As the NASCAR Cup Series nears its critical playoff cutoff, Rick Hendrick, the patriarch of Hendrick Motorsports (HMS), finds himself in a position that’s both familiar and unsettling. With Chase Elliott and the rest of the HMS team riding the thin line of playoff contention, the legendary team owner knows all too well that anything can happen in the high-octane world of racing.
“Crazy things happen in this sport,” Hendrick remarked recently, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of NASCAR. The high-speed chaos of the racetrack has always brought a mix of thrilling moments and heart-stopping defeats, and 2024 has been no exception. For Chase Elliott, the 2020 Cup Series Champion, the stakes have never been higher. Despite showing resilience and flashes of brilliance, Elliott is on the brink of missing the playoffs, a situation that would have seemed unthinkable at the start of the season.
Elliott, known for his calm demeanor and calculated driving style, has faced an uphill battle throughout the year. A mix of mechanical issues, on-track incidents, and a fiercely competitive field has kept the No. 9 car from finding consistent success. Though he has come close to victory on several occasions, the elusive checkered flag has slipped through his grasp, leaving him on the bubble as the playoff picture begins to take shape.
For Hendrick Motorsports, which has long been the gold standard in NASCAR, having one of their star drivers on the edge of playoff elimination is a rare and uncomfortable position. “You never want to be in a situation where you’re depending on others or a stroke of luck to get through,” Hendrick said. “But this sport has a way of keeping you humble.”
Meanwhile, teammates William Byron, Kyle Larson, and Alex Bowman have had relatively stronger seasons, with Byron in particular emerging as a championship contender. Yet, even with their solid performances, HMS has had to navigate the tricky waters of team dynamics, ensuring each driver has the support they need without sacrificing the collective goal of winning championships.
As the final regular-season races loom, Hendrick is watching cautiously, knowing full well that one bad race could dash playoff hopes or one moment of brilliance could secure a spot. “We just have to stay focused and keep fighting,” Hendrick emphasized. “In NASCAR, nothing’s over until it’s over.”
For Chase Elliott and the rest of the HMS camp, the next few races will define their season—and their legacy.