Hendrick Motorsports displayed promising progress during the recent NASCAR race at New Hampshire, led by Chase Elliott and William Byron, though improvements remain necessary to meet their ambitious goals. Before the race, Elliott emphasized the need for elevation in their performance to truly compete with the frontrunners.
Performance Highlights from HMS Drivers
William Byron led Hendrick Motorsports with a strong third-place finish, while Chase Elliott overcame a qualifying setback from 27th to secure fifth place. Kyle Larson contributed by earning stage points in both early segments, though he eventually slipped to seventh by the race’s end. This represented a significant achievement for HMS, marking the first time in ten years that the team placed three cars within the top ten at New Hampshire.
Chase Elliott’s Recovery and Race Strategy
Throughout the race, Elliott steadily climbed the ranks, breaking into the top twenty by the end of the opening stage and moving up to seventh after Stage 2. He maintained a top-ten position in the final stage, finishing fifth—his third top-five finish in twelve New Hampshire starts. Despite this strong recovery, he acknowledged the need to challenge the leaders more consistently, comparing this outcome to his third-place result at Gateway during the Round of 12, behind Denny Hamlin and Chase Briscoe.
Elliott Reflects on Challenges and Team Efforts
After the race, Elliott underscored the importance of raising their competitive level against winner Ryan Blaney and Team Penske. He stated,
“Just hate I put us in those holes. It’s a great day for sure, to battle back up through there and call our way back up into the mix, but you hate to have to do that and hate to have to put yourself in those positions.”
Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports driver
He also praised his pit crew for their rapid response following a stall, and credited crew chief Alan Gustafson’s quick strategic calls as essential for maintaining a strong race position. Elliott singled out the choice to stay out during green-flag pit stops late in the race as a pivotal moment that gained valuable track position. Nevertheless, he admitted,
“Certainly, didn’t have anything for Ryan and those guys. Congrats to him, (he) did a great job. And (we) got to step up a little bit, I think, to catch them, but certainly competitive to the rest.”
Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports driver
Playoff Standings and Upcoming Challenges
As the Round of 12 progresses, all three Hendrick Motorsports drivers remain safely above the cutline, with two races left—Kansas and the Charlotte Roval. William Byron holds the largest points buffer with a 47-point lead, Kyle Larson is 41 points clear of ninth place, and Elliott occupies seventh, maintaining a 14-point cushion. Despite their current positioning, the team’s anxious tone suggests they understand the urgency of improving to remain contenders.
The Road Ahead for Hendrick Motorsports and Elliott
Hendrick Motorsports’ performance at New Hampshire reveals both promise and pressure as they seek to challenge dominant teams like Team Penske. Elliott’s commitment to stepping up indicates a restless pursuit of consistency and speed, critical in the closing stages of the playoffs. With only two races remaining in this round, their ability to close gaps and avoid setbacks will be pivotal to their championship aspirations.
