the highly anticipated NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race in Phoenix, aiming to secure another championship. Focusing on the Kyle Larson Cup Finale, crew chief Cliff Daniels conveyed cautious optimism as preparations intensified at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona.
Larson Among Favorites With Strong Credentials
Despite a minor brush with the wall during practice, Larson recorded the third-fastest time among the four title-eligible drivers. The championship field includes Larson’s teammate William Byron, plus Joe Gibbs Racing drivers Denny Hamlin and Chase Briscoe. Unlike his three competitors, Larson already has a NASCAR Cup championship trophy to his name, having captured the title with a win at Phoenix Raceway in 2021.
Larson’s performance throughout the 2023 season reinforces his position as a favorite. He has secured 21 top-10 finishes—a series-best among championship contenders. Furthermore, Larson led 1,106 laps this season, trailing only Byron’s 1,278, underscoring his presence at the front of the field. He qualified third for Sunday’s race, just behind Hamlin and Byron.
Crew Chief Cliff Daniels’ Confidence and Preparation
The No. 5 Chevrolet team, led by Cliff Daniels, has not visited victory lane since May at Kansas Speedway, yet Daniels remains upbeat about their readiness. He noted the group’s collective experience and improved clarity as strengths heading into the final race weekend.
“Now that we’re here, I do think we’re closer than what we’ve been in the past,”
Cliff Daniels, Crew Chief
Daniels outlined the advantages of a focused approach for the weekend, appreciating the absence of lingering uncertainties regarding car setups. Continued refinement over previous years contributed to a more unified and efficient team atmosphere during this pivotal event.
“So, it’s actually nice to see that play out where the team and how we execute is a lot more streamlined, I would say, and a lot more buttoned-up than what we’ve been.”
Cliff Daniels, Crew Chief
Anticipation Builds for the Cup Series Championship
As the Hendrick Motorsports camp and the broader NASCAR community prepare for the championship showdown, much attention is on the dynamic among teammates, with Byron and Larson both eyeing the title. The Phoenix Cup qualifying session highlighted the strength of the Championship 4, especially as Denny Hamlin led the group in qualifying, while Joey Logano contemplates changes for the future after missing out on the finale. Other notable competitors, including Kyle Busch and Ryan Preece, contributed to a competitive landscape entering the last race.
Phoenix Raceway, known for producing memorable finishes, remains a significant venue in Larson’s championship narrative. Crew chief Cliff Daniels and the No. 5 team’s increased efficiency reflect their desire to add another title to their achievements.
The outcome of the Kyle Larson Cup Finale will not only determine this season’s champion but may also reshape the competitive hierarchy in NASCAR. As teams finalize their strategies, all eyes turn to Phoenix to witness who will emerge as the series’ next or repeat champion.
