Fresh off clinching his second NASCAR Cup Series Championship, Kyle Larson is already eyeing the one major gap in his trophy case: the iconic Harley J. Earl Trophy from the Daytona 500.

In a candid appearance on the Rubbin' is Racing podcast, the Hendrick Motorsports star pinpointed "The Great American Race" as the crown jewel event that has evaded him throughout his dominant career.

“Daytona. I mean, that’s really the only uh that I can think of like Crown Jewel NASCAR race that I haven’t, you know, been able to win yet. So, yeah, hopefully someday,” Larson shared with the Barstool Sports hosts.

The admission comes on the heels of a stellar 2025 season where Larson outdueled the field to secure his latest title, adding to his 2021 championship and a resume boasting wins in nearly every marquee event on the circuit.

A History of Near-Misses at Daytona

Larson's struggles on drafting tracks, particularly at Daytona International Speedway, stand in stark contrast to his mastery elsewhere. In 11 career starts at the Daytona 500, the 33-year-old from Elk Grove, California, has yet to cross the finish line first in Victory Lane. His stat line tells a story of consistency but not ultimate triumph:

• Best Finishes: Four top-10 results, including a pair of seventh-place runs.
• Pole Position: One, showcasing his qualifying prowess.
• Laps Led: 31 total, proving he can dictate pace when the opportunity arises.

These numbers highlight Larson's ability to contend but also underscore the chaos of superspeedway racing, where pack drafting, multi-car wrecks, and split-second decisions often decide the winner.

Daytona, with its high banks and unpredictable drafts, has been particularly unkind—Larson has been caught in "The Big One" more than once, turning potential wins into survival exercises.

Signs of Progress on Superspeedways

Despite the Daytona drought, Larson remains bullish on his chances, citing marked improvement in his superspeedway game. “We’ve been getting a lot better at the Superspeedway. I feel like it’s not out of reach to get it,” he told podcast listeners.

Evidence backs up his optimism. In April 2025, Larson charged to a runner-up finish in the Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway, navigating the draft masterfully to challenge for the win until the final laps.

Earlier in the year, he secured third place in the Ambetter Health 400 at EchoPark Speedway (formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway).

These podiums at fellow drafting behemoths like Talladega signal that Larson's No. 5 Hendrick Chevy is dialed in for the unique demands of plate racing.

Larson's evolution can be attributed to experience, team strategy, and Chevrolet's ongoing aero package tweaks.

Hendrick Motorsports has invested heavily in superspeedway programs, and Larson's feedback loop with crew chief Cliff Daniels has yielded faster cars capable of leading packs without overheating or losing the handle in traffic.

The Crown Jewel Chase Continues

In NASCAR lore, the Daytona 500 isn't just a race—it's the race. Winning it catapults drivers into immortality alongside legends like Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, and Jimmie Johnson.

For Larson, already a future Hall of Famer with dirt track roots and Indy 500 attempts under his belt, claiming the 500 would complete a career grand slam of sorts.

As the 2026 season looms, with the Daytona 500 set for February, Larson and his team will undoubtedly prioritize speedway testing during the offseason.

Rivals like Denny Hamlin (a three-time 500 winner) and rising stars will be gunning for the same prize, but Larson's recent form suggests he's closer than ever.

Will 2026 be the year the trophy finally finds its way to Larson's shelf? If his podcast confidence is any indication, he's not just hoping—he's planning.

NASCAR fans, buckle up: the chase for Daytona's ultimate glory is heating up.