Chase Elliott is setting his sights on another Clash win as NASCAR gears up for its showcase event, aiming to build on his commanding performance last year at Bowman Gray Stadium. With Hendrick Motorsports boasting a storied legacy in the Clash, Elliott seeks to add another chapter to both his career and the organization’s record book in Concord, North Carolina.
A Look Back at Clash History and Hendrick Success
The Clash began its journey in 1979, inaugurating the NASCAR preseason in a high-profile race mostly set at Daytona International Speedway until 2021. In recent years, the event has found new homes, including a stint at the LA Coliseum, before last year’s celebrated return to Bowman Gray Stadium—a venue not seen in NASCAR action since 1971. Hendrick Motorsports has won the Clash eight times, tying them for the second-highest number of victories in the event’s long history. Chase Elliott’s victory last year further cemented Hendrick’s dominance among premier organizations in the sport.
Ken Schrader delivered Hendrick’s inaugural Clash win in 1989 and impressively captured another in 1990, paving the way for stars like Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson to join him as repeat winners in Hendrick’s illustrious Clash legacy. Other notable drivers, such as Dale Earnhardt Jr., have contributed to Hendrick’s record, making the organization a force to be reckoned with in this annual spectacle.
Noteworthy Wins: Highlighting Each Triumph
Ken Schrader, 1989: Schrader displayed unmatched speed at Daytona, grabbing the pole for three straight DAYTONA 500s between 1988 and 1990 and seizing both the Clash and his duel race in 1989. His 15 laps led out of 20, fending off challenges from Davey Allison and Terry Labonte, made him one of only two drivers ever to capture the DAYTONA 500 pole, the Clash, and a Duel in the same season, joining Buddy Baker.
Ken Schrader, 1990: In a display of consistency and strategic racing, Schrader earned bonus winnings for leading at key intervals, ultimately capturing a second straight win for Hendrick. He managed to thwart Greg Sacks—also in a Hendrick Motorsports entry—demonstrating the team’s depth and prowess.
Jeff Gordon, 1994: After a promising rookie campaign, Gordon made his preseason mark with a dramatic Clash victory at Daytona, prevailing in a field mourning the loss of Neil Bonnett. The race featured dual 10-lap segments with an inversion. Gordon, aided by Brett Bodine in the closing laps, maneuvered up from tenth to claim victory at age 22, signaling the early greatness in his future, including wins at the Coca-Cola 600 and Brickyard 400.
Jeff Gordon, 1997: Starting from the rear, Gordon and Dale Earnhardt bided their time until the field was inverted. Restarting in third, Gordon surged to the front, securing another triumph for Hendrick. This win prefaced his historic victory in the DAYTONA 500, where he led a 1-2-3 finish and became the youngest winner of NASCAR’s hallmark race at that time.
Jimmie Johnson, 2005: The Clash had evolved into a 70-lap test split into segments by this point. Johnson’s strong pit performance helped him leapfrog Greg Biffle and lead 16 crucial laps, including the decisive stretch that brought home another win for Hendrick Motorsports.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., 2008: In his debut competitive outing for Hendrick, Earnhardt Jr. wasted no time making an impact, leading a race-record 46 laps. With teamwork on display, Jimmie Johnson provided a vital push on a late restart, allowing Earnhardt Jr. to clear Tony Stewart and secure his second Clash victory and his first with Hendrick Motorsports.
Jimmie Johnson, 2019: Weather played a key role in this contest, cutting the race short after a red flag and intensifying the drama. Johnson emerged as the leader after a daring pass on Paul Menard, who spun following on-track contact. The rains ended the race soon after, awarding Johnson the victory in what would be his final Clash win with Hendrick.
Chase Elliott’s Recent Dominance at Bowman Gray
NASCAR’s return to Bowman Gray Stadium in 2025 marked a return to its roots, and Chase Elliott delivered a clinic on short-track racing. Starting from the pole, he led an astounding 171 of 200 laps, demonstrating both speed and race management. Elliott surrendered the front only briefly under green but recaptured it not long after, ensuring his path to the checkered flag was nearly unchallenged. His performance was a vivid reflection of the legendary tenacity shown by previous Hendrick Motorsports victors such as Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and Ken Schrader.
The triumphant moment held deep meaning for Elliott, who expressed his appreciation for the location’s historical significance.
“This is a place that has a deep history in NASCAR. I think they deserve this event, truthfully.”
– Chase Elliott, Driver
The Significance of Another Potential Win for Hendrick Motorsports
With Elliott now aiming for consecutive victories in the Clash, momentum builds for Hendrick Motorsports as one of NASCAR’s elite teams. Each Clash win highlights the organization’s ability to prepare its drivers and teams for the high-stakes NASCAR season kickoff. The path blazed by legends like Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Ken Schrader has set a standard of excellence, and Elliott’s recent success signals a new era carrying that legacy forward.
Elliott’s pursuit of back-to-back Clash wins captures both the spirit of NASCAR’s historic roots and the intense competition that defines each preseason event. As the next race at Bowman Gray approaches, fans and observers will watch closely to see if Chase Elliott will again deliver a memorable performance and further elevate both his own standing and Hendrick Motorsports’ prominence in Clash history.
