# Larson: Cliff Daniels Key to Championship

> Kyle Larson says Cliff Daniels is essential for championship success.
- Title: Larson: Cliff Daniels Key to Championship · EssentiallySports
- Summary: Kyle Larson says Cliff Daniels is essential for championship success. Kyle Larson credits crew chief Cliff Daniels with keeping his Hendrick Motorsports team…
- Keywords: kyle larson, cliff daniels, hendrick motorsports, nascar cup series, championship, crew chief, race strategy, EssentiallySports
- Source: EssentiallySports — https://essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-kyle-larson-drops-blunt-seven-word-claim-on-cliff-daniels-championship-importance
- Author: Debrup Chaudhuri
- Published: 2026-11-10T16:31:35+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: kyle larson, cliff daniels, hendrick motorsports, nascar cup series, championship, crew chief, race strategy, sports
## Larson's Championship Claim
Kyle Larson states Cliff Daniels is essential for championship success.

> i truly, truly believe that you could give me the same race cars i've had every year that i've had at hendrick motorsports, but without cliff i would not have a single championship
## Daniels' Role Since 2021
Daniels has been Larson's crew chief since 2021, winning three championships and 29 races together.
## 2021 Championship Success
Larson won 10 races in 2021, led 2,581 laps, and secured the championship at phoenix.
## 2025 Championship Strategy
Daniels made a critical tire call in phoenix that secured the championship despite slow pace.
## 2026 Resilience Challenge
Larson went 51 races without a win before securing the championship at homestead.
## Championship Impact
Daniels' leadership helped Larson win three championships through different race conditions.
## Key takeaway

Kyle Larson credits crew chief Cliff Daniels with keeping his Hendrick Motorsports team competitive through three championships despite varying race conditions.