Kyle Larson, now a two-time champion in the Cup Series, cemented his status among NASCAR‘s top competitors on Sunday at Phoenix Raceway, where he claimed his latest title. The achievement places the Hendrick Motorsports driver alongside Joey Logano and Kyle Busch as the only active drivers with two championships in NASCAR’s premier level, underscoring his reputation as a formidable force and confirming why “Kyle Larson Cup Series champion” is an increasingly familiar term in motorsports.
Larson Secures Place Among Multi-Time Champions
Larson’s victory at Phoenix Raceway represented a significant milestone, not just for him personally but also for Hendrick Motorsports, who have played a pivotal role in shaping his career since his arrival. He joins Logano and Busch as the only current drivers able to claim multiple championships in the Cup Series, a feat that reflects his consistent excellence.
The racing community widely regarded Larson’s second championship as a foreseeable development, considering the skill, drive, and relentless pace he has exhibited throughout his career. According to Jeff Gluck, he has now fulfilled a destiny many believed was his for the taking.
“Ultimately, Kyle Larson is a two-time champion,”
Jeff Gluck, journalist, confirmed on The Teardown. Jeff Gluck, Journalist
Potential for Even Greater Achievements
Observers and insiders speculate that Larson’s two titles may only be the beginning, with comparisons emerging to legendary drivers such as Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon. Larson’s adaptability and the strength of the team backing him foster speculation that he could match or surpass the championship tally of NASCAR’s modern icons.
“I certainly think, you know, it’s only really a matter of how many can he win rather than like, is he going to win anymore? Can he get to Tony Stewart? Can he get to Jeff Gordon? I think you could see Larson, depending on what the format is, you could see Larson end up as a five-time champ or something.”
Jeff Gluck, Journalist
This optimism is fueled by Larson’s combination of raw speed on the track and the strategic discipline exhibited by his team, particularly under the guidance of crew chief Cliff Daniels. The partnership has produced a balanced approach that makes Larson a persistent threat in any championship format.
The Cliff Daniels Factor: Balancing Risk and Reward
Crew chief Cliff Daniels has proven instrumental in crafting race strategies that allow Larson to manage risk while still capitalizing on his natural competitiveness. The No. 5 team, consisting of Larson, Daniels, and the Hendrick Motorsports crew, has learned from past challenges, such as self-inflicted setbacks, and evolved to better position themselves each season.
“We saw the No. 5 go to Homestead a year ago, you know, they kind of sometimes have mistakes — self-inflicted mistakes,”
Jordan Bianchi, reporter, commented. Jordan Bianchi, Reporter
Jordan Bianchi further noted the importance of strategic patience, especially under contemporary playoff systems, indicating that sometimes finishing strong is more important than aggressively chasing a win week after week. He emphasized Daniels’ ability to guide the team toward the best outcomes.
“I think it sets up well for them. When you have a crew chief like Cliff Daniels, who is one of, if not the best in the garage, you know he’s going to have a championship-winning formula of what they need to do. I think it sets up really, really well for him. I think he’s one of the big winners out of this, honestly.”
Jordan Bianchi, Reporter
A Legacy in the Making at Hendrick Motorsports
Larson’s swift rise at Hendrick Motorsports, culminating in two championships, suggests that he is building not only a Hall of Fame–level résumé but also a legacy with staying power. His achievements add to the rich history of champions nurtured by Hendrick and position him, alongside crew chief Cliff Daniels, to potentially break further records in the coming years.
As the NASCAR community looks ahead, the attention now shifts to how far Larson and his team can go. With the foundation they have established, reaching heights comparable to those of Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon is within the realm of possibility. The ongoing dominance of the No. 5 car and Larson’s already legendary status ensure that the saga of the “Kyle Larson Cup Series champion” will remain front and center in future seasons.
