Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports Ink Long-Term Deal Through 2031

Feb 11, 2026; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) during practice for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway.

Kyle Larson and Hendrick have gone together like peanut butter and jelly. Winning two championships together and multiple crown jewel events like the All-Star race, Coca-Cola 600, Brickyard 400, and Southern 500!

Larson is making his way to be right behind the likes of Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon, for the most iconic Hendrick driver of all time. So, no surprise the two want to keep the good times rolling and have inked a long-term deal together. To keep this fruitful partnership going for a long time.

Breaking Down The Long-Term Partnership

When Kyle Larson and Hendrick Motorsports announced a major contract extension this week, the move reverberated through NASCAR like the turn of a key in a race car’s ignition, familiar, decisive, and loaded with forward momentum.

The reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion has agreed to a five-year extension that keeps him behind the wheel of the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet through the 2031 season, signaling continuity and championship ambition at one of the sport’s powerhouse organizations.

Larson’s new deal isn’t just about years on paper. It’s a statement of stability for both him and Hendrick. Since joining the iconic team in 2021, a move that revitalized a career that had momentarily stalled elsewhere.

Larson has become one of the most accomplished drivers in the Cup Series. His tenure with Hendrick Motorsports includes 26 wins and two championships (2021 and 2025), making him one of the team’s most successful drivers since legends like Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson.

Why Cliff Daniels’ Influence Matters

Equally important to the extension is Larson’s continued partnership with crew chief Cliff Daniels, who has also signed a multiyear contract to remain atop the No. 5 team. Their working relationship, built on trust, communication, and shared strategy, has been a cornerstone of Larson’s success and one reason Hendrick views this long-term commitment as a foundation for future championships.

HendrickCars.com, the primary sponsor on Larson’s machine for the vast majority of the Cup schedule, also signed a matching extension, ensuring brand continuity alongside driver and crew chief stability.

According to Hendrick Automotive Group officials, the partnership has delivered strong returns, including significant television exposure and fan engagement, making the business case for loyalty as compelling as the competitive one.

In his own remarks, Larson sounded both grateful and energized by the opportunity to continue his journey with Hendrick Motorsports. “This team, this organization, and this family have given me everything I need to compete at the highest level,” he said, pointing to a belief that the best chapters of his career are still unfolding.

What’s Next

From the garage to the race track, this extension reshapes the Cup landscape. It preserves a star driver-team pairing that has already delivered elite results and positions Hendrick to remain a central force in NASCAR’s competitive hierarchy.

As the 2026 season begins with the Daytona 500 looming, Larson’s contract through 2031 isn’t just contract news; it’s a leadership handbrake turn toward sustained excellence. Thanks a bunch for reading!