“Never quit”: Rick Hendrick ally lauds Hendrick Motorsports’ fight as Kyle Larson brings home 15th NASCAR championship

As Kyle Larson clinched Hendrick Motorsports’ record-extending 15th NASCAR Cup Series championship, the president and general manager of the organization, Jeff Andrews, expressed deep pride and admiration for the team’s relentless determination and unity throughout the season.

All four HMS drivers qualified for the playoffs, but only two of them made it into the Championship 4 race: Kyle Larson and William Byron. It was Larson who clinched the championship in dramatic fashion at Phoenix Raceway, sealing his second and the team’s 15th title.

The 2025 season was filled with challenges and defining moments, and HMS once again showcased why they are the No. 1 team in the sport. Reflecting on the journey, the Andrews praised the grit, hard work, and never-give-up attitude that has defined the team’s 2025 campaign and helped to achieve their 15th NASCAR Cup Series championship.

Speaking to SiriusXM NASCAR Radio after the Phoenix championship race, here’s what HMS’ president said:

“It does not get old, Lee Man, just what an incredible season. I know, you know, I talked about this a couple of times already this year, but just to fight in this Hendrick Motorsports program and the desire and the want, you just can never give up in this business, never quit. You know, obviously we started this playoff run in Darlington, which was not our best race. Obviously the playoffs and this company dug in really, really deep and certainly brought competitive cars here today.”

Appreciating the efforts of Byron and his pit crew team, Andrews said:

“Hats off to, you know, William and Rudy and everybody on the #24. They had a great race, and yeah, we're just obviously proud to bring number 15 home for Mr. and Mrs. Hendrick.”

Including all four HMS drivers, they have won a total of eight races and scored 43 top-five finishes.

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Kyle Larson left speechless after winning the second career NASCAR championship

Kyle Larson, who finished third in the season finale at Phoenix, was having an average day until overtime, after a late caution that changed the race’s complexion. His strategy to take two new tires turned into the title-winning move, beating hot favorite Denny Hamlin.

In the post-race interview, the #5 HMS driver expressed pure disbelief after winning the second career NASCAR Cup Series championship despite not leading a single lap.

“Honestly, I can’t believe it. Like, we didn’t lead a lap today. Somehow won the championship. I mean, really, I’m just speechless. I can’t believe it. We had an average car at best” Larson said (via NASCAR.com).

Along with the prestigious Bill France Cup, Kyle Larson concluded his campaign with three wins, a pole, 15 top-five, and 22 top-10 finishes and led 1106 laps with an average finish of 13.1 in 36 races.

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Edited by Yash Soni