PHOENIX - After a season - and a championship race - full of overcoming adversity on his way to a NASCAR Cup Series championship, Kyle Larson had a large number of people to thank when he took the stage on Tuesday at the sport's annual awards banquet.
And over the course of a seven-minute acceptance speech, Larson did just that.
But he ended with a dedication and a 2025-season-closing sentiment directed to Hendrick Motorsports director of racing communications, Jon Edwards, who passed away suddenly in April. After serving as Jeff Gordon's PR rep throughout most of his career, Edwards had represented Larson since 2021.
"I want to dedicate this championship to someone who meant so much to us, Jon Edwards," Larson concluded. "Jon wasn't just our director of racing communications, he was our friend, our teammate and truly, the heart of this team. His passion, his humor and the way he brought people together left a mark on every one of us. Even though he's no longer with us, his spirit has been with us every step of the way this season.
"Jon, this one's for you. We miss you; we love you and I hope we made you proud."
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Larson's closing thought left a somber but heartfelt final impression on an otherwise joyous occasion. And after winning his second championship in dramatic fashion on Sunday at Phoenix Raceway, Larson started at the top in his speech with team owner Rick Hendrick and wife, Linda.
"A special thank you to Mr. Hendrick and Mrs. Hendrick and everyone at Hendrick Motorsports. The trust and support you've given me since day one has completely changed my life. You've built a culture of excellence on the track, in the shop and in how we carry ourselves as people and that's what makes this organization so special."
From there, Larson continued his gratitude, covering family, fellow competitors,
"Every person who turns a wrench, builds an engine, engineers our setups or drives a hauler, this championship belongs to you," Larson continued. "This year wasn't easy. We faced challenges from the very start - losing people we cared about, moments where we weren't as competitive as we wanted to be and weekends that just didn't go our way. There were times that it would've been easy to throw in the towel or just coast home, but this team doesn't quit. Every single person showed up and gave it their all and refused to back down.
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"(Crew chief) Cliff (Daniels), your leadership through all this was incredible. You kept us focused, kept us prepared and made sure we never lost sight of what we were capable of. I'm proud of how you've continued to evolve as a leader, how you've adapted to every challenge and how you push all of us to be better every single day.
"Thanks to the rest of the 5 team. From road crew to the pit crew, engineers, mechanics and everyone in the Hendrick Engine shop. Every single person who touches this car and this program plays a part in our success. The long hours, the problem-solving on the fly, the precision under pressure, it doesn't go unnoticed.
"I want to take a moment to thank Jeff Gordon. Growing up he was my idol, someone I looked up to every time I watched NASCAR. To join him as a multi-time champion feels amazing, honestly, like a dream come true."
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Daniels, driver William Byron and Rick Hendrick also took to the mic during the show, which aired on the NASCAR Channel. Gordon and Hendrick Motorsports president and general manager Jeff Andrews were among those interviewed during a red-carpet ceremony before the show began.
Hendrick's on-stage interview was full of light-hearted moments including friendly digs at fellow team owners Joe Gibbs, Roger Penske and Richard Childress.
But within the five-plus-minute Q and A, Hendrick was also gracious, thanking first, Linda and then those within the organization.
The 2025 championship marked the 15th for Hendrick Motorsports over the last 31 seasons, the most in NASCAR history.
"My wife and I were talking about it the last couple of days. It seems like yesterday, she was packing the parachute in the drag car and we were counting our money in the supermarket to make sure we had enough money to pay for the groceries but she still let me race," Rick Hendrick said. "So, I want to give her a lot of credit, because with her I got to race all these years.
"I've just got to thank our folks. (Gordon's) leadership, Jeff Andrews, Chad Knaus, all our crew chiefs, our drivers - we are like a big family and I'm so proud of them. The way they work together and refuse to lose - never give up, never give in and we just come back every year."