Hendrick Motorsports experienced a weekend of ups and downs at Dover in the recent NASCAR Cup Series event. Chase Elliott secured a respectable sixth-place finish, while teammates Alex Bowman and Kyle Larson earned top-five positions. However, William Byron suffered a disappointing DNF, finishing 31st, tempering what was otherwise a productive outing for the team. Despite these results, questions remain about Hendrick’s overall performance consistency this season.
Kevin Harvick Expresses Concern Over Hendrick’s Summer Performance
Former champion and current FOX Sports analyst Kevin Harvick voiced his concerns about Hendrick Motorsports’ struggles during the summer portion of the season. On his show, “Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour,” he highlighted Byron’s inability to build on his Daytona 500 win and Larson’s unpredictable performances. Harvick worries whether the team will be able to dial in the consistency needed before the intense runway leading into the playoffs.
I had to just had the feeling that they were going to run better this weekend,
Harvick remarked in reference to Byron’s No. 5 car.
I think that, at some point, it becomes about that challenge. We talked about it with Denny, at some point, you just buckle down and you have to get the ship turned around. We know the cars are capable. Now, we’re back to a little more Hendrick vs. Gibbs type of racetracks. That’s exactly what we saw this weekend. Dover was Hendrick vs. Gibbs.
—Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Analyst
Harvick also commented on Larson’s pace at Dover, noting that the driver was slower than expected while climbing through the field. Although Larson eventually joined the leading pack and had a chance to contend at the finish, the tire challenges played a significant role in the race outcome. Harvick emphasized the limited time left for Hendrick to rectify these performance issues before the playoffs take center stage.
(Larson) was slower to get up through the pack than I thought he would be. Once he finally got up there, he was in the mix. I thought, at the end, he might have a shot to win this thing, with the tire situation. They definitely needed to get back on track and be able to try to get themselves in a position to get the ship right. You’ve got five more races to do that before the playoff start. Man, I hate that inconsistency.
—Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Analyst
Chase Elliott’s Consistent Finishes Offer a Silver Lining
Amid the criticism of Hendrick Motorsports’ summer struggles, Harvick pointed out that Chase Elliott’s No. 9 car has demonstrated a notable ability to secure solid finishes even when not at its absolute best. Unlike teammates Byron and Larson, whose performance fluctuates heavily during down periods, Elliott manages to maintain competitiveness by consistently finishing in the top 10. This resilience helps keep the team competitive in the points standings despite broader struggles.
I think that’s the thing that the No. 9 (Elliott) does better than those other three cars is, even when they’re off, they’re figuring out how to finish sixth, seventh, eighth. When the No. 24 (Byron) and the No. 5 (Larson) are off, it tanks. The No. 24 situation is the exact same as it was last year and the year before. They starts off with a win, go through the summer slump, and then show back up at the end of the year. It’s just so hard to keep up with the progression.
—Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Analyst
Harvick reflected on Hendrick’s recurring summer slump issue, noting it is a trend seen multiple years running. He believes this summer slowdown causes the team to lose crucial speed and momentum compared to their rivals, despite starting seasons strongly with quick pace and multiple race victories.
I think, last year, the Hendrick cars lost a little bit of speed, because they went through that summer slump and then they didn’t keep up with the progression. You find a little bit all the way through that summer at all the different styles of racetracks to match the speed. They’re really good at having the speed. They’re always seems like a little more prepared, from a speed standpoint, at the beginning of the season than everybody else. They fire off really good and win a bunch of races. But I just struggle with that summer slump.
—Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Analyst
Upcoming Race at Indianapolis Presents an Opportunity for Improvement
Moving forward, Hendrick Motorsports will look to bounce back as the NASCAR Cup Series heads to Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Historically a strong venue for the team, last year’s race saw Kyle Larson claim victory by “kissing the bricks.” The upcoming event could provide a crucial chance for Hendrick’s drivers to regain their early-season form and build momentum before the playoff stretch begins.
Harvick’s analysis underscores the urgency for Hendrick to overcome their mid-season inconsistencies, as the playoffs require both speed and steady finishes. For Chase Elliott and his teammates, establishing rhythm and avoiding the typical summer downturn will be vital to their championship hopes. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Hendrick Motorsports can reverse this pattern and contend for victories when it matters most.
