As the NASCAR Cup Series season progresses, one surprising trend stands out—Kyle Larson remains the only former series champion who has claimed a victory so far this year. Larson, the 2021 Cup Series champion, has managed to secure a win in 2025, setting himself apart from his fellow past champions who have yet to reach Victory Lane.
This unusual scenario highlights a shift in the competitive landscape of the Cup Series. Typically, fans expect seasoned champions like Joey Logano, Chase Elliott, or Martin Truex Jr. to notch wins early and often. However, this season, they’ve all fallen short of capturing a checkered flag, while newer faces and rising talents have been making headlines with their performance.
Larson’s lone win isn’t just a personal achievement—it underscores his consistency and ability to adapt in a season full of unpredictable outcomes. His performance so far also reflects the strength of Hendrick Motorsports, the powerhouse team he races for, which continues to be one of the most competitive organizations in NASCAR.
On the flip side, the winless streaks of other champions raise questions. Are they struggling with car setups, adjusting to evolving competition, or simply facing tough luck? Whatever the reasons, it’s clear that this season isn’t playing out according to past expectations.
With many races still ahead, there’s time for other former champs to rebound. But for now, Kyle Larson stands alone among them, proving once again why he’s one of the sport’s elite drivers—and the only past champ to have found Victory Lane so far this year.
