Kyle Larson, Cliff Daniels used to NASCAR success, adversity

CONCORD, N.C. - Cliff Daniels could only grin as he fielded a question about facing adversity. 

"Welcome to life on the five team," he said. 

From the outside, it's easy to think of success when thinking about Kyle Larson and the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet squad. In the Next Gen era (2022-present), Larson has the most wins in the NASCAR Cup Series with 13 and his 3,377 laps led in that span are the most by more than 800. 

Then there's that 2021 championship as well. 

But as is the case with any sports entity, no matter the level of prosperity, there's been plenty of hurdles for Larson and the No. 5 team. For Daniels, the team's crew chief, that instills a bit of confidence as the group prepares to try and clear another on Sunday at Martinsville Speedway. 

RELATED: William Byron, Rudy Fugle approach Martinsville with must-win mentality

"Anybody who watches the highlight reel of the five team since we’ve been this incarnation of the five team, that’s kind of who we are," Daniels concluded. “I think we’ve all seen and we’ve come to know and love the abilities that Kyle Larson has and the chances and risks he’s willing to take. That’s who he is. That’s who we are as a team. So, we’ve had to learn and embrace that there’s going to be highs that come with that and misses that come with that, times that things don’t work out your way. But I wouldn’t change any of it. I wouldn’t ask for anything different.” 

Sunday's race, the finale of the Round of 8, is set to start at 2 p.m. and will air on NBC. Currently, Larson finds himself in fifth place in the playoff standings, seven points below the cutline and in need of a big performance to advance to the Championship 4 set for next Sunday at Phoenix Raceway. 

RELATED: Chase Elliott, Alan Gustafson keep perspective in do-or-die scenario

It's a precarious situation, a fact not lost on anybody in the No. 5 camp, especially Larson. There are scenarios in which the team could score enough points and get enough help to advance, however, the easiest and surest way would come with a trip to victory lane on Sunday and that's where the team's focus lies. 

“In a way, I don’t know if that’s more pressure or less pressure … I remember feeling a lot of pressure leading into the (Charlotte) ROVAL a couple of times when I’ve only been plus-15," Larson said. "You’re just not wanting to give up that gap, where now, I think when you’re below, I think it could be a little less pressure because you’re just on constant push mode."

There's plenty of reason for confidence as well. Larson has already won both elimination races in these playoffs with dominant performances at Bristol Motor Speedway and at the Charlotte ROVAL. And speed has been no issue throughout the majority of 2024 and certainly not in the postseason. 

Since coming to Hendrick Motorsports at the beginning of 2021, Larson has been among the best at the 0.526-mile paperclip. Along with a victory in the spring of 2023, Larson four top fives, five top 10s and an average finish of seventh, third-best among active Cup Series drivers. 

Yet, this week's race will bring with it a new tire scenario. Softer rubber used as option tires at the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway and at Richmond Raceway earlier this season will be on the right sides of the cars this weekend. On the left side will be an even softer compound with the hopes of increasing tire wear and passing. Teams will have a 45-minute practice session to try and acclimate on Saturday. 

On top of that, of course, is the pressure of the moment. And even with past success and a proven penchant for coming through when it matters, Daniels knows there are plenty of unknowns heading into Sunday. 

RELATED: Look back at every Hendrick Motorsports win at Martinsville

“Yes, the pressure is there. Yes, all the thing you guys think about, we think about too,” Daniels said. “That’s where for our team, we’ve got to do our job, hit our marks and if we can do those things, the outcome is what it is.

“Anyone who has had expectations going into the playoffs this year has had all of their expectations busted. So, I’m not sure the point of expectations. My expectations are for our team to do our jobs.” 

Larson too seems resolved to let the pieces fall where they may and a loose, focused, fast No. 5 team should be dangerous. 

“I look forward to the challenge. It will be fun to see what we can do. It’s a tough track but yeah, it will be nice if we can make it and if not, we’ve still had a great year," Larson said. "We’ve had to overcome a lot and I’m proud to still be in the position that we’re in.” 

Kyle Larson at Martinsville by the numbers

RELATED: Twenty years after tragedy, Hendrick Motorsports pauses, reflects

NASCAR playoff standings Round of 8