Kyle Larson had an outstanding 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, winning his second championship, with key victories at Bristol and Kansas, and leading significant laps. He secured Hendrick Motorsports' 15th Cup Series title and joined an elite group of multiple-time champions. Larson's future with Hendrick is uncertain as his contract ends after 2026, and he aims to return to victory lane in 2026 despite a winless streak.
Chase Elliott's No. 9 Prime Video Chevrolet for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series has been unveiled, with the car scheduled to race three times in 2026 at Talladega, Texas, and Dover Motor Speedway.
Kyle Larson won his second NASCAR Cup Series championship at Phoenix Raceway, showcasing resilience, strategic racing, and consistency throughout the season, solidifying his place among NASCAR's elite and continuing Hendrick Motorsports' legacy of success.
Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing dominate NASCAR in 2025, with predictions favoring Denny Hamlin to win the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis, a race where pit strategy and driver performance could break their oval streak. Other contenders include Tyler Reddick, Kyle Larson, William Byron, and Chase Elliott, with various drivers like Chase Briscoe and Bubba Wallace also in the spotlight for potential upsets.
All four Hendrick Motorsports cars will start from the rear in the Chicago Street Race due to damage sustained during practice and qualifying, with drivers Byron, Elliott, Bowman, and Larson all facing setbacks from crashes and repairs, while Denny Hamlin also to start from the back after an engine issue.
Joey Logano defended the NASCAR playoff format after winning his third Cup Series title, despite finishing lower in the regular-season standings. The format, which allows drivers to qualify for the playoffs through wins and points, has been controversial, with some arguing it doesn't reflect a full-season performance. Logano compared it to other sports' playoff systems, emphasizing that his team has mastered the current rules. NASCAR officials confirmed the playoff system will remain, citing the excitement it brings to the sport.
William Byron, driver of the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, is set to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series Championship 4 at Phoenix Raceway. Byron's advancement came after a tense wait at Martinsville Speedway, where a penalty against Christopher Bell secured his spot. Despite a winless playoff run, Byron's strong postseason performance and team unity have bolstered his confidence. As the only Hendrick driver in the Championship 4, Byron benefits from the full support of his team, focusing solely on winning the title.
Kyle Larson is eligible to compete for the 2024 Cup Series championship after NASCAR granted a waiver for missing a race to participate in the Indianapolis 500. Despite missing the start of the Coca-Cola 600 due to weather delays, Larson's waiver was supported by many in the motorsports community, recognizing his efforts to raise the sport's profile.
Michael McDowell criticizes NASCAR's delay in granting Kyle Larson a playoff waiver after Larson missed the Coca-Cola 600 to compete in the rain-delayed Indianapolis 500. Despite two wins this season, Larson's playoff eligibility is uncertain. NASCAR has no set timetable for a decision, and Larson remains focused on winning a championship regardless of the waiver outcome.
Roger Penske and GM's Jim Campbell advocate for a NASCAR playoff waiver for Kyle Larson, who missed a race to compete in the Indy 500. Larson's eligibility for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs is in question, but both Penske and Campbell believe his participation in the Indy 500 benefits motorsports overall. NASCAR has yet to receive a waiver request from Hendrick Motorsports.
Kyle Larson will compete in the Indy 500, causing him to miss the start of the Coke 600. Rain delays forced him to choose between the two races. Larson, who is leading the NASCAR regular season championship, will need a waiver to remain playoff-eligible. Justin Allgaier will start the Coke 600 in Larson's place, beginning from the rear of the field. Larson qualified fifth for the Indy 500 and aims to become the fifth driver to complete the 1,100-mile 'Double.'
Hendrick Motorsports has not yet requested a playoff waiver for Kyle Larson, who may miss the start of the Coca-Cola 600 due to his participation in the Indy 500. Discussions have occurred with NASCAR, but no decision can be made until an official request is submitted. Larson prioritizes starting the Indy 500, and Justin Allgaier is on standby to start the Coca-Cola 600 in his place.
NASCAR is willing to accommodate Kyle Larson's attempt to race both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day, coordinating with various partners to ensure he can make it to Charlotte in time. Larson, who qualified fifth for the Indy 500, will use a combination of helicopter and plane to travel between the two events. Weather conditions in Indianapolis could impact the plan, but NASCAR is committed to making it work within reason.
As the NASCAR Cup Series heads into the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, various teams face mixed fortunes. Eight different drivers have won in the first 13 races, with Kyle Larson aiming to compete in both the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600. Teams like Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing have strong track records, while others like Rick Ware Racing and RFK Racing face challenges. The race marks the second half of the regular season, with 23 races remaining.
Chase Elliott ends a 42-race winless streak with a victory at Texas Motor Speedway, while Hendrick Motorsports continues its dominance with five wins in the first nine races. Brad Keselowski finishes second despite not having the best car, and Richard Childress Racing sees success with both Austin Dillon and Kyle Busch placing in the top 10. On the flip side, Alex Bowman and Michael McDowell suffer setbacks, and Ford remains winless in Cup, Xfinity, and Trucks races this season.
