Rick Hendrick admits NASCAR titles are tougher to win under current rules but expects more from Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, and William Byron

Rick Hendrick, the most successful team owner in NASCAR history, believed that the sport’s current championship format has made winning titles harder than ever. Speaking after Sunday’s season finale at Phoenix Raceway, where Kyle Larson clinched his second championship and Hendrick Motorsports’ record-extending 15th, the 74-year-old admitted that luck played a far greater role than consistency.

In the post-race press conference alongside vice chairman Jeff Gordon, No. 5 crew chief Cliff Daniels, and Chevrolet’s Dr. Eric Warren, Hendrick was asked about Larson’s potential for more championships. He praised his driver but quickly pointed out the increasing unpredictability of the playoff system.

“I think Kyle (will) win a lot of championships,” Hendrick said, via Cup Scene. “It’s so hard. I look at Denny and how good Denny’s run and he hadn’t got one. These things are really hard under these rules to win a championship. You can win all the races, you can win a ton of races, you get here, have a flat tire, things can happen. A lot of these things are out of your control.” (21:25 onwards)

Rick Hendrick was referring to NASCAR’s elimination-style playoff format, introduced in 2014, which narrows the title contenders to four drivers for a single-race shootout. The 3-3-3-1 system has often produced surprise champions.

The Hall of Famer acknowledged that the system didn't always reward the most dominant driver in the season. Hendrick still prefers the Chase format, in which Jimmie Johnson won six of his seven titles between 2006 and 2016.

Denny Hamlin and Rick Hendrick during qualifying at Phoenix Raceway. Source: Getty

Denny Hamlin left Phoenix heartbroken after leading 208 of the 312 laps but losing the championship in overtime, despite winning most races this campaign. Hendrick said that it showed how easily circumstances could undo months of preparation. Despite his criticism of the playoff system, Hendrick was quick to point out the strength of his lineup.

“But I think Kyle can. I think William’s going to win a lot and I think Chase is coming,” Hendrick added. “He’s really coming on, and Alex was a really good car here today. So I think we’re bringing four really good cars to the track. If we’re there every week running in the top five, we’re going to win races.” (22:15 onwards)

Chase Elliott, William Byron, Kyle Larson, and Alex Bowman all made the playoffs in 2025, and two reached the Championship 4. Elliott, the 2020 champion, faded after the most consistent regular season, while Byron made his third straight Championship 4 appearance, finishing fourth in points.

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“I was ready to call Joe and say congratulations”: Rick Hendrick had given up on title hopes

Kyle Larson (5) celebrates with team owner Rick Hendrick at Phoenix Raceway. Source: Imagn

The race itself mirrored Rick Hendrick’s point. Denny Hamlin started from the pole and appeared set for his long-awaited first title until a late caution and pit-cycle shuffle altered everything. When the race went into overtime, Kyle Larson restarted from the third row on two tires and powered through the outside lane to finish third, securing his second Cup title.

Hendrick admitted afterward that even he thought Hamlin had the race sealed.

“I almost jumped off the box,” Hendrick said, via NASCAR. “I mean, I was ready to call Joe (Gibbs) and say congratulations to Denny. All of a sudden, here we are, we’re going to win this thing.”

The finish capped a season defined by resilience for Larson’s No. 5 team, which overcame pit issues, a flat tire, and track position swings before closing it out under pressure. Hendrick Motorsports' crew chief Cliff Daniels’ two-tire call under the final caution ultimately proved decisive.