Kyle Larson is now the keeper of the legendary NASCAR Champion’s Journal after clinching the 2025 Cup Series championship at Phoenix Raceway. The tradition, one of the sport’s most well-guarded secrets, continues to fascinate both drivers and fans, with the Kyle Larson NASCAR Champions Journal serving as a coveted piece of racing history.
Kyle Larson Shares His Initial Experience With the Journal
After his victory, Kyle Larson admitted he has started reading through the journal from its origins. This tradition began when seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson created the journal in 2005, aiming to document each champion’s thoughts and experiences for future winners.
“It’s just really cool to see how long it’s kind of gone on, and it’s definitely the most special piece of winning the championship.”
– Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Larson’s enthusiasm stems not only from reading the earlier entries but also from witnessing the interactions between past champions. For instance, he observed the communication between Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney through their respective notes to each other.
“It’s really cool that I’ll be in there a couple times now, and I get to read what Joey [Logano] wrote to [Ryan] Blaney and then what Blaney wrote back to Joey. I think that is what I’m most excited to see now.”
– Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
The tradition’s importance is evident in the reverence drivers express toward both the journal and its founder. Larson credited Jimmie Johnson for establishing a meaningful way to link generations of champions and expressed a wish to hold onto it as long as possible.
“I’m so thankful that Jimmy started that because I think it’s going to continue on for who knows how long, and it’s going to be pretty amazing to see someday. I guess I won’t be able to see it at some point, but hopefully, yeah, I get to keep my hands on it for a while.”
– Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
The Unseen Words Within the Champions Journal
Despite the intrigue surrounding the Champion’s Journal, its exact contents remain elusive to anyone but the Cup Series champions. This secrecy is part of what makes the journal such a unique and valued tradition. It only became widely known after Jimmie Johnson was seen passing the journal to Martin Truex Jr. in 2017, yet what is written inside remains shielded from public eyes.
Joey Logano, a fellow champion, highlighted the mystery as a central part of the journal’s charm.
“That’s the best part about this is that nobody even really knows what it is. Nobody knows what’s written in it.”
– Joey Logano, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Kyle Larson himself echoed similar sentiments in 2021, underlining the book’s profound significance to each winner.
“It’s something that’s so special that you want to read it once when you get it and once again before I give it to the next guy. It’s an extremely special book.”
– Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Why the Champion’s Journal Is Treasured Among NASCAR Legends
For drivers like those with Hendrick Motorsports and Team Penske, possessing the journal means gaining a rare glimpse into the thoughts and experiences of their predecessors. This sense of exclusivity deepens the emotional impact of winning a championship, highlighting bonds across generations while adding another layer to NASCAR’s rich culture.
As only Cup Series champions like Kyle Larson, Ryan Blaney, Jimmie Johnson, and Joey Logano can access the journal’s contents, the tradition is set to be an enduring part of motorsports lore. With Larson now holding the journal after his Phoenix Raceway triumph, anticipation grows each year for what stories and reflections will be added, ensuring this secretive practice remains closely guarded, respected, and celebrated throughout the sport.
