Kyle Larson’s NASCAR championship chase reached a dramatic conclusion in Phoenix, as Jeff Gordon celebrated the victory with the Hendrick Motorsports team. The race, which unfolded under intense pressure and shifting circumstances, ultimately secured Larson the coveted championship title in a way rarely seen before.
Kyle Larson’s Path to Victory: Strategy and Timing at Phoenix
At Phoenix Raceway, Kyle Larson and his No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports team faced a challenging race, with Larson not leading laps but remaining in contention thanks to strategic racing decisions. A late-race caution caused by teammate William Byron altered the dynamic, providing Larson an unexpected opportunity. He started the crucial final restart in fifth position, while another contender, Denny Hamlin, lined up second, benefitting from four fresh tires. Despite the odds, Larson’s car found significant grip during the two-lap shootout, which enabled him to finish third—higher than any other championship contender. Meanwhile, Hamlin concluded the race in sixth position.
This remarkable performance made history. For the first time since the current elimination-style playoff system’s introduction 11 years ago, a driver clinched the NASCAR Cup Series championship without leading a single lap. Larson’s win delivered Hendrick Motorsports its 15th overall Cup title, coming exactly 30 years after Jeff Gordon earned the team’s first championship. The milestone deepened the significance for the Concord, North Carolina-based organization and its legacy in NASCAR history.
“So much reminiscing that Rick and I get to do about going back to that first championship and the trajectory it sent this company on, and the experiences, and just the people that have built it to what it is today,” said Jeff Gordon in a recent interview at Phoenix. “And what a way to do it! I mean, just never quit, just all the way down to the last lap. You know, it wasn’t the prettiest one that we’ve ever accomplished.”
— Jeff Gordon, Vice Chairman
Jeff Gordon’s Enduring Commitment to Team Success
Jeff Gordon, who spent over two decades driving for Hendrick Motorsports in the iconic No. 24 car, now plays a key executive role as Vice Chairman. He has witnessed firsthand the evolution of the team and its growing roster of champions, including William Byron, who currently pilots Gordon’s former car. Gordon’s long-term connection with the organization offers valuable perspective on its achievements and the athletes who contribute to its ongoing legacy.
Celebrating Larson’s Achievements and Setting High Expectations
Following the triumph at Phoenix, Gordon expressed his genuine excitement for Larson, recognizing him as one of the sport’s top talents. With this championship, Larson joined an exclusive group of just 18 drivers who have claimed multiple Cup Series titles, illustrating both his skill and determination. Gordon did not conceal his high expectations, openly sharing his hopes for further success as long as Larson remains with the team.
“I’ve known Kyle for many, many years, watching him race sprint cars, and I always knew that if you can put him behind the wheel of a Hendrick Motorsports car, he’d do special things,” Jeff Gordon said of Larson. “I also believe that records and championships, they’re made to be broken. As long as he’s on our team, I want him to win 10.”
— Jeff Gordon, Vice Chairman
Kyle Larson began racing for Hendrick Motorsports in 2021 and immediately made an impact by winning the Cup Series championship that same year. Apart from his NASCAR achievements, he is recognized for a prolific career in sprint car racing, where he continues to compete and collect accolades nationwide.
The Legacy of Hendrick Motorsports and the Road Ahead
Jimmie Johnson remains the most decorated champion in Hendrick Motorsports history, having won seven Cup Series titles and now co-owning Legacy Motor Club, another full-time team in the NASCAR Cup Series. Larson’s second championship draws new comparisons to legends of NASCAR, illustrating his emerging place among the sport’s elite. As the organization marks more milestones, attention will turn to whether Larson can keep breaking records and building on the foundation set by Gordon, Johnson, and others.
This unforgettable conclusion to the Kyle Larson NASCAR championship chase not only strengthens Hendrick Motorsports’ legacy but also sets high expectations for future achievements. With continued leadership from figures like Jeff Gordon and new ambitions in sight, the pursuit of success in NASCAR shows no signs of slowing down.
5⃣ "It wasn't the prettiest one that we've ever accomplished, but never count out @DanielsCliff and @KyleLarsonRacin […] it was a wild one."@TeamHendrick Vice Chairman and @NASCARHall of Famer @JeffGordonWeb reflects on HMS bringing home the 2025 Cup Series championship. pic.twitter.com/IqL9e6V6se
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) November 3, 2025
