Jeff Gordon expressed immense joy following Chase Elliott’s dramatic victory in the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway. The Hendrick Motorsports executive’s excitement was evident as Elliott secured a last-lap win in a thrilling 273-lap race, showcasing the skill and determination behind this Chase Elliott Kansas victory.
Elliott, who started the final overtime restart in eighth place, executed a daring inside move to overtake frontrunners and cross the finish line first. Denny Hamlin, the race’s dominant leader in laps led, attempted to block Elliott but was ultimately overtaken in a close finish by a mere 0.069 seconds.
After the race, Jeff Gordon celebrated with crew chief Alan Gustafson and shared his enthusiasm about the team’s performance and Elliott’s breakthrough.
“It’s a huge spark for the #9 team, I love the way it all turned out. That put a big smile on my face. I’m a little hoarse because I celebrated with (crew chief) Alan Gustafson. I love the guy and love watching him do his thing.”
— Jeff Gordon, Hendrick Motorsports Executive
This win marked Chase Elliott’s 22nd career victory and guaranteed his spot among the final eight drivers advancing in the playoffs. Alongside Elliott, Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney remains locked into the championship round. Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin hold strong in the third and fourth positions in the playoff standings, while William Byron dropped to sixth after finishing ninth at Kansas.
The playoff battle now shifts toward the upcoming race at Charlotte Roval, a challenging 109-lap event scheduled for Sunday, October 5, at 3 PM ET. This race marks the last among the remaining 12 drivers before the championship showdown.
Jeff Gordon on Hendrick Motorsports’ Challenges and Progress at Phoenix Raceway
Looking ahead, Hendrick Motorsports faces pressure to improve its performance at Phoenix Raceway, the site of the final championship round. Team Penske currently dominates this flat track, having won every championship finale there since 2022, with drivers like Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano sharing titles. Meanwhile, Hendrick has struggled to keep pace during the Next Gen car era on similar circuits, including New Hampshire.
Jeff Gordon reflected on the areas HMS must enhance to compete at tracks like Phoenix, emphasizing the need for stability and driver confidence.
“If we are going to go win a championship at a track like Phoenix, we’ve got to get to work on that. You can’t lay down on the other tracks though, either.”
— Jeff Gordon, Hendrick Motorsports Executive
“In order to extract speed, our guys need to have comfort, stability and something to lean on. It seemed like that’s what we were lacking when we were listening to the drivers and their comments. This year, it’s definitely been a step up with how the cars are reacting at those types of tracks.”
— Jeff Gordon, Hendrick Motorsports Executive
Despite improvement, Gordon acknowledges that HMS has yet to close the gap on Team Penske’s dominance at flat tracks. Historically, Hendrick drivers William Byron and Kyle Larson have finished near the top but have not been able to surpass Penske veterans in championship deciders.
The Broader Playoff Landscape and What’s Next
Chase Elliott’s Kansas victory carries significant weight in the intensifying playoff battle, boosting Hendrick Motorsports’ morale as the series approaches its critical final races. Elliott’s deft handling of pressure and ability to secure a last-lap win underscore his championship potential as he moves into the final eight.
As the playoffs progress to the Charlotte Roval, drivers and teams alike will face high stakes on a demanding course that tests both driver skill and team strategy. The outcomes of these races will shape the lineup for the championship finale at Phoenix Raceway, where Hendrick Motorsports aims to challenge the current dominance of Team Penske.
For fans and teams following NASCAR, the season’s final rounds promise intense competition and compelling storylines as contenders push to claim the coveted Cup title.
Jeff Gordon on Chase Elliott's win: "It's a huge spark for the #9 team, I love the way it all turned out. That put a big smile on my face. I'm a little hoarse because I celebrated with (crew chief) Alan Gustafson. I love the guy and love watching him do his thing." #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/sJIsc2DcrG
— Jeff Gordon Online (@JGinfo) September 28, 2025
