Hendrick extends Larson NASCAR contract to the end of 2023
Kyle Larson will remain with Hendrick Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series through to the end of 2023 in a new contract extension revealed on Wednesday.
As part of the deal, HendrickCars.com will become the majority sponsor for Larson in 35 of the 36 points-paying races.
They will also back Larson's dirt endeavours, becoming a primary sponsor in all non-NASCAR events he competes in.
Larson's current agreement expires at the conclusion of 2022, but this new contract extends his stay with HMS through the 2023 season.
“When we perform on the track on Sunday, we can feel the impact on Monday,” said Rick Hendrick, chairman and CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group and owner of Hendrick Motorsports.
“With the chance to plan for the next two years, the program is only going to help Hendrick Automotive Group sell more cars, book more service appointments and ultimately do more business.
It will also allow our company to recruit talented people and support our internal recognition and incentive programs.
"The more we followed the data, the easier the decision became. We are seeing clear results.”
HendrickCars.com has seen significant increases in website traffic thanks to Larson's success.
Larson made headlines last year when has was suspended from NASCAR competition for using a racial slur during a live stream, but was reinstated for 2021.
Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet Camaro HendrickCars.com
Photo by: Matthew T. Thacker / NKP / Motorsport Images
The 28-year-old's return to NASCAR's top level has been impressive, winning four races this season - which is more than any driver so far this year - including three in succession. He also won the All-Star Race at Texas Motor Speedway.
“The chance to extend my contract with Hendrick Motorsports and have such an awesome sponsor in HendrickCars.com are things I don’t take for granted,” said Larson.
“I feel like I’m driving for the best team and the best sponsors in the sport.
"To know that our on-track performance is having positive business influence off the track is very important because I want to return the incredible support they’ve given me.
"Everyone at Hendrick Automotive Group has made me feel like part of their team, and it’s exciting to be able to represent a company that loves racing like I do.
"I feel like we’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible.”
Related video
Previous article
NASCAR Atlanta: Kurt Busch beats brother Kyle for dramatic victory
Next article
First teaser images unveiled for next NASCAR game
The F1 nearly-man winding back the clock in NASCAR’s European cousin
A multiple F3000 race winner, Marc Goossens was on the precipice of making Formula 1 in the 1990s - but a lack of budget left him without a path to the promised land. Turning to an illustrious racing career in sportscars, Goossens left the endurance circuit to try his hand at racing stock cars - and now calls the NASCAR Euro Series home
Why a British prospect is trying to make it in NASCAR
There has never been a full-time British driver in the NASCAR Cup. But Alex Sedgwick, who is rising through the stock car ranks, wants that to change and could be a trailblazer for European talents to reach the top echelons of the NASCAR ladder
How Earnhardt’s death changed American motorsport
It's 20 years since legendary driver Dale Earnhardt Sr died at the Daytona 500, but the legacy of his crash continues today through the pioneering safety work done by NASCAR
The NASCAR subplots to keep an eye on in 2021
This weekend's Daytona 500 kickstarts a NASCAR Cup season that promises plenty of intrigue courtesy of new owners and a refreshed calendar. Here's what you need to know ahead of the new season
How a second-chance NASCAR ace is rebuilding his career
From a disgraced NASCAR exile, Kyle Larson has been given a shot at redemption by the powerhouse Hendrick Motorsports squad. Replacing seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson is no easy billing, but Larson has every intention of repaying the team's faith
Autosport's top 5 NASCAR machines
The American stock car scene is more famous for its close racing and occasional punch-ups, but there have been some fantastic machines too. As part of Autosport's 70th anniversary celebrations in 2020, we picked out five of its best
Why NASCAR's latest second-generation champion is just getting started
Chase Elliott's late charge to the 2020 NASCAR Cup title defied predictions that it would be a Kevin Harvick versus Denny Hamlin showdown. While the two veterans are showing no signs of slowing down, Elliott's triumph was a window into NASCAR's future
Why Johnson’s playoff failure won’t tarnish his legacy
The last season of a retiring NASCAR great has shown promise, and may have resulted in another playoff push without small issues outside his control. 2020 won't be the year Jimmie Johnson would have wanted, but it won't be what he is remembered for
