In NASCAR, the competitive spirit often overshadows alliances when playoff races intensify, and that dynamic is likely to play out at Martinsville Speedway. Among the key narratives unfolding, there’s a real chance that not all of Hendrick Motorsports’ top drivers will secure spots in the championship race at Phoenix. Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, and William Byron are all in contention for the final two available spots, and as the season nears its end, drivers must prioritize their own success. At Homestead, Elliott’s spotter made this clear, telling him, “Larson is not your teammate right now,” as they vied for the lead.
The big question remains: will the Hendrick drivers engage in intense competition, potentially impacting each other’s championship hopes in this pivotal race?
Kyle Larson, however, is urging his teammates to focus on a shared goal. As Hendrick Motorsports celebrates 40 years in NASCAR, the team is hoping for its 15th championship—a landmark that would be especially meaningful in this milestone year. Linda Hendrick, wife of team owner Rick Hendrick, expressed how significant this win would be, emphasizing their desire to achieve this historic feat. Even though Alex Bowman’s playoff bid ended with the Roval race, Larson insists that all HMS drivers are focused on collective success. “All four teams understand that the closer we can all work together, the better chance we each have to win,” Larson commented. He noted that communication within the team remains strong through competition meetings and debriefs, adding, “If we get at least two of us into the final, it’d be great. And if we get all three, that would be incredible.”
Chase Elliott, though, is in a particularly tough spot. Sitting 43 points behind, he faces a must-win scenario to join the Championship 4. Although the pressure is immense, Elliott feels optimistic about his chances at Martinsville. His goal is to pull off a comeback, similar to his impressive 2020 season when he clinched a win at Martinsville and went on to secure his first Cup Series championship. Elliott, currently in the No. 9 Chevy, has made significant progress since missing the playoffs last year, but with only one win in Texas this season, he needs another victory to keep his championship hopes alive.
Reflecting on his recent performances, Elliott said he’s confident heading into Martinsville, especially after strong runs in the last two races. “I feel good about where we’re at. We’ve run well in the past few weeks, even at places that historically haven’t favored us. So, I’m looking forward to it,” Elliott shared. Starting from the front row in P2, he’s positioned well, but as the race unfolds, he may find it difficult to balance competitive instincts with team alliances. If Elliott wins at Martinsville, he could knock out a fellow teammate and set the stage to replicate his 2020 success, when his Martinsville triumph propelled him to a victory at Phoenix and his only Cup Series title.
