Jeff Gordon celebrates Hendrick Motorsports’ Daytona 500 milestone after William Byron’s consecutive victories at Daytona International Speedway, an event commemorated by NASCAR officials and team members in Concord. The ceremony highlighted Hendrick Motorsports’ record-setting tenth Daytona 500 win, marking a historic achievement in NASCAR history.
Hendrick Motorsports Marks Tenth Daytona 500 Triumph with Special Recognition
On Thursday, a gathering in Concord honored Hendrick Motorsports’ unprecedented tenth win in the “Great American Race.” The celebration saw NASCAR chairman Jim France present a Rolex Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona to team owner Rick Hendrick, following William Byron’s consecutive wins at the Daytona 500. The back of the luxury watch was engraved with “First 10x DAYTONA 500 champion” and Rick Hendrick’s name, signifying the team‘s remarkable accomplishment.
Several key figures attended the ceremony, including vice chairman Jeff Gordon, president and general manager Jeff Andrews, vice president of competition Chad Knaus, as well as crew chiefs Rudy Fugle and Cliff Daniels. Together, they represented various parts of the team that contributed to this significant success.
Owner Rick Hendrick Thanks NASCAR and the Team for Their Dedication
Rick Hendrick expressed deep gratitude for the honor and reflected on the journey that led Hendrick Motorsports to achieve an unmatched milestone at Daytona.
“This is such a meaningful gift, and I’m truly grateful to Jim (France), everyone at NASCAR, and the team at Daytona International Speedway.”
—Rick Hendrick, Team Owner
“The Daytona 500 has given us some incredible moments, and this watch will always remind me of the people who made them possible. It’s not just about the wins; it’s about the drivers, crew chiefs, team members, and their families who’ve put their hearts into this organization. I’ll think of them every time I look at it.”
—Rick Hendrick, Team Owner
Reflecting on the legacy he has built over the past four decades since joining the NASCAR Cup Series, Hendrick shared his sense of disbelief at the team‘s achievements.
“I never thought I would win one Daytona 500. I couldn’t have imagined 10 in my wildest dreams. It’s hard to believe.”
—Rick Hendrick, Team Owner
Byron’s Success Pushes HMS Past Previous Records
William Byron’s recent back-to-back Daytona 500 victories elevated Hendrick Motorsports above Petty Enterprises for the most wins in the event’s history. Byron, who is now the youngest driver to reach two Daytona 500 victories, delivered his second consecutive win at the iconic 2.5-mile track earlier this year. The accomplishments further solidified the prominence of the team and its youthful talent within the NASCAR Cup Series.
Jeff Gordon, the former #24 Chevy driver and now vice chairman at Hendrick Motorsports, played a pivotal role in the team’s history with three Daytona 500 wins in 1997, 1999, and 2005. For last year’s victory, track president Frank Kelleher presented Gordon with a ring, symbolizing the enduring bond between drivers and the Daytona International Speedway.
Jeff Gordon Shares Candid Reactions to Latest Victory
After William Byron’s latest triumph, Jeff Gordon acknowledged that the win came as a surprise, reflecting the unpredictable nature of Daytona and the competitive spirit of the race day. He noted that the team hadn’t anticipated being in contention for the win, especially given the dramatic events on the final lap.
During the closing moments of the season-opener, a late-race multi-car crash was triggered when Denny Hamlin, previously leading, was involved in a wreck. Byron maneuvered the #24 Chevrolet skillfully, keeping to the top lane and avoiding the chaos before racing to the finish line without a caution flag being brought out. In an interview discussing the memorable outcome, Gordon remarked:
“Victory never gets old, especially at Daytona, and I think this one is just such a surprise or a shock. Daytona is always unpredictable, right? And you never know, but I really didn’t think we had a shot at it yet.”
[at the start of the video] —Jeff Gordon, Vice Chairman
A Strong Showing from Hendrick Motorsports and Its Rivals
William Byron crossed the finish line ahead of Tyler Reddick and Jimmie Johnson, the latter a former HMS driver with two Daytona 500 wins for the team in 2006 and 2013. Rounding out the top five were Chase Briscoe and John Hunter Nemechek, both of whom contributed to a dramatic and competitive conclusion to the opening race of the NASCAR season.
The milestone reached by Hendrick Motorsports underscores the persistent pursuit of excellence by drivers, crew chiefs, and the broader organization, setting a high standard for both current team members and rivals across the racing world. The latest victory not only affirms the legacy of owner Rick Hendrick but also signals a new era of youthful talent and strategic teamwork at one of NASCAR’s most storied organizations.
