Kyle Larson Secures Future with Hendrick Motorsports in New 5-Year Deal

Kyle Larson, the defending NASCAR Cup Series champion, just locked in his future with Hendrick Motorsports. He signed a contract extension that’ll keep him with the team through the 2031 season.

Larson’s previous contract was about to expire at the end of 2026. Hendrick Motorsports also announced multi-year extensions for his crew chief, Cliff Daniels, and the team’s primary sponsor, HendrickCars.com.

It’s a strategic move. Hendrick Motorsports clearly wants to keep one of NASCAR’s strongest driver-crew chief duos together for a long time.

Why Kyle Larson’s Contract Extension Matters

Securing Kyle Larson for another five years? That’s a huge deal for Hendrick Motorsports. At 33, Larson’s become one of NASCAR’s most complete drivers.

He’s got the talent, the work ethic, and those sharp racing instincts that make him a threat every week. Since joining Hendrick in 2021, Larson’s racked up two championships and a series-best 26 wins.

His numbers are wild—he leads the series in runner-up finishes, top-fives, top-tens, and laps led. Not many can say that.

The Larson-Daniels Partnership

This extension isn’t just about Larson. Cliff Daniels, his crew chief, is sticking around too.

Daniels, now 37, has worked with Larson since 2021. Together, they’ve won two championships and a bunch of races.

Their partnership is one of the best in the garage, no question. Daniels brings leadership and pushes his team to hit higher standards every season.

Impact on Hendrick Motorsports

Rick Hendrick, the team owner, likes to say that people are the foundation of NASCAR success. By locking in Larson and Daniels, Hendrick Motorsports keeps its top talent in-house.

HendrickCars.com sticking as the main sponsor adds even more stability. That trio—driver, crew chief, sponsor—gives the team a real shot at more wins and maybe more championships.

Larson’s Career Highlights

Larson’s time with Hendrick Motorsports has been anything but quiet. Just look at the milestones:

• Two NASCAR Cup Series Championships
• 26 Race Wins (Series Best)
• 18 Runner-Up Finishes
• 78 Top-Five Finishes
• 103 Top-10 Finishes
• 7,149 Laps Led

He’s won three of NASCAR’s four crown jewel races: the Coca-Cola 600 (2021), Brickyard 400 (2024), and Southern 500 (2023). The Daytona 500 still eludes him after 12 tries, though. Maybe next year?

Looking Ahead: The 2026 Season and Beyond

The 2026 season, starting with the Daytona 500, kicks off Larson’s extended run with Hendrick. Larson’s grateful for the chance to keep racing with the team.

He says Hendrick gives him everything he needs to compete at the top. He’s optimistic that their best moments are still to come.

Market Implications

Larson’s extension takes a big name off what was shaping up to be a wild driver market. Plenty of top drivers are heading into the final year of their deals, and some big teams might have openings.

Here’s a quick look at other potential free agents:

• Tyler Reddick (23XI Racing)
• Kyle Busch (Richard Childress Racing)
• Alex Bowman (Hendrick Motorsports)
• Austin Cindric (Team Penske)
• Brad Keselowski (RFK Racing)
• Daniel Suarez (Spire Motorsports)

With Larson staying put, teams looking for a shake-up will have to turn their attention to these other drivers. Could get interesting as negotiations heat up and silly season unfolds.

Conclusion

Kyle Larson just landed a contract extension with Hendrick Motorsports, and honestly, that’s a pretty big deal. This move locks in both Larson and his crew chief, Cliff Daniels, for the long haul.