2021 Silly Season

It sounds like Rick helped him through his personal struggles after Chip let him go.
www.yahoo.com

Kyle Larson signs with Hendrick Motorsports to drive No. 5 in 2021

Kyle Larson has signed a multiyear contract with Hendrick Motorsports to drive the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE beginning with the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season. The 28-year-old driver will be paired with crew chief Cliff Daniels, who will shift from the No. 48 Chevrolet currently driven by...
www.yahoo.com www.yahoo.com
 
As an HMS/General Motors/Chevy fan I am stoked that Larson is with HMS and in the 5 no less. I would have preferred to see the 25 back ( I'd be giddy with Larson rocking Tim Richmond's number) but never mind about that......... Larson is driving an HMS entry. So awesome, I am a bit nervous as I hope this doesnt end up being a bust like Kahne and Jr were, they put up good numbers there and won some big races but didnt win a Cup. I hope that for Larson and hope he gets the redemption he is seeking.
 
wi_racefan said:
I didn't see any mention of sponsors yet?
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Depends.

The 88 has had Llumar, Valvoline, Cincinnati, Acronis, Axalta, and of course Chevy Accessories.

Probably a mix of those brands mentioned and HendrickCars more than likely. Marketing for Larson in the future will be interesting, but everyone likes a good comeback story.
 
wi_racefan said:
I didn't see any mention of sponsors yet?
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Adam Stern: "No sponsorship was announced today, and the team could run the car without corporate backing for '21 as Larson attempts to prove his second-chance merits."

www.sportsbusinessdaily.com

Hendrick Motorsports Signs Kyle Larson To Multiyear Deal

Hendrick Motorsports today will officially announce that it has signed Kyle Larson to drive the No. 5 Chevrolet starting in '21, confirming the long-rumored move that caps the driver's comeback efforts.
www.sportsbusinessdaily.com www.sportsbusinessdaily.com

Also, for the hand-wringing, tsk tsk'ing brigade...

Rick Hendrick: "Kyle is unquestionably one of the most talented race car drivers in the world. He has championship-level ability and will be a significant addition to our on-track program. More importantly, I have full confidence that he understands our expectations and will be a tremendous ambassador for our team, our partners and NASCAR. Kyle and I have had many, many conversations leading up to today’s announcement. I’m confident about what’s in his heart and his desire to be a champion in all aspects of his life and career. Kyle has done important work over the past six months, and Hendrick Motorsports is going to support those continued efforts.”
 
Team Penske said:
Lew, I think what you are seeing in Chad is burn out and that is quite common when a man has been so dedicated for so long. He will be just as valuable in his new position.
In the mean time these young guys need people who speak their language.
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You hit the nail in the coffin. It's not that Knaus is a bad crew chief, we all know he's one of the greatest to ever do it. I think the problem with him & Byron is that Knaus has different, outdated philosophies. Byron is a heck of a driver, he proved it in the lower series & has been consistent in Cup. A change of scenery is needed with this group.

Knaus will be fantastic in his new role.
 
I can't wait to see Elliott and Larson duel for top dog at HMS next year. Hell with Willy B's new crew chief and the step Bowman has taken this year it's going to be a 4 way dance. I'm eager to start 21 with this group...... almost ready to make BOLD prediction right now but I'll wait.
 
Snappy D said:
I hope that for Larson and hope he gets the redemption he is seeking.
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I’m sure Larson will have solid results simply based on the equipment he will have and the minds of the organization. Although this momentum racing with neutered horsepower and less off-throttle time does not play into his wheel house. I would not be surprised if he had no better results than Jimmie.
 
LewTheShoe said:
Adam Stern: "No sponsorship was announced today, and the team could run the car without corporate backing for '21 as Larson attempts to prove his second-chance merits."

www.sportsbusinessdaily.com

Hendrick Motorsports Signs Kyle Larson To Multiyear Deal

Hendrick Motorsports today will officially announce that it has signed Kyle Larson to drive the No. 5 Chevrolet starting in '21, confirming the long-rumored move that caps the driver's comeback efforts.
www.sportsbusinessdaily.com www.sportsbusinessdaily.com

Also, for the hand-wringing, tsk tsk'ing brigade...

