Hendrick Motorsports facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Hendrick Motorsports

Owner(s)	Rick Hendrick Jeff Gordon (Vice Chairman)
Base	Charlotte, North Carolina
Series	NASCAR Cup Series NASCAR Xfinity Series
Race drivers	Cup Series: 5. Kyle Larson 9. Chase Elliott 24. William Byron 48. Alex Bowman Xfinity Series: 17. Corey Day
Manufacturer	Chevrolet
Opened	1984
Career
Debut	Cup Series: 1984 Daytona 500 (Daytona) Xfinity Series: 1984 Goody's 300 (Daytona) Truck Series: 1995 Skoal Bandit Copper World Classic (Phoenix) ARCA Racing Series: 1985 Kroger 200 (IRP)
Latest race	Cup Series: 2020 FanShield 500 (Phoenix) Xfinity Series: 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship Race (Phoenix) Truck Series: 2013 Lucas Oil 150 (Phoenix) ARCA Racing Series: 2014 Lucas Oil 200 (Daytona)
Races competed	Total: 1,968 Cup Series: 1,421 Xfinity Series: 314 Truck Series: 180 ARCA Racing Series: 53
Drivers' Championships	Total: 19 Cup Series: 15 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2020, 2021, 2025 Xfinity Series: 1 2003 Truck Series: 3 1997, 1999, 2001 ARCA Racing Series: 0
Race victories	Total: 383 Cup Series: 320 Xfinity Series: 30 Truck Series: 26 ARCA Racing Series: 7
Pole positions	Total: 333 Cup Series: 259 Xfinity Series: 44 Truck Series: 22 ARCA Racing Series: 8

Hendrick Motorsports is a super successful American auto racing team that competes in the exciting NASCAR Cup Series. It was started in 1984 by Rick Hendrick and was first called All-Star Racing. This team holds the record for the most wins in the NASCAR Cup Series, with 320 victories! They have also won 15 Cup Series championships for both owners and drivers. Plus, they have won titles in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

Today, Hendrick Motorsports has four full-time teams in the Cup Series, all driving powerful Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 cars. These include the No. 5 car for Kyle Larson, the No. 9 for Chase Elliott, the No. 24 for William Byron, and the No. 48 for Alex Bowman. Over the years, many famous drivers, including Hall of Famers like Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson, have raced for Hendrick Motorsports. The team even builds its own engines, which are known for being very strong!

The Exciting History of Hendrick Motorsports

The team we know as Hendrick Motorsports began in 1984. It was started by Rick Hendrick, who owned car dealerships in Charlotte, North Carolina. The team was first called All-Star Racing and worked with a talented crew chief named Harry Hyde. In 1985, the team changed its name to Hendrick Motorsports.

Hendrick Motorsports grew quickly! They started with one car and soon had two, then three, and eventually four full-time cars in NASCAR by 2002. They were pioneers in NASCAR, showing how successful a team could be with multiple cars. The team is also famous for creating new ways to build engines and train their amazing pit crews.

Their very first win was in 1984 at Martinsville Speedway with driver Geoff Bodine in the No. 5 car. A huge moment happened at the 2021 Coca-Cola 600. Hendrick Motorsports won its 269th race with Kyle Larson, making them the team with the most wins in NASCAR Cup Series history! They broke a record that had stood since 1960.

In 2023, Hendrick Motorsports even teamed up with NASCAR, Chevrolet, and Goodyear Tires to race a special version of their NASCAR Cup car in the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans race. This was part of NASCAR's 75th anniversary celebration.

NASCAR Cup Series

NASCAR Xfinity Series

Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series

Hendrick Motorsports also competed in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (which used to be called the Busch Series). They raced their own cars from 1984 to 1990, and again from 2000 to 2007. After 2007, Hendrick Motorsports joined forces with JR Motorsports, a team owned by former Hendrick driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.. Hendrick Motorsports provided engines and technical help to JR Motorsports.

