5 MINUTES AGO: “We’ve decided…” — Rick Hendrick Officially Speaks Out, Revealing for the First Time Kyle Larson’s Future in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series, Sparking a Seismic Shift in NASCAR! 👇
Charlotte, North Carolina – January 25, 2026 – In a bombshell announcement that has sent shockwaves through the entire NASCAR paddock, Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick has finally broken his silence and officially revealed the future of superstar driver Kyle Larson for the 2026 Cup Series season – and it changes everything.
Speaking at a packed media conference this afternoon at Hendrick Motorsports headquarters, with the iconic No. 5 Chevrolet Camry on display behind him, Hendrick looked directly into the cameras and delivered the line that has already gone viral worldwide:
“We’ve decided… Kyle Larson will remain our driver in the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet for the full 2026 season – and beyond.”
The statement ends months of intense speculation that Larson – the 2021 Cup champion and one of the most dominant talents in the sport – might be tempted away by a new manufacturer push, a rival team’s massive offer, or even a sabbatical after his exhausting 2025 campaign. Instead, Hendrick confirmed a multi-year extension that keeps Larson locked in through at least 2028, with performance incentives that could make him the highest-paid driver in NASCAR history.
Hendrick didn’t stop at the contract news. He used the platform to deliver a powerful message to the rest of the sport: “Kyle is the best in the business today. He’s proven it on dirt, on ovals, on road courses – there’s no track he can’t conquer. We’re building the 2026 car around him, around his feedback, around his hunger. This isn’t just a driver-team relationship. This is a dynasty in the making.”
The announcement comes at a pivotal moment. Larson’s 2025 season was a rollercoaster: dominant early wins, mid-season struggles with setup issues, and a late surge that kept him in the Championship 4 conversation until the final race. The new 2026 regulations – reduced downforce, 50/50 ICE-electric power split, active aero – are expected to reward versatile, adaptable drivers like Larson more than ever.
Photos from the event capture the gravity: Hendrick standing confidently at the podium with the No. 5 car gleaming; Larson in his firesuit, arms crossed, looking focused and ready; a split image of Larson celebrating a win next to Hendrick’s proud smile. The overlay text screams: THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING!!
The reaction has been immediate and explosive. Social media lit up within seconds. #LarsonStays and #HendrickDynasty trended No. 1 globally. Fans erupted: “The King stays King – Larson in the 5 for years to come? Unstoppable!” “Hendrick just locked in the best driver in the sport – game over for the rest.” Drivers weighed in quickly: Denny Hamlin posted: “Congrats to Kyle and Rick – that’s a powerhouse locked in.” Chase Elliott wrote: “Happy for my teammate. Let’s go win more.” Even Tony Stewart commented: “Kyle’s the real deal. Good move, Rick.”
NASCAR officials welcomed the news: “Kyle Larson is one of the premier talents in our sport. His commitment to Hendrick Motorsports strengthens the field for 2026 and beyond.” Behind the scenes, however, rivals are already scrambling – teams know Larson’s versatility, speed and aggression make him the benchmark.
The extension also quiets rumors of Larson jumping to Toyota or a new manufacturer program. Hendrick confirmed Chevrolet has committed long-term support, with extra engineering resources dedicated to the 2026 car. Sponsorship packages – led by HendrickCars.com – are already oversubscribed.
This isn’t just a contract renewal. It’s a declaration: Hendrick Motorsports and Kyle Larson intend to dominate the new era.
The 2026 season hasn’t started – but the power shift already has.
Buckle up, NASCAR. The dynasty is reloaded.
