At Avondale, Arizona, Kyle Larson has just secured his second NASCAR Cup Series championship, while Jeff Gordon watched on, powerless. Gordon, a four-time Cup champion and current Hendrick Motorsports executive vice chairman, acknowledged the difficulty of the race but expressed excitement for the upcoming 2026 Homestead finale, where Larson excels. Although the playoff structure for 2026 is yet to be confirmed, Gordon and Hendrick Motorsports are optimistic about the potential for more championships ahead.
Larson’s recent triumph at Phoenix Raceway marks Hendrick Motorsports’ 15th championship in 30 years, beginning with Gordon’s first title win in 1995. Team owner Rick Hendrick praised Larson’s talent, confident he’ll win many more championships. Larson, 33, clinched his first title in 2021 during his debut season with Hendrick Motorsports after full-time Cup racing since 2014. This season, Larson secured three wins by early May and earned the championship despite a less dominant performance overall, finishing with 15 top-five and 22 top-ten results.
Larson is optimistic about the chances to win additional titles if Homestead remains in the championship rotation or if the finale expands to multiple races, which he believes suits his racing style better. He reflected on Sunday’s race at Phoenix, noting he never led a lap and was not the fastest among the four finalists, but strategic issues and tire problems for his competitors put him in position to win. Larson’s experience across different racing formats and his aggressive driving were key to his success.
Gordon noted Larson’s confidence took a hit earlier this year after the challenging attempt to compete in both the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day, resulting in crashes. Nonetheless, Gordon emphasized Larson’s relentless determination, stating he always pushes hard for victories or championships despite setbacks. Larson seized opportunities effectively in Phoenix, winning despite the challenges, contrasting with his more dominant previous title where he led many laps.
Looking ahead, Larson looks forward to receiving the “Diary of a Champion,” a special book started by Jimmie Johnson in which past champions leave notes for future winners—a symbol of prestige and respect. Larson remains humble about his legacy, focusing on continuing to compete at a high level and writing more chapters in his NASCAR career.
Fan Take: Kyle Larson’s championship win highlights the unpredictable and thrilling nature of NASCAR’s playoff system, showing that consistency and strategy can triumph over sheer speed. His success and the potential changes to the championship format keep fans excited about fresh rivalries and dramatic finales that could elevate the sport’s competitive spirit for years to come.
