Jeff Gordon, vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports, has embraced expanded responsibilities as his team advances deep into the Hendrick Motorsports NASCAR title chase. With two drivers set for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, the organization is focused on recapturing championship success in a competitive season.
Gordon Steps Up as Hendrick Motorsports Target Championship Glory
After the most recent event at Martinsville, Hendrick Motorsports saw William Byron and Kyle Larson secure their places in the upcoming Cup Series playoffs. Byron clinched his spot by winning the final race of the round of 8, while Larson earned enough points throughout the round to qualify. Despite their efforts, Alex Bowman did not advance, and Chase Elliott, currently recognized as NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver, was eliminated in the same round, as were Christopher Bell, Joey Logano, and Ryan Blaney.
The current lineup places two Hendrick drivers, Byron and Larson, in contention for the Cup Series championship—raising expectations for the team’s leadership, including Jeff Gordon. As a four-time Cup Series champion, Gordon understands the emotional highs and lows associated with competition at this level. Reflecting on his role and connection to the team, Gordon shared:
“Just being here, really more ingrained in different areas of the business and getting to know the people on another level and seeing them go to work and seeing them prepare for races, prepare for seasons, celebrate wins, deal with losses personally and professionally, you get emotionally invested in that.”
—Jeff Gordon, Vice Chairman
“When it doesn’t go the way you want it to, it’s more devastating, and you’re kind of along for the ride with the teams,, and the same thing when it goes well. It’s just a great experience to be a part of that with them,” Jeff Gordon further added. (Via HendrickMotorsports.com)
—Jeff Gordon, Vice Chairman
Team Dynamics and Recent History in the Hunt for the Cup
Kyle Larson and William Byron’s continued playoff presence has further energized Hendrick Motorsports as the title hunt intensifies. Larson previously delivered the team’s most recent championship in 2021, marking his first title after joining from Chip Ganassi Racing. Elliott captured the preceding year’s Cup Series trophy in 2020, demonstrating the team’s frequent presence at the top of the sport.
Gordon Expresses Strong Confidence in Larson and Daniels
Within the organization, the partnership between driver Kyle Larson and crew chief Cliff Daniels draws particular praise from Gordon, who highlighted their collaboration and resilience, especially as the season’s stakes increase. As he noted:
“I think that the combination of those two, the people that they surround themselves with, really help them fight through that. I think when the Playoffs started, their performance was there. I think all through the Playoffs they’ve been building up to this point. Yeah, I never count those guys out.”
—Jeff Gordon, Vice Chairman
This confidence stems from their 2021 championship win and steady performance throughout the playoffs. The chemistry within the team and the support system around the driver-crew chief duo strengthen their chances as the finals approach.
Looking Ahead: Intense Competition at Phoenix Raceway
While Hendrick Motorsports places its hopes on Byron and Larson, the championship round will also feature Denny Hamlin and Chase Briscoe of Joe Gibbs Racing. The title will be determined this weekend at Phoenix Raceway, where the final competitors will go head-to-head for season honors. The outcome will not only impact current standings but also shape the team’s outlook and strategies for the next season of the Hendrick Motorsports NASCAR title chase.
