Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) is enjoying a strong 2024 NASCAR Cup season, with all four of its drivers having clinched playoff spots, and three of them well-positioned to advance into the next round. But team owner Rick Hendrick isn’t ready to celebrate just yet. With the unpredictable nature of racing, particularly at the upcoming Charlotte Roval, Hendrick is concerned that unforeseen incidents could derail what has been a championship-worthy season for his powerhouse team.
After a successful playoff push, HMS stands in prime contention to win the Cup title. With rivals Joe Gibbs Racing and Team Penske facing their own struggles, the Chevy juggernaut appears poised to dominate. However, Hendrick is wary of the potential for chaos in the final stretch. With the race at the Roval—the last in the Round of 12—set to be a high-stakes affair, Hendrick emphasized the importance of having multiple drivers advance.
“If we get at least three of our guys into the Round of 8, it’s been a great year,” said Hendrick. “But crazy things happen in this sport, and we have to be prepared for that.”
Currently, Hendrick Motorsports has William Byron already locked into the next round. Kyle Larson, Alex Bowman, and Chase Elliott are still above the cutline, but with slim margins, especially for Elliott, who only has a 13-point cushion. While Larson seems to be in a strong position with a 52-point advantage, Hendrick is still nervous, knowing how unpredictable racing can be.
“I hope we can make it,” Hendrick reiterated. “Larson’s in a good spot, but with the way things are shaping up, anything can happen at the Roval.”
The revamped Charlotte Roval circuit has added to the tension, with Speedway Motorsports Inc. (SMI) reconfiguring the track to increase the challenge for drivers. Many expect the changes—particularly sharper corners—to lead to more chaos, potentially causing wrecks and shaking up the playoff picture. This is especially concerning for Elliott, whose recent road course performances in the Next-Gen car have not been stellar.
In response, the 2020 Cup champion is putting in extra hours of preparation, treating the Roval as a brand-new track in hopes of maximizing his performance.
“I’ve been approaching it like a new track,” said Elliott. “I’ve spent a lot of time on the sim, trying to memorize the track layout, surface bumps, and everything else that could affect the car’s performance.”
Elliott’s attention to detail could be the key to his survival in what is shaping up to be a chaotic event. His fans and crew are hoping that his dedication to preparation will help him avoid trouble on Sunday and secure the points he needs to make it through to the Round of 8.
While Hendrick’s other drivers have a more comfortable points margin, the looming threat of crashes and unpredictability at the Roval means nothing is guaranteed. With Elliott on the bubble and the possibility of multiple contenders being caught up in wrecks, Hendrick’s caution is well-founded. The stakes couldn’t be higher for HMS, and the pressure is on for the team to keep their title hopes alive.
