Exploring the highs, lows, and the relentless drive of one of NASCAR’s brightest stars.
A Strong 2024 Season for Kyle Larson
Crew Chief: Cliff Daniels
Final Ranking: 6th
Key Stats:
- Wins: Six
- Top Fives: 15
- Top 10s: 18
- Polls: 5
- Laps Led: 1,700
Kyle Larson’s 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season was nothing short of spectacular. Driving the No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, Larson showcased his dominance with six wins and consistent performances, including 15 top-five finishes. However, two rough outings at Atlanta 2 (37th place) and Kansas 2 (26th place) ultimately kept him from advancing to the coveted Championship 4 round.
Playoff Brilliance Despite Setbacks
Larson’s playoff journey was marked by exceptional performances, including victories at the Bristol Night Race and the Charlotte Roval. His determination shone through with five top-five finishes in the postseason, capped by a third-place result at Martinsville and fourth place in the season finale at Phoenix. Although the Championship 4 eluded him, his playoff run cemented his status as one of the sport’s elite.
Best Race: A Dominant Victory at Bristol
Among Larson’s six victories, his performance in the Bristol Night Race stood out as a career highlight. Leading 462 of 500 laps, including an astounding 251 of the final 252 laps, Larson’s dominance was reminiscent of NASCAR legends. Fans likened his performance to being “shot from a cannon,” as he left the competition in the dust.
Other Highlights of 2024
Larson’s success wasn’t confined to just one track. At Las Vegas 1, he led 181 of 267 laps en route to victory. Even in races he didn’t win, like the final regular-season race at Darlington, he still made a statement, leading 263 of the 367 laps before finishing fourth.
Impressive Career Stats with Hendrick Motorsports
Since joining Hendrick Motorsports in 2021, Larson has transformed into a winning machine. Of his 29 career NASCAR Cup Series victories, 23 have come under the Hendrick banner. This includes his remarkable 10-win championship season in 2021 and his stellar six-win campaign in 2024. Additionally, his 13 poles with Hendrick reflect his consistency and dominance in qualifying.
A Champion’s Perspective
Reflecting on the 2024 season, Larson remained optimistic:
“We had a ton of speed from Race 1 to Race 38. … I don’t let finishing sixth in points take anything away from our season. … I think we left some out on the table, so I’m excited about next year and hope we can continue to evolve and get stronger as a team.”
This confidence and acknowledgment of room for growth underscore Larson’s relentless drive for improvement.
2025: A New Season, New Goals
Kyle Larson thrives on turning challenges into motivation. After missing 32 races in 2020 due to suspension, he rebounded with a championship in 2021. Similarly, falling short of the Championship 4 in 2024 will undoubtedly fuel his determination for 2025. His sights are set on securing his second career Cup championship, leveraging his experience and the team’s consistent performance.
Conclusion
Kyle Larson’s 2024 season solidified his place as one of NASCAR’s elite drivers. With six wins and consistent top finishes, Larson proved his skill, resilience, and determination. As he looks ahead to 2025, the NASCAR world eagerly awaits to see how he builds on this year’s successes.
