Cliff Daniels: A Remarkable Crew Chief Journey at Hendrick Motorsports

Cliff Daniels: A Remarkable Crew Chief Journey at Hendrick Motorsports

As NASCAR fans look back on the careers of the sport’s most successful crew chiefs, one name continues to rise through the ranks of excellence: Cliff Daniels. His journey, which began in 2019, has seen him evolve into one of the most respected and accomplished crew chiefs in the sport. On July 29, 2019, Daniels made his crew chief debut at Hendrick Motorsports, taking the reins of the No. 48 Chevrolet driven by Jimmie Johnson. Little did anyone know at the time, this marked the start of an extraordinary career trajectory for Daniels, which would come to define the success of some of NASCAR’s biggest names, including Kyle Larson and Justin Allgaier. Six years later, Daniels has solidified his place among the elite figures in NASCAR, achieving incredible success on the track, with several prestigious victories and a lasting legacy in the making.

Cliff Daniels’ Journey to Crew Chief

Before taking on the role of crew chief for Jimmie Johnson in 2019, Daniels had already earned a reputation as a talented and hardworking engineer at Hendrick Motorsports. His technical expertise and deep understanding of car setups, strategy, and race dynamics positioned him as a key player within the organization. Daniels initially joined Hendrick Motorsports in 2011 as an engineer for the No. 48 team, working under the guidance of the legendary Chad Knaus, who was one of the most decorated crew chiefs in NASCAR history.

Daniels’ early work as an engineer on Johnson’s team allowed him to learn the ins and outs of the sport while absorbing valuable insights from one of the best in the business. His keen ability to adapt and improve, paired with a strong work ethic, set the stage for what would become a fruitful career.

When Kevin Meendering, the former crew chief for Johnson, left the team in 2019, the opportunity to step into the role of crew chief for one of NASCAR’s greatest drivers opened up. Daniels, who had been a crucial part of Johnson’s team, was the natural choice to replace Meendering and lead the pit crew. This was a pivotal moment in Daniels’ career, as he was tasked with managing the highly competitive No. 48 team and helping Johnson extend his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

Though Johnson’s final years in NASCAR were marked by a period of transition and challenges, Daniels’ leadership and strategic decisions helped maintain consistency on the track. His stint as the crew chief for Jimmie Johnson in 2019 was just the beginning of what would become a standout career, and little did anyone know that Daniels was on the verge of leading future drivers to even greater successes.

A Fresh Start with Kyle Larson

One of the defining moments of Daniels’ career came in 2021 when he was assigned as the crew chief for Kyle Larson, a highly talented driver who had joined Hendrick Motorsports after a tumultuous period in his career. This partnership marked the beginning of a new chapter for both Larson and Daniels, one that would go on to produce an impressive run of success and cement their place as one of the most dominant crew chief-driver combinations in NASCAR.

Larson, a driver known for his versatility and raw talent, quickly adapted to Daniels’ approach, and the two forged an immediate connection. Daniels’ ability to create fast racecars, combined with Larson’s aggressive driving style, produced remarkable results early on. In their first full season together in 2021, Larson won 10 races, including some of the sport’s most prestigious events. Among their victories was Larson’s triumph in the 2021 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, one of the most grueling and coveted races in NASCAR. This victory was the first of many for the duo, with the pair finishing the season with the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series championship.

Notable Statistics and Achievements

As of the 2025 season, Daniels’ career as a crew chief at Hendrick Motorsports has been nothing short of extraordinary. His record speaks for itself, with 187 races in total as a crew chief, and a significant portion of those coming with Kyle Larson. The numbers tell the story of his rise to prominence:

135 Starts with Kyle Larson: Daniels has been a steady presence atop the pit box for Larson, working tirelessly to ensure the No. 5 team is always in contention for race wins. In just a few years, Daniels and Larson have become a feared duo in the NASCAR Cup Series.

22 Points-Paying Victories with Larson: Under Daniels’ leadership, Larson has won 22 races, which is a testament to the synergy between driver and crew chief. These victories have come on a variety of tracks, highlighting both Larson’s skill and Daniels’ ability to craft competitive racecars.

