Hendrick Motorsports enters this weekend’s race at Iowa Speedway looking to capitalize on their strong season and chase another win, as drivers like Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, and William Byron hope to deliver top performances at the re-paved track. This Hendrick Motorsports Iowa Speedway race preview focuses on team dynamics, each driver’s momentum, and the challenges they face as the competition intensifies with the regular season championship in sight.
Kyle Larson Returns with High Hopes After Strong Outing Last Year
Kyle Larson, the 32-year-old from Elk Grove, California, is preparing to return to Iowa Speedway after a solid showing last season where he secured pole position, claimed a stage win, and led a significant number of laps before an on-track incident affected his outcome. Larson, currently third in the Cup Series standings, will once again have Cliff Daniels as his crew chief for the No. 5 HendrickCars.com chevrolet/”>Chevrolet.
During the previous race in Indianapolis, Larson finished second, demonstrating his recent form as the Hendrick Motorsports team heads to Iowa. Over his Cup career, Larson has led more than 10,100 laps and maintains a competitive average finish. Reflecting on his expectations for the weekend, Larson pointed out the impact of Iowa Speedway’s new pavement and how it might present new challenges compared to last year’s event.
“We had a good weekend going there last year securing the pole, a stage win and leading a lot of laps before getting caught up in an incident. I think it’s going to be quite a bit different this year. I watched the IndyCar race, and it appeared the new pavement has changed quite a bit, and I imagine the grip level has changed quite a bit more, I don’t really know yet but it’s going to be different. But as I said before, we were good last year so hopefully we’ll be good again.”
—Kyle Larson, driver, No. 5 Chevrolet
Chase Elliott Eyes the Regular Season Championship Bonus
Chase Elliott, at 29 years old and from Dawsonville, Georgia, leads the overall standings as the series approaches Iowa Speedway. Elliott finished 13th in Indianapolis last week but continues to set the pace under the guidance of crew chief Alan Gustafson in the No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet. With nearly 6,000 career laps led, Elliott’s average finish statistic remains among the best in the series.
Elliott emphasized the importance of earning the playoff points attached to the regular season championship, which could benefit his pursuit of a strong postseason position. His experience both with and without a points cushion has shaped his approach this year, reinforcing the motivation for a strong Iowa result.
“They’d be huge for sure. I’ve been on both sides of the coin there. We’ve been (in) years where we have not had many playoff points and I’ve had a couple years where we’ve had a bunch. I promise, it is a lot easier when you have a lot in the bank. That’s a much better way to go about it. The way the system is, with so many things kind of being out of your control, it’s nice to have something to fall back on. So of course, yeah, we want it all.”
—Chase Elliott, driver, No. 9 Chevrolet
William Byron Looks to Build on Strong Team Effort
William Byron, representing Charlotte, North Carolina at age 27, currently occupies second in the standings with Rudy Fugle as crew chief for the No. 24 RAPTOR Chevrolet. Byron’s campaign included a 16th-place finish at Indianapolis, but he and his team have steadily worked on refining their performance, accumulating important data and improvements throughout the season.
Byron pointed to the teamwork and tireless effort behind the scenes as keys to their consistency. While he did not provide a direct statement for this preview, Byron expressed optimism and a sense that the group is performing at its best. Iowa Speedway, a track that suits Byron’s driving style, offers another opportunity for him to demonstrate his progress and add to his nearly 3,750 laps led and solid average career finish in the Cup Series.
Alex Bowman Determined to Climb Higher in Points
Alex Bowman, aged 32 from Tucson, Arizona, comes to Iowa with the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet and crew chief Blake Harris. Bowman finished ninth in last week’s Indianapolis event and sits ninth in the overall points tally. With more than 1,500 laps led in his Cup Series career and a reputation for adapting at challenging tracks, Bowman is focused on building momentum as the season advances.
Bowman has embraced the challenge of racing at Iowa Speedway, recognizing the importance of strategy and assertiveness on the short oval. Last year, he managed to work his way up the field to finish eighth after starting deep in the pack, providing valuable insight for this year’s approach.
“Racing at Iowa (Speedway) is always a challenge but one I really enjoy. It’s a place where you’ve got to be aggressive but smart, and track position is huge. Last year we had to start deep in the field and fought our way up to eighth, so we know what it takes to get around there.”
—Alex Bowman, driver, No. 48 Chevrolet
Team Legacy and Iowa Speedway Outlook
Hendrick Motorsports continues to set records in NASCAR, holding the all-time marks for most Cup victories, poles, top-five placements, and top-10 finishes. Entering Iowa, the team has amassed 317 wins, 258 poles, more than 1,300 top-five results, and over 2,200 top-10s, coupled with a remarkable 84,488 laps led. Their success continues to be defined by a strong roster of drivers, experienced crew chiefs like Cliff Daniels, Alan Gustafson, Rudy Fugle, and Blake Harris, and their relentless pursuit of improvement across all facets.
As the Iowa Speedway event draws near, Hendrick Motorsports will look to build on its already significant legacy. The new pavement at the track and lessons learned from recent events such as the IndyCar race could play a crucial role in the outcome, testing each racer’s adaptability and strategy during the weekend.
Looking Ahead: What’s at Stake for Hendrick Motorsports?
This weekend’s race at Iowa Speedway offers Hendrick Motorsports a chance to reinforce its dominance and chase valuable points leading up to the postseason. The performance of Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, William Byron, and Alex Bowman will be closely watched as each driver battles for wins and playoff advantages. With the track presenting fresh variables due to surface changes, adaptability and teamwork will be critical for the team’s ambitions.
Fans can anticipate an intense event filled with strategic decisions and close racing as the Hendrick drivers seek to add another chapter to the organization’s storied history in the sport, and potentially seize the momentum they need for the remainder of the NASCAR season.
