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Do you know Kyle Larson just joined an elite club of only 18 drivers in NASCAR’s 77-year history to win multiple Cup Series championships after his Phoenix triumph? The 2025 season finale not only marked a new milestone for ‘Yung Money’ but also for the man atop his pit box: crew chief Cliff Daniels. Behind the calm voice on the radio and the precision calls on pit road lies a leader molded by NASCAR greatness. And if it hadn’t been for one daring decision, a two-tire call late in the race, Larson’s championship dream might’ve slipped away. Now, as the spotlight turns toward him, Daniels is quick to deflect praise to something far bigger – the culture that defines Hendrick Motorsports. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad Kyle Larson’s crew chief joins an elite group Right after winning the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series championship as crew chief, Cliff Daniels emphasized the unique culture at Hendrick Motorsports, highlighting the leadership of Mr. and Mrs. Hendrick as the foundation of the team’s success. “We have so many good people and so many good leaders at Hendrick Motorsports,” Daniels said. “You know what it feels like to walk around, and feel the common bond, the culture that is led first and foremost by Mr. and Mrs. Hendrick. That’s what matters. That culture and leadership, and the care for people to achieve a common goal. That’s what matters.” For instance, a luncheon was held a couple of months ago at Hendrick’s to celebrate nine employees who achieved 20 years of service this year. Moreover, each one of them was given a watch to commemorate the milestone. This kind of recognition and appreciation runs organization-wide, where every individual, from engineers to mechanics, feels valued and seen. That’s the culture Cliff Daniels was referring to. It’s not built overnight, and it’s not just about winning races (but ultimately leads to it). ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad Daniels, who recently joined the elite ranks of crew chiefs with multiple championships for Hendrick, now stands alongside legends Ray Evernham and Chad Knaus – two of the most successful crew chiefs in NASCAR history. Daniels called his journey humbling, going on to say, “Chad Knaus was such an influence on my career. Working under him for four, five years. Won a championship with Jimmy. Those two together had such an impact on me. From the team building standpoint, from how to compete, how to do things the right way.” Knaus, inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2024, won seven NASCAR Cup Series championships, including an unprecedented five consecutive titles from 2006 to 2010 with driver Jimmie Johnson. His 81 wins as a crew chief rank him second all-time, just behind Dale Inman. Read Top Stories First From EssentiallySports Click here and check box next to EssentiallySports Ray Evernham, also a Hall of Famer, was pivotal in revolutionizing the sport during his time with Jeff Gordon and Hendrick Motorsports in the 1990s. Evernham’s innovative strategies and leadership helped Gordon secure three NASCAR Cup Series championships, establishing a dynasty. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad Together, Knaus and Evernham set the gold standard for crew chief excellence, mentoring future leaders like Cliff Daniels. Daniels’ work under these icons helped him develop the skills and philosophy necessary to achieve his own championship successes, continuing the legacy of excellence at Hendrick Motorsports. Hendrick camp acknowledges Cliff Daniels’ hard work Inside the No. 5 car at Phoenix Raceway, Kyle Larson thought his championship hopes were over. Even Rick Hendrick and Jeff Gordon admitted later that they had nearly counted the team out. But through the radio static came one constant. It was the calm, confident voice of crew chief Cliff Daniels. The same voice that had steered Larson and the Hendrick Motorsports crew through every twist of a turbulent 2025 season. That unshakable belief became their backbone. Despite a blown tire and a one-lap deficit, Kyle Larson clawed his way back to win one of the most improbable titles in NASCAR history. “He works so hard. Not just on the team but on himself,” Larson said afterward. “We all want it so bad for ourselves, but even more for him and his leadership. I knew I had Cliff Daniels, and that’s something nobody else had.” While history will remember Daniels’ bold two-tire strategy on the final pit stops, it was his relentless optimism that defined the season. Even when the odds looked impossible, Daniels never wavered. And that spirit spread through the team. “You can just never say it’s over,” Gordon said. “Never quit and never count out Cliff Daniels and Kyle Larson. This whole race summed up their season. You’ve just got to love that fight.” The 2025 season wasn’t just a competitive battle; it was a personal one. The team endured changes in personnel, emotional loss with the passing of long-time PR rep Jon Edwards, and countless behind-the-scenes challenges. Yet, through it all, Daniels guided them with patience and grit. “You don’t plan for the struggle,” he reflected. “But that’s how we got tough enough, gritty enough to show this level of perseverance.” And in the end, Daniels summed it up perfectly. “I’m very grateful to be part of a team and an organization and a group of people that all share that belief.”
