Over the last five years, the combination of Kyle Larson and Hendrick Motorsports has been a force in the NASCAR Cup Series. Piloting the #5 Chevrolet, Larson has captured two championships and 27 race wins at HMS.
Now, as announced on Wednesday, February 11, the 33-year-old is staying with Hendrick Motorsports for the long haul. The team announced that Larson, crew chief Cliff Daniels, and HendrickCars.com signed a five-year contract extension.
The deal keeps the partnership together through the 2031 season.
Kyle Larson on Hendrick Contract Extension: ‘The Best is Still Ahead’
In a statement released by Hendrick Motorsports, Larson expressed his gratitude for signing an extension with the organization. The 32-time Cup winner said that HMS has given him everything he needs to be the elite NASCAR driver he is today.
However, as much as Larson has accomplished already, he believes the best is yet to come.
“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 said.
“JB” was a reference to Jeffrey Brown, president of Hendrick Automotive Group. In the same team statement, Brown made it known that the partnership with HMS has earned almost a three-to-one return with “record-breaking traffic” to HendrickCars.com.
Brown added that over $80 million in “television exposure” and “tens of millions of social media engagements” have been a benefit of the partnership.
“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,” Brown said.
Hall of Fame car owner Rick Hendrick also weighed in about Larson re-signing with the team. The champion owner said the success they have starts with the people around them.
Hendrick described Larson as one of the most “complete” drivers the sport has to offer and Daniels as a quality leader who helps push the team forward.
With the backing of HendrickCars.com, Hendrick is confident they’ll continue to have great success in the coming years.
“Together, it’s a combination that will keep winning races and competing for championships for a long time,” Hendrick said.
Kyle Larson Seeking First Daytona 500 Win
In his championship-defending season, Kyle Larson will aim to add another accolade to his already impressive NASCAR Cup Series career. The California native is set for his 13th career start in the Daytona 500, and this time, leave with the Harley J. Earl trophy.
Larson posted a seventh-place run in Daytona 500 pole qualifying on Wednesday, February 11, which has him starting fourth for the first Duel at Daytona on Thursday, February 12.
The 13-year Cup Series driver has never won the Daytona 500. His best finish in “The Great American Race” was seventh twice, coming in 2016 and 2019. Larson led at the white flag in the 2017 Daytona 500 before running out of fuel and finishing 12th.
Larson captured his second Cup championship last season. He won three races, which came at Homestead-Miami, Bristol, and Kansas.
NASCAR’s Kyle Larson Signs Major Extension With Hendrick