Hendrick Motorsports Locks In Kyle Larson Through 2031

Team owner Rick Hendrick admits he didn't want to race against NASCAR's most dominant driver.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Hendrick Motorsports has secured the services of NASCAR driver Kyle Larson and his crew chief Cliff Daniels through the 2031 season. In a surprising admission, team owner Rick Hendrick revealed that a key motivation for the long-term extension was to prevent Larson from joining a rival team, as the driver has been nearly unstoppable since joining Hendrick in 2021.

Why it matters

Larson's dominance over the past few seasons, including two championships, 26 wins, and numerous other top finishes, has made him one of the most feared drivers in NASCAR. Hendrick's decision to lock him up long-term prevents other top teams from potentially luring him away and shakes up the upcoming free agent landscape in the sport.

The details

Since joining Hendrick Motorsports in 2021 and pairing with crew chief Cliff Daniels, Larson has been virtually unstoppable. He has won three of NASCAR's four crown jewel races - the Coca-Cola 600, Brickyard 400, and Southern 500 - and has finished as the runner-up in the Daytona 500 six times. Over the past two seasons, Larson has accumulated 26 wins, more than any other driver.

  • The extension was announced just before the 2026 Daytona 500 season opener.
  • Larson's previous contract was set to expire at the end of the 2026 season.

The players

Rick Hendrick

The owner of Hendrick Motorsports, one of the most successful NASCAR teams.

Kyle Larson

A NASCAR driver who has won two championships and 26 races since joining Hendrick Motorsports in 2021.

Cliff Daniels

The crew chief who has worked with Larson at Hendrick Motorsports and helped the duo achieve tremendous success.

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What they’re saying

“I wanted these guys in place. I didn't want to race against them.”

— Rick Hendrick, Team Owner (profootballnetwork.com)

“Kyle is one of the most complete drivers in our sport. His talent, work ethic and instincts give us a chance to win every time we race.”

— Rick Hendrick, Team Owner (profootballnetwork.com)

“Cliff Daniels is a true servant leader who brings out the best in everyone around him.”

— Rick Hendrick, Team Owner (profootballnetwork.com)

“I'm incredibly grateful to continue my career with Hendrick Motorsports. This team, this organization and this family have given me everything I need to compete at the highest level. We've accomplished a lot together, but I truly believe the best is still ahead.”

— Kyle Larson (profootballnetwork.com)

What’s next

The extension removes the biggest name from what promised to be a chaotic NASCAR free agent market, as several other top drivers are set to hit the open market in the coming years.

The takeaway

Hendrick Motorsports' decision to lock in Kyle Larson and Cliff Daniels long-term solidifies the team's dominance and prevents other top NASCAR teams from potentially luring away the sport's most dominant driver in recent years.