Hendrick Motorsports

Hendrick Motorsports is an American professional auto racing company, considered a powerhouse in the world of NASCAR. It is one of the most successful racing teams in history and the team competes in the NASCAR Cup Series. Founded in 1984 by Rick Hendrick, the team has consistently dominated the NASCAR Cup Series with a record 310 Cup series race wins and 14 Cup series wins, which is more than any other organization.

Legends kike Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. have raced under the Hendrick Banner. As of 2024, Hendrick Motorsports fields four cars in the NASCAR Cup series. The No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 driven by Chase Elliott, the No. 24 driven by William Byron, the No. 48 driven by Alex Bowman, and the No. 5 driven by Kyle Larson. All drivers are consistent contenders for wins, with Larson winning the team's 2021 NASCAR Cup Series championship.

Apart from the track success, Hendrick Motorsports is known for its innovative approach to technology and teamwork. The organization runs a state-of-the-art facility spanning over 100 acres, including engine shops, chassis fabrication, and research and development areas. Hendrick Motorsports runs an in-house engine shop, sometimes leasing some of its engines to technical partners such as JTG Daugherty Racing.

Hendrick Motorsports History

Hendrick Motorsports was originally founded as All-Star Racing by Rick Hendrick before the 1984 NASCAR season. He began with just one car as a small operation to run in NASCAR racing. Rick was a Charlotte-based car dealership owner who partnered with Harry Hyde, a car builder and crew chief, to establish the team. The team’s first win came in 1984, Geoff Bodine drove the No.5 car and won at Martinsville, making it the team's first NASCAR Cup series win. In 1985, the team was renamed Hendrick Motorsports and expanded quickly, the team even started to compete in the IMSA GTP series with GM from 1985 to 1988.

Hendrick Motorsports was one of the first teams to use multiple cars, using two full-time cars in 1986, three in 1987, and four by 2022. This helped the team to innovate in engine construction and pit crew training, setting new standards in the sport. In 2021, Hendrick Motorsports became the team with the most wins in NASCAR history, surpassing Petty Enterprises with its 269th victory. The team also entered the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024 with a modified NASCAR Cup car, celebrating NASCAR’s 75th anniversary.

Hendrick Motorsports Owner

Rick Hendrick is the current and primary owner of Hendrick Motorsports. He founded the racing team in 1984 and has been the driving force behind the team and also instrumental in its success. Hendrick is also the owner of the Hendrick Automotive Group, one of the largest networks of car dealerships in the United States.

Previous Owners:

Rick Hendrick has been the primary owner for most of the team's history, but there have been a few other individuals involved as minority owners. They are as follows:

• John Hendrick is Rick Hendricks's brother, who was co-owner in the early days of the team.

• Jeff Gordon, a four-time NASCAR champion became a minority owner of Hendrick Motorsports in 2007.

Hendrick Motorsports Crew Chief

Hendrick Motorsports has a team of highly skilled crew chiefs leading their four-cup series teams. They are as follows:

• Alan Gustafson is the crew chief for the No.9 Chevrolet driven by Chase Elliott, Gustafson has been a key figure in Elliott's success, including their 2020 Cup Series championship.

• Blake Harris is the crew chief for the No.48 Chevrolet driven by Alex Bowman, he joined the team in 2022 and has established himself as a rising star in the crew chief ranks.

• Cliff Daniels is the crew chief of the No.5 Chevrolet driven by Kyle Larson. He is famous for his strategic mind and ability to adapt, Daniels has played a crucial role in Larson's success, which includes the 2021 Cup series championship

• Rudy Fuglee is the crew chief of the No. 24 Chevrolet driven by William Byron, with his experience Fugle has helped Byron become a consistent contender in the Cup Series.

Past Crew Chiefs

Hendrick Motorsports has had a long history of successful crew chiefs. Some notable names include

• Steve Letarte served as the crew chief for Jeff Gordon's No. 24 Chevrolet for many years, contributing to Gordon's four Cup Series championships.

• Chad Knaus is perhaps the most legendary crew chief in NASCAR history, having worked with Jimmie Johnson for all seven of his Cup Series championships.

NASCAR Cup Series Wins

Hendrick Motorsports has won over 290 races in the NASCAR Cup Series. Some of the most notable wins include:

• 10 Daytona 500 Wins (1986, 1989, 1997, 1999, 2005, 2006, 2013, 2014, 2020, 2021)

• 13 Coca-Cola 600 Wins(1984, 1986, 1987, 1992, 1994, 1997, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2012, 2014, 2021)

• 10 Brickyard 400 Wins (1994, 1998, 2001, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2014, 2017, 2020)

• 14 Cup Series wins (1995, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2021)

List of Hendrick Motorsports Drivers

List of Hendrick Motorsports Champions