What Car Does Kyle Larson Drive? No. 5 Camaro ZL1 Explained
Kyle Larson drives the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Hendrick Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series, under a five-year contract extension that runs through the 2031 season.
Every Cup Series team runs the identical Next Gen spec chassis and engine, so Larson’s car shares its underlying engineering with every other Camaro ZL1, Ford Mustang, and Toyota Camry on the grid. Below you’ll find the real horsepower numbers (including a 2026 rule change), his sponsors, and what car he actually drives when he isn’t in the No. 5 — including his two attempts at NASCAR’s toughest single-day feat.
Quick Answer
Kyle Larson drives the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Hendrick Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series, signed through 2031. The car runs a spec V8 producing 670 horsepower under base rules, boosted to 750 horsepower at short tracks and road courses starting in 2026.
Kyle Larson’s Racing Background
Kyle Larson started racing at a young age. He showed talent in go-karts. His skills quickly improved. Soon, he moved to bigger races. He competed in sprint cars and midget cars. These early experiences helped shape his career. Kyle learned a lot from these races. His dedication was clear. He was ready for more challenges.
Kyle Larson has many achievements. He won the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series championship. This is a big deal in racing. Kyle also won the Chili Bowl Nationals multiple times. His success is due to hard work. Kyle’s talent is clear in every race. He continues to impress fans and experts. His career is full of highlights.
The Signature Car
Kyle Larson drives a Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. This car is used in NASCAR races. It is known for its speed and power.
The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 has a spec V8 engine shared by every Next Gen Cup Series car. Under the base rules package, it produces 670 horsepower. Its design helps in better aerodynamics. Safety features are top-notch. The car is also very stylish.
Performance On The Track
Starting with the 2026 season, NASCAR bumped output to 750 horsepower specifically for short tracks under 1.5 miles and road courses (tracks like Martinsville, Bristol, Phoenix, and the road courses). It has eight cylinders arranged in a V shape — a V8 engine with fuel injection for better efficiency, running on high-octane racing fuel. Every Cup Series team, including Larson’s No. 5, uses this identical spec engine architecture.
Larson’s car can reach very high speeds. It can go over 200 miles per hour on superspeedways. The car has a strong aerodynamic design that reduces air resistance and helps it move faster. The tires provide excellent grip, made specifically for racing. The brakes are very strong, helping the car stop quickly — critical for safety at speed.
Customization And Design
Kyle Larson’s car has a unique look each week. The paint job changes with sponsor schemes and throwback weekends. Racing stripes add speed appeal. Special decals and sponsors’ logos cover the body. The aerodynamic design helps in races, with spoilers and underbody components improving stability.
The inside of Kyle Larson’s car is high-tech. Racing seats are designed for comfort. Safety harnesses keep him secure. The dashboard has many gadgets and digital displays showing key information. The steering wheel has multiple controls. Communication systems connect him with his team, and roll cages protect him during crashes.
Technology And Innovations
Kyle Larson’s car has many advanced systems that help it go fast. The car uses a spec chassis and body under NASCAR’s Next Gen platform, which all 36 Cup Series teams share — the competitive edge comes from setup, pit strategy, and driver skill rather than unique engineering. The car is built with lightweight materials, and its tires are made specifically to grip the track well.
Safety is very important in Kyle Larson’s car. It has strong seat belts and a roll cage that protects the driver in a crash. The car has a fire suppression system that puts out fires quickly. Strong brakes help stop the car fast. All these features keep the driver safe at 200+ mph.
Comparing With Competitors
Kyle Larson drives the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Hendrick Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series. His car features prominent sponsors and cutting-edge technology.
Similar Models
Kyle Larson’s Camaro ZL1 body competes against similar Next Gen body styles. NASCAR Cup Series teams currently run the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, Ford Mustang, and Toyota Camry. These body styles sit on the identical Next Gen chassis, so aerodynamic design differences are mostly cosmetic — the underlying engineering is shared across manufacturers.
Performance Comparison
Performance is key in racing. Kyle’s car is highly competitive, reaching 0-60 mph in a few seconds. This is similar to every other Next Gen car, since handling and braking are governed by the same spec parts. These factors matter most in tight corners and quick stops, which is why driver skill and pit strategy — not the car itself — decide most races.
