Jeff Gordon shared his excitement after William Byron’s win at Martinsville, which secured a spot for Hendrick Motorsports in the Joe Gibbs Racing Championship 4, setting the stage for a dramatic final in Phoenix. As the Cup Series championship draws near, Gordon anticipates a high-stakes clash between top drivers from both Hendrick and Joe Gibbs Racing, two teams with a deep competitive history.
Byron and Larson Lead Hendrick’s Push Towards the Cup
The atmosphere at Martinsville was charged as William Byron guided the iconic No. 24 car to victory, mirroring a decade-old triumph by Jeff Gordon himself. This latest win not only earned Byron a place in the Championship 4 but also highlighted the ongoing legacy of Hendrick Motorsports. Kyle Larson, already a Cup Series champion, will be joining Byron, giving Hendrick a formidable pairing as they gear up for one of the season’s biggest races in Phoenix. With both drivers entering the finale with strong performances and confidence, the team is set for a strong title bid.
Joe Gibbs Racing Brings Powerhouse Lineup to Phoenix
Joe Gibbs Racing is sending its own strong contenders to Phoenix. Denny Hamlin and Chase Briscoe will be representing the organization as they look to seize the championship. Fans and analysts alike expect to witness one of the most competitive battles of the modern era, with both teams having established themselves as cornerstones of the sport through past events and championship wins. Gordon reflected on these fierce competitions and the mutual respect shared across these legendary organizations.
“I mean, we have a tremendous amount of respect for one another. We’ve battled through some big events and championships in the past,”
Jeff Gordon, four-time champion, said.
As the championship field narrows, Hendrick and Joe Gibbs Racing each field two drivers, setting up a two-on-two showdown with immense stakes. Gordon observed the intensity of preparation, highlighting the extensive work done by both teams to optimize their performance for Phoenix. As he watched the current competitors rise, he remembered his own journey toward the championship stage and recognized the emotional significance of this achievement for the teams and drivers.
“But yeah, no we’re pretty excited to have two-on-two in a heavyweight fight, as you mentioned. I don’t know. Rudy can attest to how confident he is going into that race. I don’t know. I feel like our chances are extremely good. Right now I’m excited. Now that we’ve gotten through this, this is an exciting day, a lot of emotion of being able to pull off this accomplishment. Now what I love doing is watching these guys leave here and go to work on what it’s going to take to go win it,”
said Jeff Gordon, four-time champion.
High Anticipation for a Battle of Elite Teams
With the final field set, the competition between Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing is expected to reach its peak in Phoenix. Although most of the preparation is already complete, teams continue to fine-tune their strategies and vehicles in the final days before the race. Larson is the only contender among the four to have previously secured a Cup Series title, but each driver arrives with the ambition to make their own mark in championship history.
“It’s going to be an epic battle,”
said Jeff Gordon, four-time champion.
“You got four cars, two organizations, that are going to give it everything. It’s going to be fascinating week of preparation, seeing how it unfolds at the racetrack in Phoenix.”
After a season marked by intense competition and remarkable performances, four drivers representing two powerhouse organizations—William Byron and Kyle Larson for Hendrick, Denny Hamlin and Chase Briscoe for Joe Gibbs Racing—will contest for the ultimate prize this weekend. The outcome will not only determine the champion, but also highlight the ongoing rivalry and mutual respect among some of NASCAR’s most accomplished teams. As anticipation mounts, all eyes turn to Phoenix, where racing history will be written once again.