Rick Hendrick: "Kyle is unquestionably one of the most talented race car drivers in the world. He has championship-level ability and will be a significant addition to our on-track program. More importantly, I have full confidence that he understands our expectations and will be a tremendous ambassador for our team, our partners and NASCAR. Kyle and I have had many, many conversations leading up to today’s announcement. I’m confident about what’s in his heart and his desire to be a champion in all aspects of his life and career. Kyle has done important work over the past six months, and Hendrick Motorsports is going to support those continued efforts.”
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I agree totally. But do you really think that will make any difference to the trollers? Trollers are going to troll, if there is nothing there they will make something up IMO. It doesn't make any difference if Larson has any sponsors or not. If he needs some he will get some.
 
kkfan91 said:
Well no more excuses for Larson, time to prove if he's actually more then just an above average NASCAR driver
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He won six times in the 42, I'm not sure you can ask for much more as a base.

I'm not sure why people are saying he's above average, when he already has proven he is a top 10 driver in B-tier equipment.
 
Kiante said:
He won six times in the 42, I'm not sure you can ask for much more as a base.

I'm not sure why people are saying he's above average, when he already has proven he is a top 10 driver in B-tier equipment.
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Yes but people qct like he's the greatest in a stock car which has yet to be proven. He needs to outperform what he did at Ganassi.
 
kkfan91 said:
Yes but people qct like he's the greatest in a stock car which has yet to be proven. He needs to outperform what he did at Ganassi.
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No pressure, just go out and do his thing.

I know many will have extremely high expectations, but go out and get back in the groove.
 
I have had a love/hate relationship with Larson as a fan of his over the years with his attitude problems and propensity to choke. However, his pure driving ability should not remotely be questioned, he's as good as anyone. I think this was the wake up call he needed to take the sport and the opportunity he's been given more serious. 6 wins and many other races he could've won in a mid pack ride shows how good he is.

Larson will instantly challenge chase for top dog at HMS. Two best young guns in the sport under the same roof
 
Glad to see Larson is getting a second chance (like we all need some time in our lives). The thought that just hit me is...who'd a thought he'd end up stumbling upward (Ganassi->HMS)? At one point a lot of us envisioned a Kurt Busch at Phoenix like season for his return.
 
Hawaii808 said:
Glad to see Larson is getting a second chance (like we all need some time in our lives). The thought that just hit me is...who'd a thought he'd end up stumbling upward (Ganassi->HMS)? At one point a lot of us envisioned a Kurt Busch at Phoenix like season for his return.
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Kurt Busch like Matt Kenseth are underappreciated champions.

Kurt's consistency is so scary at times, you forget just how he rises to the occasion for a win or two every season. Ganassi signed him for that purpose and man he's been exceptional there.
 
I don't question his speed but I do question his racecraft. For me I would've preferred Jones for completely subjective reasons but can't complain about my favorite team hiring the best available driver. Will be rooting for him as an HMS fan regardless.
 
Nitro Dude said:
It sounds like Rick helped him through his personal struggles after Chip let him go.
www.yahoo.com

Kyle Larson signs with Hendrick Motorsports to drive No. 5 in 2021

Kyle Larson has signed a multiyear contract with Hendrick Motorsports to drive the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE beginning with the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season. The 28-year-old driver will be paired with crew chief Cliff Daniels, who will shift from the No. 48 Chevrolet currently driven by...
www.yahoo.com www.yahoo.com
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I wish we could like this 100 times. Rick has been on the other side of the coin and is now the best team for Kyle's come back.
 
Kiante said:
Kurt Busch like Matt Kenseth are underappreciated champions.

Kurt's consistency is so scary at times, you forget just how he rises to the occasion for a win or two every season. Ganassi signed him for that purpose and man he's been exceptional there.
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No question about Kurt's driving talent. I was referring to his "purgatory" season at Phoenix before moving to Furniture Row.
 
Soo...
HMS - Larson, Elliott, Bryon, Bowman
JGR - Hamlin, Ky. Busch, Hamlin, Bell
Penske - Logano, Keselowski, Blaney
SHR - Almirola, Briscoe, Harvick, Custer
CGR - Ku. Busch, Chastain
Roush - Buescher and Newman
RCR - Reddick and Dillon
WBR - DiBenedetto (Cindric)
23XI - Wallace
...

I could go on, but in terms of field quality for 2021, I see no dead ducks man.

Getting a top 10 is going to be a task next season. Then you still have RPM, JTG, Front Row... New teams with Trackhouse and 23XI who could be quick out the box.

