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The world of NASCAR is no stranger to dramatic comebacks. And one of the most compelling stories in recent years has been the resurgence of Kyle Larson. After a tumultuous period that saw him suspended indefinitely in 2020, Rick Hendrick decided to give him a second wind. The racing mogul decided to back Larson with his own $12 Billion-Earning Venture, the Hendrick Automotive Group (HAG), as the primary sponsor. However, the gamble has paid off, and Kyle Larson is driving his way to redemption and success.

Larson’s off-track troubles in 2020 shocked the NASCAR community. He faced severe consequences for a racial slur during a virtual racing event, leading to his suspension and a loss of sponsors. That’s when Rick Hendrick stepped in to offer Larson a lifeline. He welcomed Larson into Hendrick Motorsports and became the primary sponsor for Larson. Hendrick not only gave him a racing seat but also a chance to rebuild his reputation.

Kyle Larson is bringing in a massive ROI for Rick Hendrick

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The partnership between Kyle Larson and Hendrick’s Automotive Group has been a massive success story. The HendrickCars.com website and the network of 94 dealerships associated with the venture have experienced a surge in potential customers, making their sponsorship a winning investment.

According to Sports Business Journal, Brian Johnson, Vice President of Marketing for Hendrick Automotive said, “I have these conversations with [Rick Hendrick] in terms of results. And I owe him an ROI summary, just like any other summary with a CEO or owner. He’s very engaged. But I would also be remiss if I didn’t say that he has never once told us to sponsor the #5 car. We want to sponsor the #5 car. Our COO who runs our automotive group believes in this program, our operations VP believes in it, and we see the results coming in.”

Hendrick Automotive Group’s extraordinary success extends well beyond the racetrack. They reported selling nearly 200,000 vehicles while also servicing over 2.3 million more in 2022, resulting in $12 billion in revenue. However, despite their fruitful partnership, there’s a hint of change in the air. As Kyle Larson’s success attracts new sponsors, the Hendrick Automotive Group might eventually reduce its involvement.

Adam Stern took to Twitter and wrote, “There’s often cynicism when a team owner uses one of his companies as a sponsor, but @HendrickCars insists that it’s seeing a legit ROI with @KyleLarsonRacin. But as Larson sees interest from new sponsors, HAG could eventually reduce its presence.”

 

Watch This Story: Kyle Larson: A Racing Prodigy’s Dream Journey

Beyond all the hysteria surrounding Larson’s sponsorship, it seems like he couldn’t care less about who his sponsor is, by the looks of how he is driving this year.

Larson seems ready for his second Cup Series Championship

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Sponsorship or no sponsorship, Kyle Larson has been a force to be reckoned with during the 2023 racing season. From his dominance on the track to his title in the High Limit Sprint Car Series, Larson has successfully showcased his racing prowess.

After a decisive victory in Las Vegas, securing his place in the Championship 4, Larson’s determination shines through. His comeback from a near-miss, where he spun and touched the outside wall during the race, is also a testament to his skill and tenacity.

Larson’s mindset is clear as he enters the final two rounds of eight races. In a recent conversation on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, he said, “It’s nice to be locked in. The points are really close. So it’s good to not have to worry about points and can just go there and race our own race. Try and run up front, and make good decisions on the racetrack. I’m not going there and thinking these next two races are throwaways. I want to go there, have some good runs, potentially get another couple more wins, and try and go after a second championship.”

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The narrative has shifted from the troubles of the past to the triumphs of the present. And Larson’s unwavering focus is on the ultimate prize. Do you think Larson can end this season on a high and win his 2nd title? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

READ MORE: Desperate to End JGR’s Playoff Dominance, Kyle Larson May Turn the Tables at Homestead With Massive Rick Hendrick Assist