Title: Kyle Larson’s Crew Chief Dismantles the ‘Me First’ Mentality as They Gear Up for Title Defense!
In the high-octane world of NASCAR, few teams can boast the illustrious legacy of Hendrick Motorsports, with a staggering 15 Cup Series championships since 1984. As the motorsport community buzzes around the No. 5 team fresh off their 2025 championship triumph, the real secret to their sustained success is revealed—not just the star driver Kyle Larson, but the entire crew powering this formidable force.
Cliff Daniels, the mastermind crew chief behind Larson’s recent victory, shared a profound insight that underscores the essence of teamwork. Reflecting on his journey, Daniels confessed, “The first one was almost a little bit selfish for me… now that it’s been several years, we have new team members and just a different perspective of life for me.” This statement reveals the evolution of his mindset from individual accolades to celebrating the collective efforts that fuel their championship aspirations.
In a bold move back in April 2025, Larson’s team underwent a significant overhaul of personnel, with many vital crew members transitioning from Spire Motorsports. This strategic decision was pivotal in propelling the No. 5 team to its championship glory, showcasing the power of collaboration over individualism. When the championship was clinched, Daniels watched in awe as his crew members reveled in their shared success, emphasizing, “This one was way more about the team… I was so proud of the new people on our team.”
As the NASCAR season revs up for 2026, the No. 5 team is not resting on its laurels. With fresh changes on the horizon, including the presence of war room engineer Nathan Woodby at the Cook Out Clash, the team is ready to tackle a new set of challenges. “You got to turn the page and get going again,” Daniels asserted, embodying the relentless spirit of NASCAR.
The upcoming season promises a seismic shift in the championship format, ditching the controversial ‘elimination’ style that plagued Denny Hamlin’s 2025 title run against Larson. Now, NASCAR is reverting to a ‘Chase’ style format, which historically favored teams like Hendrick Motorsports, who clinched seven championships during its previous implementation from 2004 to 2014. Daniels remains optimistic, stating, “I think it’s going to benefit our team, and we’ve just got to make sure that how we strategize our races… we’re getting those points along the way.”
The thrill of a new season brimming with opportunities lies ahead for Kyle Larson and his crew. With the spotlight on their seamless teamwork and renewed strategies, the stage is set for yet another electrifying year in NASCAR. Buckle up, because the magic of the No. 5 team is about to unfold in spectacular fashion!








