Kyle Larson and his HMS championship crew recently celebrated Thanksgiving in spirited fashion, reuniting for their traditional Turkey Bowl event just weeks after Larson claimed the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series title. This gathering of Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 5 team brought together on-track champions and their key supporters to mark the holiday, reflecting the strong camaraderie driving their recent success.
Larson and HMS Celebrate Their 2025 Triumph with a Football Showdown
Thanksgiving is always a special occasion for NASCAR personalities, with many such as Dale Earnhardt Jr. spending time with loved ones, but for Kyle Larson, this year carried extra meaning. Fresh off his dramatic 2025 championship campaign, Larson took time not just to be with his family, but also to connect again with the extended family he’s forged at Hendrick Motorsports, including renowned crew chief Cliff Daniels and every core member of the No. 5 crew.
The group’s close bond was on full display in a light-hearted football match orchestrated by HMS. While the crew typically operates behind the scenes, supporting Larson and Daniels in their pursuit of racing excellence, this event allowed everyone to step into the spotlight. Scenes from the spirited game showed the team exchanging passes and laughing, with Daniels demonstrating his athleticism away from the pit box. This yearly tradition is more than fun; it cements the already strong relationships that powered their title-winning year.
Turkey Bowl fun with the No. 5 team and @KyleLarsonRacin 🏈
— Hendrick Motorsports
Larson’s success in Phoenix, where a bold call for two tires late in the race set up his charge past Denny Hamlin, William Byron, and Chase Briscoe, continues to electrify fans. Many remember the strategic brilliance behind HMS’s title run, with the Turkey Bowl serving as a welcome, lively reunion for a crew that rose to every challenge over the season.
Crew Chief Cliff Daniels Receives Team’s Admiration
Cliff Daniels, the tactical mastermind behind the No. 5 car’s 2025 championship, played prominently in both the on-track drama and the off-track camaraderie. Larson, reflecting on Daniels’ impact both professionally and personally, said:
He works so hard. He puts in so much effort, not only on this team but on himself personally,
— Kyle Larson on Cliff Daniels
We all want it so bad for ourselves, but even more for him and his leadership and how hard he works at it.
— Kyle Larson on Cliff Daniels
These words from Larson highlight the deep respect the team holds for Daniels, whose leadership not only shaped race outcomes but also fostered a spirit of unity. His strategic decisions—including the climactic two-tire call at Phoenix Raceway—became linchpins in both the season finale and the team’s broader sense of achievement. With Daniels also joining wholeheartedly in the Turkey Bowl festivities, the crew’s admiration for their leader was on full display, testament to the all-encompassing effort behind their championship run.
Hendrick Motorsports Plans for Festive Season and the Future
The excitement around Hendrick Motorsports has only grown as the off-season sets in. While Thanksgiving brought the crew together, preparations for Christmas and the 2026 racing year are underway. HMS is rolling out Black Friday deals on team merchandise, giving fans a tangible way to connect with the championship celebration. From hats and die-cast replicas to cozy hoodies, supporters can find an array of No. 5-branded gear online, with festive discounts available in the spirit of the season.
These off-track efforts further unite the fanbase, many of whom followed every twist of the dramatic championship journey, from the high-stakes Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina to the season-capping race at Phoenix. Hendrick’s successful melding of on-track performance, strong leadership, and fan engagement ensured a year worth remembering for all associated with the brand.
Emerging Talents Stir Anticipation for 2026 Season
Looking ahead, Hendrick Motorsports is also nurturing the next generation of racing talent, with Corey Day poised to make his full-time debut in the No. 17 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. With Day’s birthday approaching, his journey toward a full-time ride stands out, especially given his busy 2025 season that spanned the NASCAR Xfinity Series, CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, ARCA Menards Series, Trans-Am TA2, and sprint car racing.
Day has proven his mettle by finishing fourth in Las Vegas and running inside the top ten at Phoenix before pit strategy and race incidents altered his final results. His adaptability and determination were evident as he reflected on his growth during a challenging rookie campaign:
I’d say the first half of the season was tough for sure because I was just making all the stupid mistakes, which, unfortunately, you kind of need to make those,
— Corey Day
People can tell you that this is going to happen, so don’t do that, but until you go do it and feel it and feel why you don’t need to do it – I just felt like I needed to make those and go through the growing pains, and that’s what I did.
— Corey Day
It was tough, for sure, but I know next year my progression will be a lot faster and a lot smoother overall.
— Corey Day
With Day embracing every lesson from his rookie season, HMS bolsters its future prospects, pairing proven winners like Kyle Larson and crew chief Cliff Daniels with rising talent. This combination raises expectations as the 2026 season looms.
The Lasting Impact of Team Unity at Hendrick Motorsports
The Turkey Bowl offered more than a break from racing for Kyle Larson’s HMS championship crew—it was a vivid reminder of the unity and drive behind their accomplishments. As the group laughed and competed in an entirely new arena, the underlying loyalty and mutual support were clear. For fans, the energy surrounding Hendrick Motorsports signals ongoing excitement and high hopes for the coming year.
As 2026 approaches, all eyes remain on how Kyle Larson, Cliff Daniels, Corey Day, and the rest of the team channel the strength of their collective bond. After a year where teamwork brought the ultimate reward, Hendrick Motorsports stands as a model for how off-track togetherness can translate into on-track glory and continued championship aspirations.
Turkey Bowl fun with the No. 5 team and @KyleLarsonRacin 🏈 pic.twitter.com/gVMZ3Mi1ig
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) November 27, 2025