2021 NASCAR Cup Series Championship: One of the most significant milestones of Daniels’ career came in 2021 when he led Larson to the Cup Series championship. This victory was a crowning achievement for both Daniels and Larson, marking their place in NASCAR history.

Three Crown Jewel Victories: In addition to the championship, Daniels has helped Larson secure victories in some of the most prestigious events in the NASCAR calendar, including the 2021 Coca-Cola 600, the 2023 Southern 500, and the 2024 Brickyard 400. These races are considered “Crown Jewels” in NASCAR due to their historical significance and difficulty.

Two All-Star Race Wins: Daniels has guided Larson to two victories in the NASCAR All-Star Race, a special event that pits the best drivers in the sport against one another. Larson’s wins at Texas in June 2021 and North Wilkesboro in May 2023 showcased Daniels’ ability to deliver under pressure and on unique race formats.

Impressive Finishing Stats: Daniels has led his drivers to a remarkable number of top-five and top-ten finishes. As of 2025, he has accumulated 65 top-five finishes (60 of those with Larson) and 92 top-ten finishes (78 of them with Larson). These results demonstrate Daniels’ consistency in guiding his teams to strong performances week in and week out.

Pole Positions: Under Daniels’ leadership, Larson has earned all 12 of his pole positions, which speaks to the fast and competitive nature of their cars. Securing a pole position is a critical step toward success in NASCAR, and Daniels has excelled in this area.

Laps Led: Daniels has seen his drivers lead a total of 6,032 laps, with Larson contributing to a significant portion of that total (5,875 laps). Leading laps is a key indicator of a team’s overall performance, and Daniels has consistently put his drivers in a position to dominate races.

Mileage and Laps Completed: Daniels has overseen 62,895.1 miles of racing, with 45,236 miles of that total coming from his work with Larson. His teams have completed 47,476 laps, showcasing the reliability and competitive edge that Daniels brings to the pit box.

Race Finishes: Out of 156 races as a crew chief, Daniels’ teams have finished in a running position in 156 of them, with 115 of those being with Larson. This consistency in finishing races reflects Daniels’ ability to set up competitive and reliable cars, which are crucial in NASCAR’s demanding schedule.

Leadership and Influence at Hendrick Motorsports

Cliff Daniels’ success can be attributed not only to his technical acumen but also to his leadership qualities. As a crew chief, Daniels has demonstrated a calm and focused demeanor under pressure, making strategic decisions that have consistently propelled his teams to the front of the field. His ability to communicate with his drivers, crew members, and engineers has created a seamless environment that fosters collaboration and success.

Daniels has been compared to some of the great crew chiefs in NASCAR history, and his work with Larson continues to solidify his legacy. He has shown an exceptional ability to adapt to changing circumstances, from navigating difficult race conditions to making split-second decisions on pit strategy. In many ways, Daniels’ leadership style is reminiscent of Chad Knaus, who was a long-time crew chief for Jimmie Johnson and played a major role in the success of Hendrick Motorsports during their dominance in the 2000s and 2010s. Daniels’ ability to build upon the legacy of Knaus and create his own mark on the team has made him a standout figure in the NASCAR world.

Conclusion: The Future of Cliff Daniels and Hendrick Motorsports

As Daniels enters his fifth full season as a crew chief for Kyle Larson in 2025, there is no doubt that his future is bright. With numerous race wins, championships, and prestigious victories already in his resume, Daniels has proven to be one of the most capable and successful crew chiefs in NASCAR. His impact on Hendrick Motorsports has been profound, and his partnership with Larson continues to yield remarkable results.

As the sport continues to evolve, so too will Daniels’ leadership. With a focus on consistency, strategy, and the development of race-winning cars, Daniels will undoubtedly continue to be a major force in NASCAR for years to come. Whether leading Kyle Larson to more victories or guiding future drivers, Cliff Daniels’ legacy as a crew chief is already secure, and the best may still be yet to come.