Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) advanced its bid for the NASCAR Cup Series title when Chase Elliott secured a commanding win at Kansas Speedway on Sunday. The No. 9 car led the charge, while the team’s other three playoff contenders also posted strong finishes at the 1.5-mile track, reinforcing HMS’s standing as a championship favorite. The focus on Chase Elliott Hendrick communication has become central to their playoff success.
Overcoming Early Playoff Struggles to Find Momentum
Hendrick Motorsports entered the playoffs facing significant challenges. Their debut at Darlington was marred by a lengthy 40-second pit stop and ongoing issues in pit lane, which nearly derailed their postseason hopes. However, the team began to rebound at New Hampshire, where three HMS drivers finished in the top 10. William Byron led with a third-place finish, while Elliott secured fifth and Kyle Larson came in seventh. Even non-playoff driver Alex Bowman contributed with a solid 15th-place result, signaling positive momentum heading into Kansas.
This progress at New Hampshire set the stage for a breakthrough performance at Kansas. Elliott’s victory and strong results from his HMS teammates underscored the team’s upward trajectory in the Cup Series battle. They demonstrated resilience and improved coordination after tough early setbacks.
Behind the Scenes: How Hendrick’s Teams Coordinate During Races
After the race, questions arose about how Hendrick Motorsports teams maintain communication during events, especially when playoff contenders require assistance. Jeff Gordon, HMS vice chairman and former Cup champion, along with Alan Gustafson, Chase Elliott’s experienced crew chief, fielded inquiries about the team’s in-race messaging tactics. When asked how Rudy Fugle, crew chief for William Byron’s No. 24 car, reached out to HMS management for support mid-race, the exchange revealed the complexities of their communication system.
Gustafson initially deferred to Gordon to provide a more polished explanation but did offer insight into their process. He remarked with humor about feeling “archaic” for using traditional text messages rather than instant messaging platforms during races. This lighthearted comment reflected the fast-paced and technical nature of their communication.
I live in the archaic ages where there’s text messaging and not instant messaging,
Jeff Gordon said.
So, I don’t know how you guys (do it). You tell them,
he added with a laugh.
Gustafson then described the system used without revealing proprietary details.
I guess without getting into great detail Rudy has, as do all the teams, an abundance of information available to them, and a lot of communication to each team,
Gustafson explained.
Each team’s race engineers, each team’s crew chiefs, and we can communicate or display anything that he would want,
he continued.
This means Hendrick’s drivers and their crews exchange extensive real-time data through standard race engineer and crew chief channels. This communication network allows them to share critical information throughout the race and maintain strategic alignment among all four HMS cars.
Gordon agreed with Gustafson’s summary, affirming, He nailed it.
The Importance of Teamwork in NASCAR Playoffs
As the NASCAR playoffs advance into their most intense and decisive stages, the ability of Hendrick Motorsports to communicate seamlessly across multiple teams will be vital. Their collective effort, driven by precise coordination and shared intelligence, improves their chances of securing the Cup Series title. For HMS, based in North Carolina and known for its championship pedigree, sustaining this chemistry could decide the season’s outcome.
Chase Elliott’s leadership behind the wheel, combined with the strong input from fellow competitors William Byron, Kyle Larson, and Alex Bowman, creates a powerful alliance on the track. Their connected communication methods not only optimize race-day performance but also reinforce the unity necessary for the demanding postseason.
