Kyle Larson has officially agreed to a multi-year contract extension with Hendrick Motorsports, securing his future with the NASCAR powerhouse through the 2031 season. The announcement confirms that Larson and his renowned crew chief, Cliff Daniels, will remain together on the #5 Chevy team, continuing a partnership that has delivered major results since their start.
Larson’s Long-Term Commitment to Hendrick Motorsports
Renowned NASCAR analyst Bob Pockrass reported that two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson extended his stay with Hendrick Motorsports, signing a contract that will keep him driving the #5 car until the end of 2031. Alongside this, Hendrick also secured Cliff Daniels as Larson’s crew chief for multiple future seasons, ensuring the successful duo remains intact for the long haul. Since joining Hendrick Motorsports in 2021, Larson and Daniels have developed into one of the sport’s most formidable pairings.
“Kyle Larson isn’t going anywhere. The two-time Cup champion has signed a contract extension through 2031 to remain at Hendrick Motorsports (his contract was up after this season). Cliff Daniels has signed up for multiple additional years. @NASCARONFOX”
Larson’s new contract extension arrives as part of Hendrick Motorsports’ strategy to maintain stability and pursue further championships. The move comes just as his original contract was nearing its end after this season.
Reflections from Larson and Success on the Track
Upon confirming the Kyle Larson contract extension, the driver shared his gratitude and aspirations for the years ahead, speaking through a team release.
“I’m incredibly grateful to continue my career with Hendrick Motorsports and HendrickCars.com. 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 track record at Hendrick Motorsports is impressive: since joining as a rookie in 2021, he earned his first Cup Series championship immediately, setting a high standard. Over 179 starts in the #5 Chevy Camaro ZL1, Larson tallied 26 wins, 78 top-five finishes, 103 top-ten finishes, and captured 14 pole positions. His success continued as he claimed a second championship in the 2025 season, demonstrating both consistency and excellence.
Behind the Scenes: Larson and Hamlin’s Emotional Phoenix Encounter
Beyond his contract news, Kyle Larson also made headlines during a reflective interview with NASCAR, discussing his run to the championship and a poignant moment with rival Denny Hamlin. After securing the championship in the 2025 season’s Phoenix Raceway finale, Larson described his brief but memorable post-race meeting with Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin.
Despite leading much of the season and the final race, Hamlin’s pit stop in the closing laps allowed Larson to take the lead and ultimately secure the championship, while Hamlin missed out on his first title. Larson opened up about their exchange:
“So we got to talk for a minute. Yeah, it was tough stuff. You could see the disappointment and pain in his face. Yeah, just, you know, probably a moment that I won’t an interaction I’ll never forget. You know, I still feel, I think we all do, feel bad for how it went down. But yeah, that’s why it’s been kind of awkward. Like, I’m super happy, but then there’s also part of this, like I’m equally as bummed for him and everybody else too.”
That season saw Larson capture three race wins, achieve 22 top-ten finishes, score 15 top-five results, and take one pole position across 36 starts. He also led more than 1,100 laps, maintaining a strong average starting position of just over 11th place, cementing his status as one of NASCAR’s elite drivers.
The Road Ahead for Larson, Daniels, and Hendrick Motorsports
The news of Kyle Larson’s contract extension sends a strong message throughout NASCAR, as Hendrick Motorsports signals its intent to remain a dominant force well into the next decade. By keeping the successful Larson-Daniels partnership together, the organization avoids disruption and positions itself for continued victories and championship runs. For fans, this move means several more years of witnessing one of the sport’s most dynamic drivers compete at the highest level, with Larson himself eager to add to his legacy on NASCAR’s biggest stage.
Kyle Larson isn't going anywhere. The two-time Cup champion has signed a contract extension through 2031 to remain at Hendrick Motorsports (his contract was up after this season). Cliff Daniels has signed up for multiple additional years. @NASCARONFOX
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 12, 2026
