Two-Time NASCAR Champion Kyle Larson Eyes Elusive Daytona 500 Victory

Larson has 32 career wins but has never won the sport's biggest race.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson will look to add the Daytona 500 to his impressive resume when the 2026 season kicks off on February 15. Larson, who drives the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro for Hendrick Motorsports, has won 32 races during his 13-year career but has never finished higher than seventh in the Daytona 500, NASCAR's most prestigious event.

Why it matters

The Daytona 500 is considered the 'Super Bowl' of NASCAR, and a victory would cement Larson's legacy as one of the sport's all-time greats. Despite his success, the 33-year-old driver has struggled to conquer the unique challenges of the Daytona International Speedway, leaving a void in his otherwise impressive resume.

The details

Larson, a native of Elk Grove, California, was named the 2013 Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year and the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Rookie of the Year. He has since gone on to win two Cup Series championships, in 2021 and 2025, but the Daytona 500 has eluded him. His best finishes in the race were seventh-place efforts in 2016 and 2019, and he won the pole position in 2022.

  • Larson will make his 13th Daytona 500 start on February 15, 2026.
  • He won the NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2021 and 2025.

The players

Kyle Larson

A two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion who drives the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro for Hendrick Motorsports.

Hendrick Motorsports

The NASCAR team that Larson drives for, where he has won both of his Cup championships.

Cliff Daniels

Larson's crew chief, with whom he has won 26 races over the past five seasons.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Larson will look to qualify well and put himself in position to win the Daytona 500 on February 15, 2026, as he seeks to add the prestigious race to his growing list of accomplishments.

The takeaway

Despite his immense success, including two NASCAR Cup Series championships, Kyle Larson has yet to conquer the Daytona 500, NASCAR's biggest and most prestigious race. His quest to finally win the 'Great American Race' will be a major storyline heading into the 2026 season.