Darlington, South Carolina, September 1, 2025
News Summary
Hendrick Motorsports had a disappointing start to the NASCAR playoffs at the Southern 500, with all four drivers finishing outside the top ten. Issues with race setups and bad luck were prevalent, stirring concerns among fans. Despite the struggles, Kyle Larson achieved success in the Xfinity Series, while the team looks to bounce back in the upcoming races at Gateway, Bristol, New Hampshire, Kansas, and the Charlotte Roval.
Darlington, South Carolina – Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) faced a challenging start to the 2025 NASCAR playoffs during the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, marking the worst postseason opening for the team since the introduction of its four-car lineup. All four HMS drivers—Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, William Byron, and Alex Bowman—finished far outside the top ten, with placements of 17th, 19th, 21st, and 31st, respectively. This lackluster showing at Darlington signifies a sharp decline from the team’s storied playoff history, which includes a consistent record of top finishes and podiums.
The disappointing results from the Southern 500 underlined various issues regarding setup misfires, execution failures, and an element of bad luck that plagued HMS throughout the race. In the context of their usual postseason prowess, these results have raised concerns among team members and fans alike. Following Darlington, the NASCAR playoff calendar continues with crucial races scheduled at Gateway, Bristol Motor Speedway, New Hampshire, Kansas, and the Charlotte Roval—venues where HMS has historically excelled.
Despite the team’s struggles at Darlington, Kyle Larson has shown resilience and an ability to leverage strategic racing to improve his standings. Larson has a commendable average finish in his next race at Las Vegas, and his recent success in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where he led 277 of 300 laps at Bristol Speedway, reinforces his capabilities. Larson’s Xfinity win is particularly significant as it marks HMS’s first victory in that series this season and was dedicated to Jon Edwards, a valued member of the HMS team who recently passed away.
A major obstacle during the Southern 500 was Alex Bowman, who encountered a significant setback due to a malfunctioning air gun during a pit stop, extending his stop time to 40 seconds. Although he initially fell two laps down, Bowman showcased his determination by recovering to rejoin the lead lap. Meanwhile, Chase Elliott struggled with his car’s long-run performance, indicating potential setup issues. Criticism has also targeted Elliott’s crew chief, Alan Gustafson, for tactical errors, despite his successful history with the team, including a championship win in 2020.
William Byron managed to secure a single stage point during the race, which is part of his ongoing effort to accumulate playoff points and improve performance as the series progresses. For HMS drivers, the emphasis will be on converting their often strong technical execution into notable race performances, with an eye toward strategic racing and stage point collection in the upcoming events.
The Cup race at Bristol marked notable moments, with only three caution flags recorded—the fewest in that race since 1982—leading to a predominantly green-flag event. Denny Hamlin claimed second place in the Cup Series race, while Ty Gibbs rounded out the top three. Larson’s impressive performance reflected both a commitment to racing excellence and a tribute to his late friend, as their cars wore decals in Edwards’s honor during the event.
Furthermore, Joey Logano received the National Motorsports Press Association Pocono Spirit Award over the Bristol weekend for his humanitarian efforts following Hurricane Helene. As the playoffs continue, the focus for HMS drivers will be on overcoming the difficulties faced at Darlington and building momentum through strong performances in the upcoming races.
FAQ
What happened to Hendrick Motorsports during the Southern 500?
Hendrick Motorsports had a disappointing start to the playoffs, with all four drivers finishing poorly, marking the team’s worst playoff opening in the four-car era.
Which drivers competed for Hendrick Motorsports in the Southern 500?
The drivers were Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, William Byron, and Alex Bowman.
What problems did Alex Bowman face during the race?
Alex Bowman experienced a major setback due to a malfunctioning air gun during a pit stop, resulting in a 40-second stop that led to him going two laps down before recovering to rejoin the lead lap.
How did Kyle Larson perform in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Bristol?
Kyle Larson dominated the Xfinity race at Bristol, leading 277 of 300 laps and securing the first Xfinity victory of the season for HMS.
What is the plan for Hendrick Motorsports moving forward in the playoffs?
Hendrick Motorsports aims to improve their performances in upcoming races at Gateway, Bristol, New Hampshire, Kansas, and the Charlotte Roval while focusing on strategic racing and accumulating stage points.
Key Features of Hendrick Motorsports Playoff Struggles
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Team Performance | All four HMS drivers finished outside top ten during the Southern 500. |
| Historical Context | HMS has a history of postseason success with few finishes outside the top 10. |
| Individual Driver Challenges | Alex Bowman faced a significant pit stop issue affecting his race outcome. |
| Kyle Larson’s Resilience | Larson won the Xfinity race at Bristol, dedicating it to a lost team member. |
| Upcoming Races | Critical events at Gateway, Bristol, New Hampshire, Kansas, and Charlotte Roval are next. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Hendrick Motorsports: Kyle Larson Dominates NASCAR Xfinity Series
- Wikipedia: Kyle Larson
- NASCAR: Cup Series 2025 Bristol Motor Speedway
- Google Search: NASCAR 2025 Bristol Results
- ESPN: Kyle Larson Dominates at Bristol
- Google Scholar: Kyle Larson Racing Performance
- Hendrick Motorsports: NASCAR Cup Series Bristol
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hendrick Motorsports
- Hendrick Motorsports: NASCAR Bristol Starting Lineup
- Google News: Alex Bowman NASCAR
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