CONCORD, N.C. – Executives from the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company presented the Goodyear Gold Car award to 2025 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson on Friday, Jan. 23 in a special ceremony at Hendrick Motorsports.
The prestigious trophy has been awarded to the NASCAR Cup Series champion driver every year since 1985. Today’s ceremony marks the first time the presentation took place within the winning team’s shop, highlighting the significant teamwork needed to win the championship.
The Gold Car, which is often cited by champion drivers as their favorite trophy, is a 1/12-scale replica of Larson’s No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro, plated in 24k gold. This Gold Car, presented by Goodyear CEO and President Mark Stewart, is the second for Larson, who also won the Cup Series championship in 2021.
“We’re honored to present Kyle Larson with the Goodyear Gold Car in the shop where the actual championship car was born,” Stewart said. “Hendrick Motorsports and Goodyear have always been a winning combination in NASCAR and the team remains a historic partner for us, having won 15 championships on Goodyear tires, and playing a pivotal role in milestone wins throughout our NASCAR history.”
RELATED: Atrium Health Motorsports Athletic Center unveiled at Hendrick Motorsports
“Receiving the Goodyear Gold Car is incredibly special,” said Larson. “It’s such a unique trophy in our sport, and it represents everything it takes to win a NASCAR Cup Series championship. To be able to accept it on the Hendrick Motorsports campus, in front of the men and women that work so hard, makes it even more meaningful. This championship was even more meaningful because it was a full team effort.”
Renowned model builder Michael Dunlap has built each Goodyear Gold Car since 1985. He uses precise measurements of the actual race car to create an exact replica, including the exterior, interior, and vehicle systems such as the chassis and suspension.
RELATED: Jeff Gordon recalls Rolex 24 win among greatest racing memories
Every detail from the hood pins and lug nuts to each dash switch are exactly as they appear on the champion’s car.
In addition to Mark Stewart and Goodyear Racing leadership, the event was attended by Hendrick Motorsports executives and team members, as well as NASCAR executives.