No sponsorship was announced, and the team could run the car without corporate backing for '21 GETTY IMAGES
Hendrick Motorsports today will officially announce that it has signed Kyle Larson to drive the No. 5 Chevrolet starting in '21, confirming the long-rumored move that caps the driver's comeback efforts. Larson in April was suspended for the remainder of the NASCAR Cup Series and dropped from Chip Ganassi Racing because of his racial slur incident. But the 28-year-old will be eligible to return next season and now has a multiyear contract with one of the sport's top teams. No sponsorship was announced today, and the team could run the car without corporate backing for '21 as Larson attempts to prove his second-chance merits. HMS needed a new driver to replace the retiring Jimmie Johnson and Larson was the No. 1 choice, sources said. Larson's comeback efforts have included him working with several diversity groups and, in recent weeks, media interviews in which he discussed his quest to redeem himself. Johnson, the longtime driver of the No. 48 Chevy, will technically have his seat filled by current HMS driver Alex Bowman, who will swap from the No. 88 car to the No. 48 next season and now work with sponsor Ally. The No. 88 team will be re-numbered to No. 5, which Larson will drive. The No. 5, was team Owner Rick Hendrick's original number, hadn't been used since the '17 season.
SHOWING SUPPORT: Hendrick in a statement said, "Kyle is unquestionably one of the most talented race car drivers in the world. He has championship-level ability and will be a significant addition to our on-track program. More importantly, I have full confidence that he understands our expectations and will be a tremendous ambassador for our team, our partners and NASCAR. Kyle and I have had many, many conversations leading up to today’s announcement. I’m confident about what’s in his heart and his desire to be a champion in all aspects of his life and career. Kyle has done important work over the past six months, and Hen, drick Motorsports is going to support those continued efforts.” Larson and Hendrick are expected to address the move more with the media tomorrow.
