Kyle Larson, recognized as a top NASCAR Cup Series driver and known for his association with Hendrick Motorsports, secured his second championship title at Phoenix Raceway, making him a two-time Kyle Larson NASCAR champion. In a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 season, Larson’s masterful driving and strategic decisions propelled him past rivals, placing him firmly among an elite group of multi-title holders in NASCAR history.
Larson Seals Second Championship at Phoenix Raceway
Competing in the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet under the guidance of crew chief Cliff Daniels, Kyle Larson clinched the 2025 championship by outperforming Denny Hamlin in the final round of pit stops and maintaining his advantage in overtime. Finishing third in the race but first among the Championship 4, Larson raised the Bill France Cup and joined the ranks of only 18 drivers to have more than one NASCAR Cup Series title. His achievement also made him the third to accomplish multiple titles with Hendrick Motorsports, following in the footsteps of Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon.
Bristol and Kansas: Defining Moments of 2025
Larson’s standout performance at Bristol Motor Speedway in the spring was a defining highlight, where he dominated by leading 411 of 500 laps and swept both stages, giving his team a crucial morale boost. The victory came just after a significant personal loss within the Hendrick Motorsports family, adding emotional weight to the win. The day before, Larson led the majority of laps in the Xfinity Series at the same venue, underscoring his prowess across racing formats.
At Kansas Speedway in May, Larson replicated this dominance with a stage-sweeping victory in the Advent Health 400, starting from pole and controlling 221 of 267 laps. This race elevated him to the Cup Series points lead, and his performance established a new series record for the most laps led in a 400-mile event on a 1.5-mile track.
A Year of Milestones and Legacy Building
Larson’s 2025 campaign included 3 wins, 15 top-five finishes, 22 top-10s, and a total of 1,106 laps led. His efforts contributed to Hendrick Motorsports securing its 15th overall Cup Series championship, achieved just a year after the organization marked its 40th anniversary. Importantly, Larson joined Joey Logano and Kyle Busch as only the third driver to win more than one championship in NASCAR’s elimination-style playoff era.
Driver Reflection After Championship Triumph
“I don’t think any of us foresaw us getting a second championship in the fashion that we did today. That probably makes it seem even different. Nonetheless, we’re on the list two times. That’s something to be proud of. As far as for legacy, I really don’t put a whole lot of thought into that yet. Like I’ve mentioned many times before, I think it’s really hard to think about that sort of thing right now as you’re still competing and plan to compete for quite a while. We’re still going to try and go out there and win more races. The legacy will kind of take care of itself as we approach that.”
— Larson, in the hours after clinching the championship in Phoenix.
Future Outlook for Larson and the No. 5 Team
The core lineup of the No. 5 team, led by Larson and crew chief Cliff Daniels, is expected to remain unchanged heading into the next season. Larson, now 33 years old, is under contract with Hendrick Motorsports through 2026, making his continued presence a strategic priority for the organization. While he will carry a winless streak of 24 races into the new season—considered unusually long for a competitor of his caliber—Larson will enter the finale at the new Homestead-Miami Speedway host track as the reigning series champion and defending race winner.
Larson’s determination, combined with his historic achievements this season, positions him as a strong contender for future successes in the NASCAR Cup Series. His continued pursuit of excellence ensures that both he, and the legacy of Hendrick Motorsports, will remain at the forefront of the sport’s narrative in the years to come.
