Hendrick Motorsports

Hendrick Motorsports, a prominent American professional auto racing team competing in the NASCAR Cup Series, was founded in 1984 by Rick Hendrick, initially known as All-Star Racing. Recognized for its remarkable success, the team has built an extraordinary legacy, securing a record-breaking 306 victories in the Cup Series along with 14 owners and drivers championships. In addition to its dominance in the Cup Series, Hendrick Motorsports has also claimed three Truck Series owners and drivers titles, as well as one Xfinity Series drivers championship. Furthermore, the team has achieved notable success across other racing series, including 27 wins in the Xfinity Series, 26 victories in the Truck Series, and seven triumphs in the ARCA Menards Series.

HISTORY 

In 1988 Rick Hendrick, a car dealership entrepreneur from Charlotte, North Carolina, created Hendrick Motorsports. Initially known as All-Star Racing and directed by crew chief and vehicle builder Harry Hyde, the team worked on projects such as the GM Goodwrench IMSA GTP Corvette and twin-turbo V6 engine development, participating in the IMSA GTP series from 1985 to 1988 with drivers Doc Bundy and Sarel van der Merwe. However, this initiative ended in 1988.

The All-Star Racing team won its maiden race at Martinsville in 1984, with Geoff Bodine driving the No. 5 car. In 2021, during the Coca-Cola 600, Hendrick Motorsports surpassed Petty Enterprises to become the winningest team.

In NASCAR Cup Series history, Kyle Larson drove the No. 5 car to its 269th victory. This marked the end of Petty Enterprises’ dominance as the series’ most successful team since 1960.

As of 2024, Hendrick Motorsports will field four full-time Cup Series teams, all driving the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. These teams are the No. 5 piloted by Kyle Larson, the No. 9 driven by Chase Elliott, the No. 24 driven by William Byron, and the No. 48 driven by Alex Bowman. The team previously competed in the Xfinity Series before merging with JR Motorsports, and will make a limited return in 2022. In the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Hendrick Motorsports had trucks, most notably for Elliott in 2013.

NASCAR CUP SERIES

Hendrick Motorsports holds the record for the most wins in NASCAR Cup Series history, with 306 victories, and has clinched 14 Cup Series owners and drivers championships. 

NASCAR XFINITY SERIES

Between 1984 and 1990, as well as from 2000 to 2007, Hendrick Motorsports participated in the Busch Series, primarily using the No. 5 car. Following the 2007 season, there was a merger between Hendrick Motorsports and JR Motorsports, which is owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. This resulted in their Xfinity Series operations being combined. From 2008 onward, the No. 5 Chevrolets raced full-time under the JR Motorsports name, with engines and technical support provided by Hendrick Motorsports. Rick Hendrick holds an ownership stake in JR Motorsports and is listed as the owner of the No. 5 team.

CARS, DRIVER AND CREW CHIEF

NASCAR TRUCK SERIES

Hendrick Motorsports has been intermittently involved in the NASCAR Truck Series, with its main emphasis placed on the Cup and Xfinity Series. While they have made occasional appearances in the Truck Series, such as with driver Chase Elliott in 2013, their main focus and achievements lie in the Cup and Xfinity Series.