Kyle Larson’s start to the NASCAR Cup Series Chase is drawing comparisons to Jimmie Johnson’s championship years. Larson doesn’t see himself as a title favorite yet.
Larson finished fifth, first, second and first in the first four Chase races. Capedum, who is on a winning streak at Kansas City on Sunday, sweeping both points and making 235 of 267 licks.
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Denny Hamlin now leads by 26 points with six races remaining. After Larson’s run, the 51-race winless streak at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway came on Sept. 13.
Johnson and crew captain Chad Knaus won five straight Cup titles from 2006 to 2010 in the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet. Larson drives the No. 5 for the same team. Asked about the comparison after Kansas in the comments related by Matt Weaver.
“What Jimmie and Chad have been able to do for so long is super impressive. So, anyone in the field would love to replicate what they did.”
“Even though it might sound like it, Cliff is as close to Chad Knaus as you can get. I’m excited to have him as our team leader leading our team.”
Larson raced through motorsports, in the Indianapolis 500. He won his first Cup title in 2021 and his second in 2025, both with Cliff Daniels and his leading crew. Tune said that he was trying to talk outside.
“Really, I try not to think about all those things and listen or read or anything like that. I just want to stay focused and just try to do the best job I can, which has worked for us here for the first four races.
“Studying behind the wheel, making good plans, doing all that. Yes, I remember, but it’s more than me. The team also has the same mindset. I feel like they do, and the pit crew is solid. The mechanics were carrying fast class cars.”
Larson laughed when asked if the championship is now his favorite. It shows how quickly a bad day can wipe out a lead. Noah Gragson had engine failure early in the Kansas race.
“No, no. There are still six races left, and I only have a 26-point lead on Denny. That could be absorbed in a hurry. I scored 76 points today. So, Denny could go through the regular points day next week, and I could blow the gun, like Noah did in the first race, and drop some 70 points there.”
Daniels and Hendrick Motorsports president Jeff Andrews pointed out to team owner Rick Hendrick. Andreas Hendrick said there is a common link between the old No. 48 team and the current No. 5.
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Daniel said Hendrick called the crew chiefs and drivers about five or six weeks before the Chase, when the event was going down. Daniel said the team has maintained steady support.
The Chase continues on Oct. 4 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where Hamlin won the last two Cup races.