At the October 2024 Straight Talk Wireless 400 in Homestead, Florida, Hendrick Motorsports rising stars stepped into the spotlight, carrying forward the enduring spirit established by NASCAR icon Jeff Gordon. As these emerging talents compete for championships and respect, they embody a new era shaped by leadership and innovation within Hendrick Motorsports.
Honoring Jeff Gordon’s Transformative Impact on Racing
Jeff Gordon, currently vice chairman at Hendrick Motorsports, built an extraordinary legacy from his NASCAR debut in 1993 until his retirement in 2015. Not only did he amass 93 Cup Series wins, four Cup championships, and three Daytona 500 victories, but Gordon also redefined what it meant to be a superstar in the sport. His achievements, such as five Brickyard 400 wins and a record six Southern 500 triumphs, raised the standard for excellence and altered the landscape of racing competition. Today, Gordon’s drive to innovate now fuels his efforts to guide the next generation at Hendrick Motorsports.
Comparing NASCAR’s Global Presence to F1’s Reach
Bubba Wallace has expressed concerns about NASCAR’s global star power, noting that international recognition lags behind that of Formula 1 drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. According to Wallace, visibility is crucial: while these F1 drivers are household names around the globe, NASCAR’s top talents often remain less known, raising questions about the sport’s wider influence.
Chad Knaus Recognizes the Next Generation’s “It” Factor
Chad Knaus, Hendrick Motorsports’ Vice President of Competition and a celebrated crew chief, remains optimistic about NASCAR’s future. He explained his perspective in a recent interview with RacingAmerica:
“That is something that you just don’t make. That’s something that is. And if you look at guys — let’s just go back, Richard Petty — you will never find a person cooler than Richard Petty. This is true. People try, they want to emulate, you’re not going to beat it. Jeff Gordon, he rolls in, he’s got that thing, he’s got that it. And we’ve got a lot of young drivers that are coming up with the it. And Kyle Larson has it. Chase Elliott has it. You’ve got Connor Zilich has it. There’s a lot of those folks.” — Chad Knaus, Vice President of Competition, Hendrick Motorsports
Knaus emphasized that the unique qualities that distinguish legends like Richard Petty and Jeff Gordon are not created but inherent. He believes several current competitors possess the elusive “it” factor that keeps pushing NASCAR forward, identifying Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, and Connor Zilich as prime examples among Hendrick Motorsports rising stars.
Kyle Larson: A Modern Fan Favorite and Versatile Champion
Kyle Larson, who secured the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series championship with Hendrick Motorsports, stands out for his ability to dominate in diverse racing environments. Despite a challenging 2025 season, Larson remains a favorite among fans. His skill extends across road courses, short tracks, and dirt tracks, demonstrating versatility rarely matched in the field.
Larson’s composure under stress and genuine fan engagement have reinforced his popularity. Following a commanding performance at Bristol Motor Speedway this year, in which he led 411 of 500 laps, Larson’s record hit 32 Cup Series wins by 2025—proof of his competitive prowess and star quality.
Chase Elliott: Building on a Hall of Fame Family Legacy
Chase Elliott continues to carve his own path, following the legendary career of his father Bill Elliott, a NASCAR Hall of Famer. Chase delivered Hendrick Motorsports’ 13th overall Cup Series title in 2020. Known for consistent success, he has notched 21 Cup Series wins through 2025 and has held the “most popular driver” title for seven consecutive years, displaying a strong connection to fans and a positive public persona.
Connor Zilich: A Rookie with Unmatched Determination
Connor Zilich, at just 19 years old, has made a sensational impact in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. By winning his milestone 10th race of the 2025 season at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Zilich established himself as more than just a promising rookie—he set a pace that seasoned drivers envy. Leading the current Xfinity standings, his raw talent and resilience set the stage for Zilich’s anticipated move to Trackhouse Racing in 2026, even as he acknowledges the challenges of transitioning to the NASCAR Cup Series.
Emerging Talents Emulate the Legends Through Consistency
Whether established like Larson and Elliott, or rising like Zilich, these drivers focus less on superstar attention and more on intense dedication and consistent performance. It is this determination and work ethic that draws admiration and positions them to be held alongside the sport’s established icons.
Knaus’s Vision for the Sport’s Future
Chad Knaus remains hopeful about the continued evolution of NASCAR’s star roster. He believes the current wave of driven, youthful drivers—many in their 20s and early 30s—are poised to become figures as impactful as Jeff Gordon once was.
“So we have so many guys in the industry right now that are young in their 20s or maybe early 30s that are going to be the ones that are like Jeff Gordon. But I think there’s a lot of guys that have that it factor and they’re going to continue to drive the sport forward.” — Chad Knaus, Vice President of Competition, Hendrick Motorsports
Chad Knaus Joins NASCAR’s List of Innovative Legends
Alongside guiding the next generation, Chad Knaus is etching his own enduring mark on the sport. Just prior to the 2025 Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, he received the distinguished Smokey Yunick Award, presented by Speedway Motorsports’ president and CEO Marcus Smith. This accolade, named for the legendary innovator Henry “Smokey” Yunick, celebrates individuals who started with humble beginnings but have had an extraordinary impact on motorsports through creativity and breaking new ground.
Knaus, reflecting on the honor, said:
“This means a lot to me. I have been a Smokey Yunick fan for my career, quite honestly, and the biggest reason is because of the stemming of invention and pushing the boundaries – that if there’s not a rule, try to exploit that opportunity. When I was a young man, the stories, and the lore of Smokey Yunick, was there. That was a bit of a fuel for me – it was something that I wanted to try to create. That was something that was really cool for me. It’s unfortunate I never got the opportunity to meet [Yunick].” — Chad Knaus, Vice President of Competition, Hendrick Motorsports
As a seven-time Cup Series crew chief champion and 2024 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee, Knaus brings two decades of trailblazing achievement. He led Jimmie Johnson to 81 wins and commanded successful races with other rising stars, including William Byron. On the Charlotte Motor Speedway, Knaus secured multiple points-paying and All-Star victories, cementing his status as one of the sport’s true innovators. By receiving the Smokey Yunick Award, Knaus joins an elite group that includes motorsport visionaries such as Dale Inman and Rick Hendrick.
The Road Ahead for Hendrick Motorsports and NASCAR
With experienced leaders like Jeff Gordon and Chad Knaus mentoring a new generation, Hendrick Motorsports rising stars are positioned to propel the sport into an exciting phase. Drivers like Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, and Connor Zilich, empowered by legacy and inspired by innovation, are set to drive NASCAR’s journey forward—rekindling the fire that legends like Jeff Gordon once ignited and shaping the competitive future for years to come.