This renewed field is really good with a good mix of older and younger drivers. Very, very interesting to see how this plays out moving forward.
 
Snappy D said:
I can't wait to see Elliott and Larson duel for top dog at HMS next year. Hell with Willy B's new crew chief and the step Bowman has taken this year it's going to be a 4 way dance. I'm eager to start 21 with this group...... almost ready to make BOLD prediction right now but I'll wait.
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My money is still on Chase as the top dog, and Bowman is far from a slouch either. But I think the potential for intrateam rivalry is intriguing even if only among the drivers’ respective fans bases.

Hopefully this means no more Oprah and we can just watch to see if Larson produces in the caliber of ride people thought he should’ve been in for years.
 
LewTheShoe said:
The answer to the *most important* question...

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Hendrick on Dale Jr pod cast dropped a bomb or two. He said Larson has a tendency to man handle a cup car, so it sounds like there was some talk about that. He said that it was on Larson and that he would get somebody else to drive the car if he gets hurt.. Elliott because of Larson being able to race out side the series has already talked to Rick about racing some late model stuff and other things he said and already has some races scheduled to race in. Elliott has the same deal as Larson, get hurt and he will get somebody else to race the car. Hendrick didn't say if it was temporary or permanent. I would think they would be back in the cars after they healed up if something like that happened hopefully not.
 
StandOnIt said:
Hendrick on Dale Jr pod cast dropped a bomb or two. He said Larson has a tendency to man handle a cup car, so it sounds like there was some talk about that. He said that it was on Larson and that he would get somebody else to drive the car if he gets hurt.. Elliott because of Larson being able to race out side the series has already talked to Rick about racing some late model stuff and other things he said and already has some races scheduled to race in. Elliott has the same deal as Larson, get hurt and he will get somebody else to race the car. Hendrick didn't say if it was temporary or permanent. I would think they would be back in the cars after they healed up if something like that happened hopefully not.
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Elliott would. He makes Mr. H enough money via sponsors and merch that he probably has carte blanche. (The Dale Jr phenomenon) I doubt Larson has that much leash with which to work. Mr. H is likely bankrolling the car mostly out of his pocket this year anyway, so... (The sponsorship thing is PURELY my conjecture as I'd think Larson is still radioactive to most marketing departments, but I agree he deserves a chance at redemption just like anyone else.)
 
LewTheShoe said:
Adam Stern: "No sponsorship was announced today, and the team could run the car without corporate backing for '21 as Larson attempts to prove his second-chance merits."

www.sportsbusinessdaily.com

Hendrick Motorsports Signs Kyle Larson To Multiyear Deal

Hendrick Motorsports today will officially announce that it has signed Kyle Larson to drive the No. 5 Chevrolet starting in '21, confirming the long-rumored move that caps the driver's comeback efforts.
www.sportsbusinessdaily.com www.sportsbusinessdaily.com

Also, for the hand-wringing, tsk tsk'ing brigade...

Rick Hendrick: "Kyle is unquestionably one of the most talented race car drivers in the world. He has championship-level ability and will be a significant addition to our on-track program. More importantly, I have full confidence that he understands our expectations and will be a tremendous ambassador for our team, our partners and NASCAR. Kyle and I have had many, many conversations leading up to today’s announcement. I’m confident about what’s in his heart and his desire to be a champion in all aspects of his life and career. Kyle has done important work over the past six months, and Hendrick Motorsports is going to support those continued efforts.”
Click to expand...

Nobody should be surprised that Hendrick said all the right things for public relations.
 
Dr_B_UNC said:
I doubt Larson has that much leash with which to work. Mr. H is likely bankrolling the car mostly out of his pocket this year anyway,
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Larson just shut his own team down after this season, could have been part of his deal with Rick.
 
Team Penske said:
Larson just shut his own team down after this season, could have been part of his deal with Rick.
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Larson didn't race with his team in the first place. He races for another car owner/friend who doesn't like to race a whole lot and is happy to race part time. He still will race his cars next year
 
Team Penske said:
Larson just shut his own team down after this season, could have been part of his deal with Rick.
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StandOnIt said:
Larson didn't race with his team in the first place. He races for another car owner/friend who doesn't like to race a whole lot and is happy to race part time. He still will race his cars next year
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What he said Carson Macedo drove for KLR
 
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