Hendrick Motorsports has secured the future of its championship-winning No. 5 NASCAR Cup Series team, announcing Hendrick Motorsports contract extensions for both driver Kyle Larson and crew chief Cliff Daniels, along with a renewed five-year sponsorship deal with HendrickCars.com, ensuring the trio will compete together through at least 2031. This substantial commitment, unveiled as Hendrick Motorsports eyes continued dominance, reinforces key partnerships that have propelled the team to the forefront of NASCAR competition.
Details of the New Contracts and Their Impact
The defending NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson, who joined Hendrick Motorsports in 2021, has extended his contract, aligning its length with the renewal for majority sponsor HendrickCars.com. These moves come as the organization commits to stability well into the next decade, with Daniels, 37, also signing a new multi-year deal to continue as crew chief atop the pit box. Since coming together in 2021, Larson and Daniels have accounted for two Cup Series championships (2021, 2025), and have become leaders in multiple statistical categories across the sport.
HendrickCars.com has pledged an extensive sponsorship commitment, remaining the primary sponsor for 35 of the team’s 38 race weekends each season. Jeffrey “JB” Brown, president of Hendrick Automotive Group, emphasized the value and success realized from this ongoing collaboration:
“We’re incredibly grateful for this partnership with our teammates at Hendrick Motorsports,”
said Jeffrey “JB” Brown, President, Hendrick Automotive Group.
“Since 2021, the program has consistently delivered a nearly three-to-one return with record-breaking traffic to HendrickCars.com, over $80 million in television exposure and tens of millions of social media engagements. As we enter our company’s 50th anniversary year, racing has driven results and united our teammates in such a powerful way that extending our relationship with Kyle, Cliff, and this championship team was a no-brainer.”
Kyle Larson’s Achievements and the Importance of Stability
Kyle Larson, age 33, has quickly become one of the most successful drivers in recent NASCAR history, amassing 32 career points-paying Cup victories—26 of which have come since he joined Hendrick Motorsports. Over this time, he has also captured two Cup Series championships, two NASCAR All-Star Race wins (2021, 2023), and led in categories like wins, runner-up results (18), top-five finishes (78), top-10 finishes (103), and total laps led (7,149). Larson’s dominance is further highlighted by the fact that he has outpaced all other drivers in total laps led by over 2,000 laps in the past five seasons.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the extended deal and the environment at Hendrick Motorsports, Larson said,
“I’m incredibly grateful to continue my career with Hendrick Motorsports and HendrickCars.com,”
Larson said.
“This team, this organization and this family have given me everything I need to compete at the highest level. We’ve accomplished a lot together, but I truly believe the best is still ahead. I’m grateful to Mr. Hendrick and JB for believing in me, and I’m excited to keep chasing wins and championships with Cliff and the 5 team for many more years.”
Larson’s Community Contributions and Off-Track Presence
Beyond his track accomplishments, Larson remains dedicated to community engagement. Hailing from Elk Grove, California, he launched the Kyle Larson Foundation in 2021. The foundation has since raised significant funds supporting direct-impact charitable organizations, with a focus on youth, families, and communities in need.
Leadership’s Perspective and the Role of HendrickCars.com
Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports and chairman and CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group, spoke highly of the partnership’s value, both for the team and sponsor.
“When you look at what it takes to succeed at the highest level year after year, it starts with people,”
said Rick Hendrick, Owner, Hendrick Motorsports and Chairman and CEO, Hendrick Automotive Group.
“Kyle is one of the most complete drivers in our sport. His talent, work ethic and instincts give us a chance to win every time we race. Cliff is a true servant leader who brings out the best in everyone around him and sets the standard for how we go to the track. Having HendrickCars.com alongside this group continues to create real, measurable value for our automotive business. Together, it’s a combination that will keep winning races and competing for championships for a long time.”
HendrickCars.com stands as one of the most visible sponsors in North American auto racing. Since joining forces with Hendrick Motorsports in 2007, the company has supported nearly 30 drivers in NASCAR’s three top national divisions and is involved in INDYCAR, NHRA, IMSA, the CARS Tour, High Limit Racing, and other dirt racing ventures. Looking ahead, HendrickCars.com will serve as the main sponsor for up-and-coming driver Corey Day and the No. 17 team in the NASCAR O’Reilly Series starting in 2026.
Looking Ahead for Hendrick Motorsports and NASCAR
These contract extensions establish a foundation for sustained success at Hendrick Motorsports as the organization approaches new milestones. With the continued backing of HendrickCars.com, Rick Hendrick’s vision, and standout leadership from Cliff Daniels, Kyle Larson, and their team, Hendrick Motorsports is positioned to pursue more race wins and championships in the seasons to come, inspiring both the motorsports community and their partners in the automotive industry.
