As Kyle Larson celebrates his second championship in the NASCAR Cup Series, he is now preparing for one of the most cherished traditions—the passing of the champion’s secret journal. This treasured item, known among drivers, will soon be handed to Larson by 2024 champion Joey Logano during the offseason. The passage of the journal is a longstanding custom, giving drivers a personal way to connect across seasons and generations within the sport. The moment is especially meaningful for Larson, who is eager to once again receive and become a part of this unique legacy, making the Kyle Larson Cup Series journal an important element of his achievement.
The Origin and Journey of the Cup Series Champion’s Journal
This special handoff began in 2016 when Jimmie Johnson, after securing his seventh Cup championship, started the custom by writing a heartfelt message for Martin Truex Jr., the following year’s champion. Since Johnson’s message, the journal has moved through the hands of champions such as Martin Truex Jr., Joey Logano, Kyle Busch, Chase Elliott, and Ryan Blaney. Each driver adds personal reflections for the next champion, turning the journal into a living record of triumph, advice, and gratitude.
Joey Logano has held the honor of being the only driver to possess the journal more than once, but this will soon change. With Larson set to receive it for the second time, he will join Logano in this rare position, looking forward to connecting with the thoughts and reflections inscribed by his peers over the years.
Larson Reflects on the Emotions and Secrecy Behind the Journal
Speaking from the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge, where the recent NASCAR Awards ceremony was held in Scottsdale, Ariz., Larson shared how much the journal means to him. When discussing the journal and its personal notes, Larson remarked:
“I definitely remember bits and pieces of what I wrote in there,”
– Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports Driver
He admitted that although he recalls some of his contributions, much of what fellow drivers wrote is a mystery, enhancing the secrecy and excitement of reading it again. Referring to how each message links champions together, Larson said:
“Then I don’t remember a ton of what everybody else wrote to the next champion, so I’m just excited to read through the book and then also see what Joey wrote to Ryan, then what Ryan wrote back to Joey and then now what Joey’s writing back to me. So yeah, it’s just … that’s the most special gift with winning the championship, and it’s just the secrecy behind it, I think, that makes it that much better.”
– Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports Driver
Looking Forward: The Journal’s Next Chapter and Larson’s Hopes
Once Larson updates the journal with his own thoughts and experiences from this season, the keepsake will ultimately be passed on to the 2025 Cup Series champion. Larson is already looking ahead to possibly defending his title and keeping the journal for another year if he repeats his championship performance.
“Hopefully I can get a back-to-back championship and then figure it out,”
– Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports Driver
The process for how to adjust the journal for repeat titles remains unclear, but Larson noted the personal nature behind the tradition, adding:
“I don’t even know if you’d skip a page or what, but yeah, we’ll see. It just depends. It’s personal to the guy who wins the championship.”
– Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports Driver
The Lasting Impact of a NASCAR Tradition
For Larson, the prospect of receiving the Kyle Larson Cup Series journal again underscores the deep sense of community and legacy within NASCAR’s Cup Series. As names like Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott, Kyle Busch, and Joey Logano continue to be written alongside legends such as Jimmie Johnson and Martin Truex Jr., the secret journal remains a symbol of peer respect and personal achievement, strengthening the unique bonds between champions. As anticipation builds for next year’s season, the journal’s next message—and next keeper—remains one of NASCAR’s most anticipated secrets.
