Hendrick Motorsports NASCAR dominance was on full display at the pivotal Martinsville race, as the renowned team seized crucial playoff berths and underscored their status as perennial championship contenders. The team entered the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs needing a standout showing, and their resilience paid off in dramatic fashion during the marathon at Martinsville Speedway, reaffirming their four-decade legacy at the top of stock car racing.
The high-stakes race demanded significant results from Hendrick’s lineup, which features drivers with both recent momentum and a deep well of experience. With William Byron leading and Kyle Larson providing unwavering consistency, Hendrick Motorsports once again reminded the racing world why their track record stands as a benchmark within the sport.
Byron’s Unforgettable Martinsville Win Locks Phoenix Slot
William Byron delivered a career best at Martinsville, cementing his place in the Championship 4 for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series finale at Phoenix Raceway on November 2. Displaying impressive control, he led 304 laps and won both stages—an exceptional feat in the grueling 500-lap contest. Byron clinched victory by a margin of just 0.717 seconds over Ryan Blaney, with his pivotal moment arriving on Lap 457 as he maneuvered under Blaney in Turn 1, a bold move symbolic of the determination required to win on the famed short track.
Following the intense finish, Byron offered a candid reflection on the challenge and reward of his victory:
“Damn, I got a lot to say,”
William Byron, Driver
“Things have a way of working out. God really tests your resilience a lot of times. We’ve been tested. Just unbelievable. We just worked so hard, and you put everything into Sundays. Sometimes you don’t get anything in return. But sometimes life is that way. You just have to keep being resilient. We were. Just feels damn good.”
William Byron, Driver
Hendrick Motorsports vice chairman and nine-time Martinsville winner Jeff Gordon lauded the breakthrough display:
“William Byron had the race of his career today,”
Jeff Gordon, Vice Chairman
“I know it wasn’t a Daytona 500, but the way he raced was unbelievable. That last restart, not only did he get the jump in the restart area, but he drove deep into Turn 1, went wide, turned it, and drove off.”
Jeff Gordon, Vice Chairman
“I thought William drove the race of his life.”
Jeff Gordon, Vice Chairman
Runner-up Ryan Blaney acknowledged the competitive late contact, emphasizing respect for Byron’s winning move:
“That’s just two guys going for it, I don’t blame him for taking that,”
Ryan Blaney, Driver
“I would have done the same thing. I knew it was going to be tight. I tried to crowd him as much as I could. Just proud of the effort from the team. They gave 100% of what they had, and that’s all you can ask. Wasn’t quite enough.”
Ryan Blaney, Driver
This Martinsville drama marked yet another important milestone in Hendrick Motorsports’ storied narrative, showcasing both their historical strength and present-day tenacity on NASCAR’s biggest stages.
Kyle Larson’s Consistency Secures Championship Opportunity
While Byron took the spotlight with the win, Kyle Larson methodically banked the points necessary to claim the final Championship 4 berth. Larson finished fourth at Martinsville, edging out Christopher Bell for a coveted title shot after a season defined by composure and performance. Larson’s efforts contributed to the team’s powerful outing, capping off a 1-2-3-4 finish that reflected Hendrick Motorsports’ continued upper hand in the Cup Series.
Larson celebrated his teammate’s success and the organization’s achievement:
“Happy for Hendrick Motorsports. This win is as good as it could have been for us, to score more points than Christopher, then have William win, too. Hopefully one of us can win it.”
Kyle Larson, Driver
Christopher Bell, who narrowly missed advancing, conveyed satisfaction with the integrity and competitiveness of the playoff field:
“I feel content with the results,”
Christopher Bell, Driver
“The four are legitimate contenders. Whoever the champion is, it’s going to be well-deserving.”
Christopher Bell, Driver
Jeff Gordon reflected on the team-wide determination, noting the organization’s values:
“This is what Hendrick is all about, resilience and teamwork,”
Jeff Gordon, Vice Chairman
With their latest success, Hendrick Motorsports stands at an impressive 305 Cup wins, 29 of which have come at Martinsville—a testament to their dominance in NASCAR. The team’s list of achievements also includes producing the sport’s last three champions, further emphasizing the effectiveness of their approach and their ability to perform when stakes are highest.
Phoenix Finale Awaits: Four Drivers, One Championship
The Championship 4 is now set, with William Byron and Kyle Larson representing Hendrick Motorsports and ready to compete at the Phoenix Raceway showdown. Byron’s pursuit marks his bid for a first career title following a breakout year, while Larson aims for his second crown. Alongside them, Denny Hamlin and Chase Briscoe remain hungry for long-anticipated championship glory.
Teamwork, grit, and competitive fire have fueled Hendrick Motorsports’ NASCAR dominance yet again, positioning them as a prominent force as the title decider approaches in Phoenix. The stage is set for an electrifying battle, and all eyes are on whether Hendrick’s unity and raw racing prowess will secure the organization another landmark in Cup Series history.
