Rick Hendrick nearly missed forming the now-celebrated partnership with Kyle Larson Hendrick Motorsports, a relationship that has since become one of NASCAR’s most successful. Speaking about the pivotal moment, Hendrick shared how close he came to passing on Larson, whose talent has transformed the team’s fortunes and shape the future of Hendrick Motorsports.
How Kyle Larson Almost Slipped Away from Hendrick Motorsports
On Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour podcast, Rick Hendrick recounted the story of how Jeff Gordon initially introduced Kyle Larson to him before Larson made his mark at Chip Ganassi Racing. Despite Gordon’s recommendation, Hendrick admitted he hesitated and nearly missed recruiting the two-time Cup Series champion.
“Jeff Gordon had talked about him, and Jeff actually brought him to me back before he ever got in a car with Ganassi,”
Rick Hendrick said.
“And that’s where I made a mistake.”
Hendrick openly acknowledged that his indecision set the team back, stating,
“If I had listened to Jeff, we would have been down the road further.”
It was only after persistent advocacy from Gordon that Hendrick and Gordon met with Larson, ultimately recognizing his enormous potential.
The Turning Point: Partnership Pays Off Immediately
Once the meeting with Kyle Larson happened, there was little doubt left about what the young driver could bring to the team.
“When I met with Kyle and Jeff, we knew that he could get the job done if we put him in the right situation,”
Hendrick revealed.
“And boy, did it work out the first year with 10 wins and a championship.”
The decision quickly led to a standout debut season for Larson at Hendrick Motorsports, setting the stage for sustained dominance.
Title Wins and a Lasting Alliance
Kyle Larson has since collected 26 victories in the iconic No. 5 Chevrolet and lifted two NASCAR Cup Series championships with Hendrick Motorsports. This week, the partnership was solidified for the long term: Larson signed a new five-year contract extension, keeping him with the organization through the 2031 racing season. His crew chief, Cliff Daniels, also inked a multiyear extension, ensuring stability within the team. Larson’s primary sponsor, HendrickCars.com, matched this commitment and will continue its prominent role, appearing on the No. 5 car for 35 out of 38 race weekends annually.
What This Means for Larson, Daniels, and Hendrick Motorsports
Upon signing the renewal, Larson expressed his conviction about remaining with the team.
“I believe Hendrick Motorsports is the best in the sport,”
Larson said after agreeing to the extension.
“To be associated with that for a good part of the next future is super exciting.”
He emphasized the importance of continuity, highlighting the strong relationship with his crew chief:
“I wouldn’t have wanted anybody else leading our team to get back on track and get pointed in the right direction to go chase a championship,”
Larson added.
Rick Hendrick, too, highlighted the special attributes that have made Larson an exceptional part of the team.
“Kyle is one of the most complete drivers in our sport,”
Hendrick stated.
“His talent, work ethic and instincts give us a chance to win every time we race.”
Growth Beyond the Track
Kyle Larson spoke about his relationship with Rick Hendrick and the ways it has influenced him beyond racing.
“He’s just a great, great person. That relationship has allowed me to mature as a racer, as a teammate, as a leader,”
Larson reflected. The mutual admiration and trust between Larson, crew chief Cliff Daniels, Jeff Gordon, and Rick Hendrick have helped the team navigate tough seasons and emerge stronger.
A Powerful NASCAR Partnership Built for the Future
The Kyle Larson Hendrick Motorsports partnership, once nearly missed, has become one of the defining relationships in modern NASCAR. The team remains well-positioned with strong leadership, a winning driver, and enduring commercial support. As the alliance looks ahead to the next several seasons, their achievements set a benchmark within the Cup Series, strengthening Hendrick Motorsports’ legacy and solidifying Larson’s place among the sport’s elite.
