"I could tell how special it was to him": When Kyle Larson reflected on solidifying Rick Hendrick's legacy in NASCAR history

NASCAR driver, Kyle Larson joined Henrick Motorsports in the No. 5 Chevrolet three years ago. In a conversation with Jeff Gordon in November 2021, Larson talked about his incredible first year with Hendrick Motorsports and his first trip to the Championship 4.

Before the championship race, Larson spoke about winning the 269th race for Hendrick Motorsports. Larson won the Coca-Cola 600 race in May which made Hendrick the winningest team in NASCAR history that year.

"The four of us were winning races early in the year, and we were getting down to that record-breaking win. I think all of us, deep down, maybe not said it, you know, we wanted to be that guy to win that race. I could tell how special it was to him to break that record," Larson said.

When Gordon asked if anything less than a championship would be disappointing, here's how Larson responded:

“I may be proud of the effort that we've put in all season long. I don't know how I'll feel if we don't win. I don't even like thinking about what I might feel like because I don't want to be prepared to lose....I want to be prepared to win.”

Larson went on to lead 101 laps in the championship race at Phoenix and ultimately won the Cup Series title for the first time.

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Kyle Larson's wins with Hendrick Motorsports in 2021

Kyle Larson had an average finish of 9.1 in 2021. He showed strong performance throughout the season.

Larson earned a 10th-place finish in the Daytona 500. His first win with Hendrick came at Las Vegas, where he led 103 laps. He later won the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte, his first road course race at Sonoma, and the NASCAR All-Star Race at Texas.

Larson finished the regular season with seven wins and the regular-season championship. After making it to the Championship 4, he won his 10th race and his first NASCAR Cup Series championship.

"I didn’t even think I’d be racing a Cup car a year-and-a-half ago. To win a championship is crazy. There were so many points in this race where I did not think we were going to win and without my pit crew on that last stop, we would not be standing right here. They’re the true winners of this race. They’re the true champions. I’m just blessed to be a part of this group," Larson said after the win.

Larson moved to the Round of 12 by winning at Bristol, the Round of 8, the ROVAL, and the Championship 4 by winning at Texas. With five wins in the playoffs, Larson tied with Tony Stewart for the most in one season. He also set a record for the most laps led (1,015) in the playoffs.