Does Kyle Larson Drive an IndyCar Too? His “Double” Attempts Explained
Twice, Larson has stepped out of his No. 5 Camaro ZL1 entirely to attempt “The Double” — driving in the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. In 2024, his Indy attempt was rained out, and he never made it to Charlotte before that race was also called for weather. In 2025, he crashed at Indy on lap 91, then crashed again at Charlotte hours later. For 2026, Larson chose not to attempt the Double again, citing time with his family rather than the demands of the feat itself — as long as he remains a full-time Cup Series driver, another attempt isn’t planned.
During those Double attempts, Larson wasn’t driving a stock car at all — he was behind the wheel of a Dallara IndyCar chassis, a completely different open-wheel machine built for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s high-banked oval.
Data Callout: NASCAR Camaro ZL1 vs. Indy 500 IndyCar
| Body style | Closed-cockpit stock car | Open-wheel, open-cockpit |
| Engine | V8, 670-750 hp | Twin-turbo V6, 700+ hp |
| 2026 Double status | Not attempted — Larson stayed full-time Cup Series only | |
NASCAR’s own reporting on Larson’s dual attempts noted just how physically demanding the feat is — going from an Indy 500 crash to climbing into a stock car for 600 more miles the same day, which is a large part of why so few drivers have ever tried it and why Larson stepped back from it for 2026.
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Sponsorship And Branding
Kyle Larson’s primary sponsor is HendrickCars.com, which extended its deal alongside Larson’s multiyear contract with the team. Valvoline also sponsors select races on the No. 5 car. These brands help fund his racing career and appear prominently on his car and gear.
Larson collaborates with many brands. Chevrolet is a key partner, supplying the body and engine architecture for his race car. These collaborations boost his visibility and strengthen his brand across the NASCAR season.
Fan Reactions
Fans are buzzing about Kyle Larson’s car. He drives the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Hendrick Motorsports. His driving skills impress everyone.
Public Opinion
Fans love Kyle Larson’s car. They admire its speed and design. Many say it’s one of the best cars in NASCAR. People talk about its performance often. They share their thoughts on forums and blogs. Some fans even compare it to other cars. They believe Kyle’s car gives him an edge. It helps him win races. The car is a favorite among many. Fans cheer loudly when they see it on the track. The car’s look is also a big hit. It stands out in the crowd. Many fans wish they could drive a car like his. Public opinion is very positive.
Social Media Buzz
Social media is buzzing about Kyle Larson’s car. Many fans post pictures and videos. They share their excitement online. Comments are full of praise. People discuss its speed and style. They love how it performs in races. Some fans create fan art of the car. Others write detailed reviews. Social media platforms are filled with discussions. The car gets a lot of attention. It’s a hot topic among NASCAR fans. Many follow Kyle just to see his car. The buzz keeps growing each race. Fans can’t get enough of it. They eagerly await more updates and photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kind Of Car Does Kyle Larson Have?
Kyle Larson drives a Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE in NASCAR. He also owns a custom 2021 Chevrolet Silverado.
What Manufacturer Does Kyle Larson Drive For?
Kyle Larson drives for Hendrick Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series. He competes in the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro.
How Much Does Kyle Larson Make A Year?
Kyle Larson makes around $8 million annually from his NASCAR salary and endorsements. His earnings vary each year.
What Car Does Kyle Busch Currently Drive?
Kyle Busch currently drives the No. 8 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Did Kyle Larson Ever Drive an IndyCar?
Yes — Larson attempted “The Double” (Indy 500 plus Coca-Cola 600 in one day) in both 2024 and 2025, driving a Dallara IndyCar chassis at Indianapolis before returning to his No. 5 Camaro ZL1 for the NASCAR race. He did not attempt it again in 2026.
Conclusion
Kyle Larson drives the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Hendrick Motorsports. His car is known for its speed and performance. Larson’s driving skills have earned him many victories. Fans admire his talent and dedication. Watching him race is always thrilling.
Larson’s choice of car reflects his passion for racing. Overall, his career is impressive and inspiring. Racing enthusiasts enjoy following his journey. Larson continues to make a mark in motorsports. His achievements speak volumes about his abilities.
