Of all the teams on the NASCAR grid this season, none have been more dominant than Hendrick Motorsports. The four-car team almost seems to be running away with the 2021 season. With one of their drivers, Chase Elliot, being the defending champion, the team hopes for a repeat this year. But can any of the other top race teams spoil Hendrick’s plans?
Driver Kyle Larson celebrates his win at Charlotte. (Via USA Today)
So far this season, Hendrick Motorsports has a combined total of 10 wins amongst their drivers, more than any team this season. This included an impressive streak where a Hendrick Motorsports driver won 7 out of 8 races. Each of the four Hendrick’s drivers have recorded a win so far this season. Drivers Kyle Larson and Alex Bowman though lead the team with four wins for Larson and two wins for Bowman. For their other two drivers, William Byron has one win this season while Chase Elliot has two in addition to being the defending NASCAR champion.
It has just been an absolutely dominating performance by the racing team. With how young Hendrick’s drivers are too, there is a strong chance NASCAR fans may see another dominating era for Hendrick Motorsports. Not since Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson were in their prime with Hendrick Motorsports has a racing team dominated the circuit like this. Other top NASCAR teams just do not have the firepower Hendrick’s has right now, but that does not stop them from competing.
Driver Kyle Busch celebrates his win at Pocono Raceway, which snapped a Hendrick winning streak. (Via LA Times)
Despite how dominant Hendrick Motorsports has been, they are not invincible. A driver from one of NASCAR’s other top teams easily can swipe the championship away from Hendrick Motorsports. The biggest threat to Hendrick’s 4-headed dragon are the drivers of Joe Gibbs Racing. Martin Truex jr and Kyle Busch are considered to be two of the best drivers of their generation, and this season they have a combined five wins together for Joe Gibbs Racing. Denny Hamlin as well may not have a win this season, but his numerous top 5 finishes have kept him in championship contention.
The drivers of Team Penske also can make it hard on Hendrick Motorsports. Of their commination of Joey Logano, Brad Keselowski and Ryan Blaney, all of them have already recorded a win this season. These three drivers easily have the skills necessary to win a championship. In fact, Logano and Keselowski already have for Penske, and they would absolutely love another. With Keselowski leaving for Roush-Fenway Racing next season, maybe Brad may just have a little more motivation to give Team Penske a parting gift.
The NASCAR season is currently just about halfway over. Like with any other sport, anything can happen. Even with Hendrick Motorsports’ first half success, there is no guarantee that the team will continue that pace. But, it would take a drastic turn of events for the drivers of Hendrick Motorsports to fall flat.
With all four Hendrick’s drivers firing on all cylinders, the odds of one of them winning the NASCAR Cup Series Championship are high. It still will not come easy though. The drivers of Joe Gibbs Racing and Team Penske are not that far behind. While Hendrick Motorsports driver may seem like the most likely choice for champion, that is yet to be set in stone.
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