In a remarkable turn of events in the NASCAR Cup Series, 2025 has become a year to remember, reminiscent of the golden age of racing in 1994. Champion Kyle Larson has solidified his place in the annals of NASCAR history, showcasing an unparalleled level of dominance across the season. According to NASCAR Insights on X, Larson’s prowess on the track placed him in an elite category where he, alongside three other drivers, led more than 80 percent of laps in five separate races this season—a feat not seen in over three decades.
Larson’s stellar performances at iconic tracks have set him apart. At Bristol in April, he commanded the race with an astonishing 82.20% of laps led, followed closely by an even more impressive 82.77% at Kansas in May. While Shane van Gisbergen made headlines by leading 88.18% of the laps at Sonoma in July, Larson’s teammate William Byron also made his mark with an 81.82% lead at Darlington. Collectively, these performances underscore a season of extraordinary competition and skill.
Adding to the excitement, Chase Briscoe, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, emerged as a formidable contender in his debut season with the storied Toyota team. He finished the year ranked third in the standings, boasting three victories, 15 top-five finishes, and 19 top-10s. This level of performance only heightens the intensity of the championship chase.
In a stunning finale, Kyle Larson clinched the NASCAR Cup Series championship, finishing third in the race behind Ryan Blaney and Brad Keselowski. His triumph was particularly noteworthy as he was the highest-finishing driver among the championship contenders despite not leading a single lap during the race. “We didn’t lead a lap and won the championship,” Larson remarked in a post-race interview. “We had an average car at best and had the right front go down, lost a lap and got the wave around, saved by the caution with the wave around. It’s just unbelievable. What a year by this motorsports team.”
As the excitement continues, Larson and his team are now gearing up for the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, set for February 1, 2026. Fans can expect a thrilling 200-lap event, broadcast live on FOX starting at 8 PM ET, with real-time updates provided by MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
In another thrilling development, Larson expressed a desire to return to the prestigious Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona. In a candid discussion on the Dinner with Racers podcast, he revealed his eagerness to participate once again in this grueling endurance race. “I think at this stage in my career, yeah, I’d do it again,” he shared with enthusiasm. “I had fun those three years I did it. I didn’t want to keep doing it every year.” Referring to the time that has passed since his last appearance in 2016, Larson added, “It’s been so long since I ran it that you almost get to the point where you forget a little bit about it, right? And I just remember having a blast doing that race, so I just want to go there and relive it.”
While Larson’s return to the Rolex 24 is not yet confirmed, fans are eagerly anticipating the 2026 IMSA Rolex 24 at Daytona, scheduled for January 24-25, 2026. The excitement surrounding Larson’s career continues to build, as he remains a pivotal figure in the world of motorsports.
