Kyle Larson and Hendrick Motorsports show dominance early in playoffs
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 28, 2026, 1:22 AM
Last updated Sep 28, 2026
Kyle Larson and the Hendrick Motorsports No. 5 team are making an impression early in the Chase for the Championship, resembling the success of the No. 48 team from 2006 to 2010. Larson has shown resilience despite a winless start, leading laps and accumulating the most stage points this season. After recent finishes of fifth, first, second, and first, Larson's performance has drawn comparisons to Jimmie Johnson's dominant years. While Larson currently holds a 26-point lead over Denny Hamlin, he remains focused on consistent performance, acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead. With six races left in the playoff sequence, tensions are rising as other drivers pursue critical wins to remain in contention.
- •Larson leads the playoff standings with a 26-point advantage over Hamlin.
- •Hendrick Motorsports' No. 5 mimics the peak performance of the No. 48 team.
- •Recent finishes include two wins for Larson in the opening playoff races.
- •Hamlin maintains optimism, citing the need for improved speed in future races.
- •Other drivers like Bell, Logano, and Blaney face pressure to win upcoming races.
- 1:22 AMYahoo Sports — Kyle Larson's team looks like peak Jimmie Johnson but Denny Hamlin says there's time yet
- 1:22 AMMotorsport.com — Kyle Larson's team looks like peak Jimmie Johnson but Denny Hamlin says there's time yet
"It’s early yet but the start to this Chase for the Championship is making Kyle Larson and the Hendrick Motorsports No. 5 look an awful lot like the No. 48 team that terrorized the Cup Series from 2006 to 2010. Even amidst a well-publicized winless drought to start the season, Larson was leading laps and has actually scored the most stage points throughout the entire season. So, there was ...Keep reading
"The Hendrick Motorsports No. 5 is making an early playoff statement
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 28, 2026, 1:22 AMKyle Larson's team looks like peak Jimmie Johnson but Denny Hamlin says there's time yet
The Hendrick Motorsports No. 5 is making an early playoff statement
- Motorsport.comSep 28, 2026, 1:22 AMKyle Larson's team looks like peak Jimmie Johnson but Denny Hamlin says there's time yet
It’s early yet but the start to this Chase for the Championship is making Kyle Larson and the Hendrick Motorsports No. 5 look an awful lot like the No. 48 team that terrorized the Cup Series from 2006 to 2010. Even amidst a well-publicized winless drought to start the season, Larson was leading laps and has actually scored the most stage points throughout the entire season. So, there was ...Keep reading
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