Kyle Larson, who has become a standout figure in the world of NASCAR Cup Championships, discussed which victory means the most to him in a recent interview. Despite earning a dramatic and hard-fought win at Phoenix last season to secure his second Cup title, Larson revealed that his 2021 championship with Hendrick Motorsports holds a special place as his coolest NASCAR achievement.
Last year at Phoenix Raceway, Larson became the 18th driver in NASCAR history to win multiple Cup championships, and only the third to do so for Hendrick Motorsports. Throughout the final race, uncertainty lingered over whether Larson or fellow competitor Denny Hamlin would claim the title. In the end, Larson took the top spot, securing the win for the No. 5 Chevrolet. However, in a recent conversation with David Pingalore, he made it clear that his earlier success stood out above even last year’s surprising victory.
Larson’s Take on the 2021 Championship Experience
During an episode of Out of Bounds, as David Pingalore spoke with Larson while he traveled to the airport, the conversation turned to Larson’s personal highlights during his career. Asked to name the moment that meant the most to him, Larson quickly pointed to his 2021 Cup title run.
It was a great season. We won 10 races that year. And then, to cap it off with the championship at Phoenix was just a dream come true. And kind of celebrating with your team. The moment of all that was amazing.
— Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
And I know I’m with a great team, so I’ve got a good opportunity every year to relive that feeling. But it just takes a lot of hard work. But that championship is definitely one of the coolest moments of my career, but definitely the coolest in NASCAR,
— Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
The California native’s triumphant 2021 season was not only a career milestone but also a testament to the strength of his partnership with Hendrick Motorsports. Before joining HMS in 2021, Larson had built a solid competitive record with Chip Ganassi Racing across seven seasons, repeatedly finishing in the top 10 overall but never quite reaching the elite level he found with Hendrick in his first year on the team.
2021 Versus 2025: Contrasting Championship Seasons
Larson’s 2021 campaign saw him outpace competitors consistently, commencing with a 10th-place finish in the Daytona 500 and culminating in a win at Phoenix. That year, he tallied 10 race victories, placed in the top five on 20 occasions, and secured a top-10 finish 26 times. Throughout just 26 starts, he led the field for 2,581 laps.
Impressively, Larson spent at least 100 laps in front during 11 of 36 races that season, with five instances of leading over 200 laps. He won seven of those high-dominance events and finished as runner-up three additional times. A memorable moment was his performance at the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where he dominated by leading 327 out of 400 laps. His 2021 lap-leading total in NASCAR’s premier series was the most since Jeff Gordon’s 2,610 laps during Gordon’s 1995 championship year—demonstrating Larson’s mastery behind the wheel.
The 2025 championship, by contrast, unfolded much differently. While Larson still collected three victories, 15 top-five finishes, 22 top-10 results, and led roughly 1,106 laps, it was a more unpredictable path. He endured a difficult stretch following a challenging attempt to complete the Memorial Day Double-Duty, which temporarily knocked his confidence. However, Larson regained form during the playoffs and ultimately out dueled Denny Hamlin for the title following a pivotal late-race caution, delighting his dedicated supporters.
The Role of Team and Equipment in Achieving Success
In the same interview, Larson was asked whether team dynamics or having a strong car played a greater role in capturing championships. He emphasized the importance of both elements for sustained NASCAR success.
Oh, well, you need all of it because your team is what makes the car. So, I guess you would start with your team. But then, you need all the pieces, really, to have success in the Cup Series. It’s so tough.
— Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Reflecting on his journey, Larson recognized that his championship runs were the result of extensive teamwork at Hendrick Motorsports and the collective effort behind the No. 5 Chevrolet. He pointed out that success in the Cup Series is never due to a single factor: the influence of team members, reliable equipment, and persistent preparation are all essential for any title pursuit.
The Enduring Significance of Larson’s NASCAR Triumphs
Kyle Larson’s back-to-back runs at the NASCAR Cup Championships have solidified his status among the sport’s top drivers. With his 2021 season still standing out as a defining achievement, Larson’s journey exemplifies how teamwork, determination, and standout performances shape racing legacies. As the Hendrick Motorsports driver moves forward, both he and his team remain focused on building further success, aware of how every season presents new challenges and opportunities to relive their greatest moments on racing’s biggest stage.
