On Wednesday, Kyle Larson signed a multi-year deal with Hendrick Motorsports, starting in 2021 in the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro. Larson’s sponsor will be announced at a later date. His new crew chief will be Cliffe Daniels, who is the current crew chief for Jimmie Johnson. The 28-year-old competed in four races this year with one top five-finish and three top-ten finishes. Since entering the Cup Series in 2014, he has six wins, 56 top-five finishes, 101 top-ten finishes, and eight poles. Larson was reinstated last Monday and can return to NASCAR competition on January, 1st 2021.
Humbled, honored and so grateful for this next chapter in my life. Thank you @TeamHendrick look forward to great things on and off the track! pic.twitter.com/MFjFQlTpsi — Kyle Larson (@KyleLarsonRacin) October 28, 2020
Larson released a statement saying, “Hendrick Motorsports is a championship organization that has set a high bar for performance and for how drivers represent the team and its partners. My goal is to win races, be a great teammate, continue my personal efforts to grow, and hold myself to that high standard personally and professionally. Making the absolute most of this platform and the opportunity in front of me is my focus. I know what’s expected of me and what I expect of myself, on and off the track.”
Larson continued, “Mr. Hendrick is one of the people who extended a hand to me over the past six months. Our initial conversations were not about racing. He cares about me as a person and wants to see me succeed beyond driving. I can’t put into words how grateful I am for the commitment, the faith, and the confidence from him and everyone at Hendrick Motorsports.”
Larson becomes the tenth driver to race the No. 5 car. In that number’s history, Terry Labonte won twelve races and the 1996 Winston Cup championship. Other drivers to have won with that number were Kyle Busch (4 wins), Geoff Bodine (7 wins), Kasey Kahne (6 wins), Mark Martin (5 wins), and Ricky Rudd (4 wins). The last time the number five took to the racetrack was in 2017 when Kasey Kahne drove the car. He only won one race that year in Indianapolis. As for the No. 88, it is going away. The No. 88 has been with Hendrick Motorsports since 2008 when Dale Earnhardt Jr. signed with him.
Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick released a statement on adding Larson, saying, “Kyle is unquestionably one of the most talented race car drivers in the world. He has championship-level ability and will be a significant addition to our on-track program. More importantly, I have full confidence that he understands our expectations and will be a tremendous ambassador for our team, our partners, and NASCAR. Kyle and I have had many, many conversations leading up to today’s announcement. I’m confident about what’s in his heart and his desire to be a champion in all aspects of his life and career. Kyle has done important work over the past six months, and Hendrick Motorsports is going to support those continued efforts.”
Hendrick Motorsports driver Chase Elliott is in a must-win situation to advance to the championship four at this Sunday’s Xfinity 500 from Martinsville Speedway that will air live on Sunday, November 1st, at 2 pm on NBC.
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