Hendrick Motorsports vs. Joe Gibbs Racing: The high-octane Cup Series playoff Round of 12 will occur at Texas’ 1.5-mile track. Fighting to survive, outwitting opponents, and avoiding mistakes are continual. Despite the racing chatter, one story jumps out and attracts genuine motorsport lovers.
Hendrick Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing have fought like giants in American racing, where speed is valued. This longstanding rivalry has shaped NASCAR’s history. National media outlets vibrate with enthusiasm as the excitement peaks. The first shot of Round 2 will heat the track with flaming tires and intense racing. Who will win is a common racing topic. Some predict Denny Hamlin’s back-to-back wins, while others favor Kyle Larson’s pace.
Texas may be the final battle for Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) and Joe Gibbs Racing. A strategic battlefield and race will combine speed and strategy. HMS and JGR have two warriors in the top four Cup Series playoff standings. William Byron, Martin Truex Jr., Denny Hamlin, and strong Kyle Larson are contenders.
The rivalry is a fire that might consume everything. At Darlington Speedway, Kyle Larson’s lightning-fast pace made NASCAR history. However, longtime racer Denny Hamlin kept the focus at Darlington. Although he only led for 14 laps of the lengthy, difficult Xfinity Series race at Darlington, he won as usual.
When Hamlin had to stop after leading 177 of 367 laps due to a loose wheel, his Darlington glory vanished. His 30th-place finish, one lap behind the winners, disappointed him. Kyle Larson led the Southern 500’s final 55 laps to win his maiden race at the “Lady in Black.” The Joe Gibbs Racing veteran’s 51st career win at Bristol makes him a formidable opponent.
Larson has finished second three times and third twice at Darlington in 11 Cup races. He heads to Texas after leading 273 laps and winning two races in 2021.
Despite the glamour, another candidate shines out. Christopher Bell’s three straight pole positions at Darlington, Kansas, and Bristol make him a serious challenger in Texas. He also won three consecutive stages at Darlington, Kansas, and Bristol.
Remember when racing and competition were most hazardous and exciting? Denny Hamlin, 23XI Racing’s owner and strong opponent, has never been reluctant to trade paint on the track. After the Tricky Triangle race, his fights were more challenging than ever. A year ago, Hamlin and HMS star William Byron fought hard. The cars crashed, but so did egos and objectives. NASCAR docked Byron 25 points and fined him $50,000 for knocking Hamlin out of the race.
Byron was furious that Hamlin had bumped him out of a suitable location on lap 262. “I felt like he pushed me off Turn 2 and into the wall,” stated the #24 Chevy driver. Thank goodness the toe link was intact. We could continue.” That fight still resonates throughout NASCAR history.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Who takes over Joe Gibbs Racing?
JGR made a strategic move in 2023 by selling minority stakes to Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) and Arctos Partners. This decision was aimed at enhancing the company’s growth and expanding its reach in the market. The move was a calculated one, and it is expected to yield positive results for JGR in the long run.
Does Joe Gibbs own 23XI Racing?
23XI Racing, pronounced as twenty-three eleven, is a renowned American auto racing team that participates in the NASCAR Cup Series. The team is owned and managed by Michael Jordan, a Hall of Fame basketball player, and Denny Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 winner and current Joe Gibbs Racing driver.
Is Martin Truex leaving Joe Gibbs Racing?
The 2017 NASCAR Cup Series champion has put an end to retirement rumors by signing a contract extension with Joe Gibbs Racing. He will continue to drive the No. 19 Toyota Camry TRD for the 2024 season. Fans can look forward to seeing him in action once again on the track.
Is Jeff Gordon involved with Hendrick Motorsports?
Gordon has been the vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports since the start of 2022. His role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including marketing, competition, and other areas.
