In the high-octane world of NASCAR, legacies are built on speed, grit, and unforgettable moments. Few names shine as brightly as Jeff Gordon, the four-time Cup Series champion who redefined the sport in the 1990s and 2000s. Now, as vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports (HMS), Gordon is watching a new generation carry the torch he lit decades ago. At the forefront is Kyle Larson, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion, whose relentless drive has sparked conversations about restoring Gordon’s storied legacy at HMS. In a recent interview, Gordon summed up his thoughts on Larson’s pursuit in just nine words: “Kyle’s talent is undeniable; he’s building his own legacy.”
Gordon’s succinct response, shared during a SiriusXM NASCAR Radio segment, speaks volumes about the dynamic between two of NASCAR’s biggest stars. Larson, often compared to Gordon for his versatility and raw talent, has been a force since joining HMS in 2021. His 10 wins and championship that year, coupled with his ambitious ventures like the Indy-Charlotte Double, have drawn parallels to Gordon’s boundary-pushing career. Yet, Gordon’s words suggest a balance of admiration and perspective—Larson isn’t just chasing Gordon’s shadow; he’s carving his own path.
Hendrick Motorsports, the winningest team in NASCAR history with 14 Cup Series titles, is the perfect stage for this narrative. Gordon, who drove the No. 24 Chevrolet to 93 victories and four championships from 1992 to 2015, is now an equity owner and the team’s second-in-command. His influence extends beyond the track, shaping HMS’s competition and marketing strategies. Larson, driving the No. 5 Chevrolet, has become the modern face of HMS, blending Gordon’s precision with a fearless style that captivates fans.
Larson’s pursuit of Gordon’s legacy isn’t just about wins—it’s about impact. Gordon brought NASCAR into the mainstream, hosting Saturday Night Live in 2003 and appearing in Pepsi ads, making him a household name. Larson, with his dirt-racing roots and cross-disciplinary ambitions, is expanding NASCAR’s reach in a new era. His 2021 comeback, guided by HMS and the late Jon Edwards, the team’s revered communications director, showcased his resilience after a 2020 suspension. Gordon played a pivotal role in advocating for Larson’s return, seeing echoes of his own youthful hunger in the younger driver.
“Kyle’s situation was one of a kind,” Gordon said, reflecting on Larson’s journey. “We should be celebrating drivers who push boundaries.” This sentiment resonates with fans who see Larson’s Indy 500 attempt—despite its rain-soaked challenges—as a bold nod to Gordon’s era of innovation. Larson’s 2024 Indy-Charlotte Double, backed by a $3 million investment from HMS, yielded a three-to-one return for sponsor HendrickCars.com, proving his marketability. Gordon, ever the businessman, noted, “The numbers didn’t lie,” highlighting the financial and cultural boost Larson brings to HMS.
But Gordon’s nine-word response also hints at a deeper truth: legacies evolve. While Larson’s 10 wins in 2021 echo Gordon’s dominant 1998 season, their styles differ. Gordon was a master of consistency, with 475 top-10 finishes and a record 12 restrictor-plate wins. Larson, meanwhile, thrives in chaos, excelling on diverse tracks but struggling at superspeedways like Daytona, where Gordon once reigned. “Gosh, the guy isn’t perfect,” Gordon quipped after Larson’s lackluster 2025 Daytona 500, urging him to “just go for it” and shake off overthinking.
This dynamic fuels HMS’s success. Gordon mentors Larson, Chase Elliott, William Byron, and Alex Bowman, fostering a culture of internal competition reminiscent of his battles with Jimmie Johnson. Larson’s recent signing of 19-year-old Corey Day, endorsed by both Gordon and Larson, signals HMS’s commitment to nurturing new talent. “When Kyle and Jeff say someone’s the real deal, it gets your attention,” team owner Rick Hendrick said, underscoring Gordon’s influence in shaping the team’s future.
As NASCAR heads into the 2025 season, Gordon’s legacy—built on 93 wins, four titles, and a transformative presence—remains a benchmark. Larson, with his own championship and fearless spirit, isn’t just restoring it; he’s redefining it for a new generation. Gordon’s nine words capture this perfectly: Larson’s talent is undeniable, but his legacy is his own.
For NASCAR fans, this story is a reminder of the sport’s enduring appeal—where legends like Gordon pass the baton, and drivers like Larson run with it, full throttle. Share this journey of legacy and ambition, and let’s celebrate the drivers pushing NASCAR forward.
