Kyle Larson reunites with Hendrick Motorsports crew ahead of Thanksgiving 2025

A Thanksgiving Unlike Any Other for the No. 5 Team

For most people, Thanksgiving is a moment to unwind and reconnect with family. For Kyle Larson and the No. 5 crew at Hendrick Motorsports, this year’s holiday carries a deeper emotional weight. Fresh off one of the most dramatic championship finishes in recent NASCAR history, Larson returned home not just to his own family but to the group that transformed a turbulent season into a title-winning campaign.

In a warm and lighthearted show of unity, the No. 5 team from mechanics to engineers to pit crew members gathered for a friendly Thanksgiving football game. A short video released by Hendrick Motorsports captured the team laughing, tossing a football, and reliving the moments that defined their season. It was a celebration of resilience, shared effort, and a bond strengthened under intense pressure.

For a team tested by tire failures, unpredictable cautions, and longshot comebacks, this reunion felt like more than a holiday tradition. It was a well-earned pause after a stormy season that somehow ended in triumph.

How the Season Transformed: From Chaos to Glory

A championship few predicted

Larson’s run to the 2025 Cup Series title was far from straightforward. During the finale at Phoenix Raceway, a right front tire failure in Stage 2 dropped him a lap down and forced him to restart deep in the field. Many analysts counted the No. 5 car out at that moment.

But under the calm leadership of crew chief Cliff Daniels, the team refused to fold. Timely cautions helped them regain track position. A bold two-tire strategy on the final pit stop and perfect execution during the last restart pushed Larson into contention. In an extraordinary twist, he never led a single lap during the race yet still finished ahead of all Championship 4 contenders enough to clinch his second Cup Series title.

After the race, Larson admitted even he was stunned by the outcome, saying he could hardly believe they had managed to pull off a championship on a day when the odds seemed stacked against them.

For Hendrick Motorsports, the title marked the organization’s fifteenth Cup championship, another milestone for a team that has built a legacy of excellence across decades.

Why This Reunion Feels Different

1. A reminder of shared struggle

Every member of the No. 5 team understood the weight of the season they had just endured. Mechanical challenges, tire failures, and inconsistent performances forced them to fight harder than ever. The Thanksgiving gathering was more than a casual meet up; it highlighted the human side of motorsports where emotions, trust, and camaraderie often hold a team together during its toughest moments.

Larson took time to praise his crew, especially Daniels, noting the sacrifices and relentless work that kept the team competitive throughout the year. The celebration was as much about gratitude as it was about victory.

2. A return to normal life after relentless pressure

Championship chases often stretch teams to their limits mentally and physically. The friendly football game offered a rare moment where the No. 5 crew could simply be themselves — laughing, relaxing, and enjoying the kind of break that rarely comes during the racing calendar. It was a reminder that behind every helmet and fire suit is a person who carries the pressure of expectations week after week.

3. Reflection after a chaotic finale

Thanksgiving also serves as a natural pause for reflection. The 2025 championship was not won through sheer domination. It was won through strategy, precision, opportunistic decision making, and unwavering belief. The team knows that to hold on to the top spot in the coming season, they will need to analyze what worked, what didn’t, and what must improve. Quiet moments like this holiday are often where those early conversations begin.

Cliff Daniels and the Culture That Built a Champion

The reunion also turned the spotlight toward Cliff Daniels, the strategic force behind the No. 5 team. Daniels, now a multi championship crew chief, credited the strong internal culture at Hendrick Motorsports for the success they achieved. He often highlights the organization’s unified approach — where leadership, engineers, and crew members share a common vision and relentless commitment.

For Daniels, the championship is a collective achievement. He emphasized that every individual who touched the program played a part, from engineers who worked long nights to the pit crew who performed under immense pressure. Thanksgiving, then, becomes not just a celebration but a validation of teamwork and shared strength.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Rest, regroup, and rebuild

As the holiday passes, the shift toward the 2026 season begins. The off season brings rest, but also testing sessions, development meetings, and planning for the next championship push. Hendrick Motorsports has already begun laying the foundation for 2026. The reunion serves as a gentle bridge between celebration and preparation.

Growing pressure

Expectations naturally rise after a championship. Rivals will analyze the No. 5 team closely, hunting for weaknesses in their strategy and execution. Larson and his team know that staying on top is harder than getting there. Maintaining consistency will be essential as other competitors look to close the gap.

A legacy still in the making

At age 33, Kyle Larson is already a two time Cup Series champion with a resume that includes some of the sport’s most impressive wins. With a strong team behind him and renewed momentum, many believe he is entering a period where multiple titles might be within reach. Observers are eager to see how far he can push his legacy over the next few seasons.

Why This Reunion Resonates Beyond Racing

The No. 5 team’s Thanksgiving gathering carries a message that reaches beyond NASCAR’s usual audience. It reflects universal themes that anyone can relate to: the strength of teamwork, the importance of resilience, and the value of celebrating big and small victories with the people who helped achieve them.

Racing is a fast moving, high pressure sport where results often overshadow the human stories behind the scenes. Yet moments like these remind fans that no driver achieves success alone. Every trophy rests on countless decisions, sacrifices, and hours of work from people who rarely stand in the spotlight.

The reunion is a simple but meaningful reminder that gratitude matters. It shows that even after the toughest battles, what people remember most is the journey they took together.

Gratitude After the Grind

The 2025 championship run was nothing short of dramatic. Larson and the No. 5 team battled adversity and doubt at nearly every turn, only to deliver a finish that stunned the racing world. Their Thanksgiving celebration brought closure to a season defined by grit while opening the door to renewed ambition.

As the team steps into the off season and begins preparing for 2026, their holiday gathering stands as a symbolic reminder of what truly drives success. Championships may be won on track, but they are built through trust, unity, and shared belief.

For the No. 5 crew, this Thanksgiving was not just a break. It was a moment to breathe, reflect, and appreciate the journey that carried them from chaos to victory and the journey that still lies ahead.