Hendrick Motorsports faces a major challenge at the Chicago Street Race, as all four of its drivers—Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, William Byron, and Alex Bowman—will start at the back of the NASCAR Cup Series grid after post-qualifying adjustments. This setback, a key focus of the Hendrick Motorsports Chicago Street Race setback, leaves the powerhouse team in unfamiliar territory just as the high-stakes race gets underway on Sunday in Chicago.
Lineup upheaval derails Hendrick’s Chicago hopes
After a difficult qualifying session, every Hendrick driver will have to work their way through the entire field. Larson suffered damage during qualifying, forcing his team to make repairs. Bowman needed a toe link change. In an even bigger twist, neither Elliott nor Byron made a qualifying attempt at all, putting them automatically at the rear. As a result, any chance at an early position advantage has been wiped away before the green flag drops.
This scenario deals a major blow to an organization accustomed to racing at the front. With four of NASCAR’s top talents now facing the daunting task of moving up from last place, the hopes of a Hendrick win seem slimmer than usual. Fans can only watch as each driver faces a monumental climb ahead on the narrow, unforgiving Chicago circuit.
“What’s that @Drake line about starting from the bottom again?Unfortunately, due to needed repairs, all four cars will start tomorrow’s race from the back. pic.twitter.com/FaxmIcGLyJ”
—Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick)
Chicago track poses brutal challenge for troubled teams
The Chicago Street Race is not known for forgiveness. Tight sections with abrupt braking and tricky corner exits create a tough environment for overtaking. Mistakes can be costly, as the course punishes every error with barriers that close in on both sides. Chase Elliott, who recently won at Atlanta, was poised to be a contender again, but like his teammates, his path to victory will now require navigating through the entire pack—not an easy feat given the unique demands of street racing in Chicago and with Shane van Gisbergen starting from pole position.
Track position at the Chicago Street Race is crucial. Getting stuck in traffic may cost precious time and chances for strategic calls. Knowing all four Hendrick Motorsports drivers must begin at the rear, race strategy will demand flawless performances, including pit stops and well-timed overtakes. The team is left looking for any potential edge to offset what could be a race-ending disadvantage almost before Sunday’s action begins.
Adverse weather could change the narrative
While the Xfinity Series saw clear skies, the weather for Sunday’s Cup Series race could be the wild card Hendrick needs. Forecasters expect cooler, cloudier conditions and the real possibility of rain during the race. If showers do arrive, NASCAR may mandate the use of wet-weather tires. Such a shift could scramble the field’s order and provide Hendrick’s quartet a better shot at slicing through the pack—something that’s otherwise extremely difficult on a dry, clean street course.
Four drivers, one mission: pull off a Chicago miracle
The situation is undeniably grim for Hendrick Motorsports, but the team still represents four chances at a comeback. Each of the drivers—Kyle Larson, William Byron, Chase Elliott, and Alex Bowman—is capable of competing at the highest level. Although the odds are stacked, there remains a slim possibility that one or more of them could stage a dramatic run to the front if circumstances break their way, especially if strategy or chaotic race conditions intervene.
The street race will demand near-perfection from start to finish. Hendrick Motorsports and its drivers find themselves racing with their backs against the wall, fighting not only the competition but also the track and Mother Nature. For fans, the Chicago event promises emotional swings and high drama, with all eyes on whether any of Hendrick’s drivers can pull off an improbable climb from the rear. All that’s certain is that Sunday’s race will test the team’s resolve like never before.
