Although Kyle Larson is adamant not to “count his championships before they come,” should his No. 5 Hendrick team claim the 2026 title, he would be the first back-to-back champ since a fellow former Hendrick Motorsports driver, Jimmie Johnson, who won a record five consecutive championships between 2006-2010.
With the benefit of a victory last weekend at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway, Larson – who won the 2021 and 2025 season titles – holds a hefty 73-point advantage atop the standings as he takes the Martinsville green flag Sunday.
“I think it would definitely be an amazing accomplishment, for sure,’’ Larson said, allowing a slight smile. “I think with repeat champions, it was obviously really tough with the previous format, so I think you’ll see more of it now as we get back to The Chase. It’s just easier to put together 10 good races than one.
“But I think if we happen to go back-to-back with it being two different formats, I think that also just shows the resilience of this team. So, yeah, we’ll see. I just want to go race and try and do a good job.”
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