Following a tumultuous 2025 Cup Series season marked by both victory and inconsistency, Hendrick Motorsports is entering the next year with fresh optimism as Jeff Gordon throws his support behind Kyle Larson’s 2026 title defense. The team’s commitment to overcoming aerodynamic disadvantages and recent strategic upgrades positions them as strong contenders as they seek to retain their championship crown.
Gordon’s Renewed Optimism for Hendrick Motorsports
Throughout the 2025 campaign, Denny Hamlin of Joe Gibbs Racing commanded much of the spotlight as the presumed favorite for the championship. His narrative arc from being perceived as a villain to earning admiration amid regular high finishes made him a formidable rival. Despite these challenges, Kyle Larson persistently remained in contention, notably after facing setbacks such as the failed ‘The Double’ attempt partway through the year.
The main culprit behind Larson’s uneven performance was identified as the vehicle itself. Hendrick Motorsports continued to utilize an outdated Camaro chassis—one that Chevrolet had discontinued in the Cup Series—leaving them lagging behind their competitors in aerodynamic technology. This disadvantage was not just costly in terms of race results but also cast doubt on Larson’s viability as a championship threat.
Chevrolet’s Updates Bring Newfound Confidence
Acknowledging the need to compete at a higher level, Gordon and his leadership team at Hendrick Motorsports spent the off-season focusing intensely on improvement. Recognizing that the same car setup would not suffice for 2026, they welcomed Chevrolet’s introduction of an updated Camaro ZL1 body, with aerodynamic enhancements developed specifically to close the gap with rival brands.
With these advancements, the tone within Hendrick Motorsports shifted markedly. Gordon expressed strong belief that the team’s machinery now rivals that of other major manufacturers, specifically highlighting their newfound ability to compete on a more even keel.
“I do think we’ve been a bit behind when you look at aerodynamics — our car versus some of our competitors. I feel like we’ve gotten ourselves on a level playing field with them, so I’m very excited about that.”
— Jeff Gordon, Vice Chairman, Hendrick Motorsports
Building on Past Success and Preparing for the Future
Beyond mechanical upgrades, Gordon spoke enthusiastically about the organizational momentum Hendrick Motorsports has enjoyed in recent years. The successful capture of their 15th Cup Series championship demonstrates a sustained pattern of excellence, leaving Gordon convinced that more championships could be on the horizon. The recent addition of Corey Day to the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series lineup further energizes the organization moving into the 2026 season.
Gordon attributes this ongoing success to a strong team culture permeating the entire Hendrick Motorsports campus. He believes that winning a championship while other leading teams remain competitive has only increased the collective confidence. This confidence is proving invaluable as the team seeks to support Kyle Larson in his 2026 title defense, ensuring that the lessons of past seasons propel them to even greater heights.
Anticipating the Impact of Strategic Changes
The work undertaken this off-season has positioned Hendrick Motorsports as a major force in the upcoming Cup Series. With Chevrolet’s technical improvements and a roster energized by recent achievements and new talent, both Gordon and Larson have solid reasons to feel optimistic about their chances. The racing community now awaits to see how these changes will shape the competitive landscape as the 2026 season unfolds, with a revitalized Kyle Larson aiming to defend his title against strong opposition.