Car No. 5: A Champion's Ride

The No. 5 car had an exciting history in the Xfinity Series. In the mid-1980s, drivers like Brett Bodine and Geoff Bodine found success, with Geoff winning the Daytona 300. Later, in 2002, Ricky Hendrick raced this car before an injury led to his retirement.

A big year for the No. 5 was 2003, when 19-year-old Brian Vickers drove it to three wins and the Xfinity Series championship! The next year, Kyle Busch took over, winning five races and nearly another championship. Over the years, many talented drivers, including Jimmie Johnson and Mark Martin, also raced the No. 5 car. After 2007, the No. 5 team became part of JR Motorsports.

Car No. 15: Early Xfinity Success

The No. 15 car was one of Hendrick Motorsports' first entries in the Xfinity Series, starting in 1984. Geoff Bodine earned the team's very first Xfinity win at Rockingham Speedway. Famous driver Tim Richmond also won a race in the No. 15 car at Charlotte. Even team owner Rick Hendrick raced this car once in 1987! The team paused its Xfinity operations after the 1990 season.

Car No. 17: A Recent Return

Hendrick Motorsports brought back the No. 17 car for part-time Xfinity Series racing in 2022. Top Cup Series drivers like Kyle Larson, Alex Bowman, and William Byron took turns behind the wheel. In 2022, Larson and Bowman both finished second in their races.

The team continued with the No. 17 in 2023, with Byron, Larson, Bowman, and Chase Elliott all racing. In 2024, the No. 17 car found victory lane twice! Kyle Larson won at the Circuit of the Americas, and Chase Elliott won at Charlotte. For 2025, the team planned a sixteen-race schedule, with new development driver Corey Day racing in ten events. Kyle Larson won at Bristol and William Byron won at Charlotte in 2025.

Car No. 24: From Gordon to Sprague

The No. 24 Xfinity team began in 1999, first owned by Jeff Gordon and his crew chief Ray Evernham. Ricky Hendrick also raced for this team. In 2001, Hendrick Motorsports took full control.

In 2002, three-time Truck Series champion Jack Sprague drove the No. 24 full-time. He earned a win at Nashville and finished an impressive fifth in the points standings. The No. 24 car returned briefly in 2007 with drivers Casey Mears and Landon Cassill before the team closed its Xfinity operations for this car number.

Car No. 48: Jimmie Johnson's Xfinity Starts

The No. 48 car made its Xfinity Series debut in 2004 with legendary driver Jimmie Johnson behind the wheel. He raced it in a few events each year until 2007, often with sponsorship from Lowe's. Johnson's best finish in the No. 48 was third place at Charlotte in 2004.

Car No. 57: The Heinz Car

In 2005 and 2006, Hendrick Motorsports fielded the No. 57 car, which was famously sponsored by Heinz and its "57 varieties." Brian Vickers drove this car in most of its races. Other drivers like Kyle Busch and Boston Reid also had a chance to race the No. 57 during this time.

Car No. 80: Tony Stewart's Daytona Win

The No. 80 car had a very short but memorable history. In 2009, Tony Stewart drove this HendrickCars.com Chevrolet in just one Xfinity Series race at Daytona, and he won it! The number 80 represented the many car dealerships in the Hendrick Automotive Group.

Car No. 87: Developmental Drivers in Xfinity

In 2003, young talent Kyle Busch raced the No. 87 car in seven Xfinity Series events. He achieved three top-ten finishes. In 2004, other promising drivers like Blake Feese and Boston Reid also raced the No. 87.

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series

Hendrick Motorsports in the Truck Series

Hendrick Motorsports has also competed in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, achieving three owners and drivers championships.

Truck No. 5: Labonte's Win

In 1995, the team briefly fielded the No. 5 DuPont Chevrolet for Terry Labonte, who won a race at Richmond. Roger Mears also drove this truck once.

Truck No. 17: Ricky Hendrick's Truck Series Journey

The No. 17 truck debuted in 2000 with Ricky Hendrick as the driver. He had a great year in 2001, winning his only career Truck Series race at Kansas Speedway. At 21, he was the youngest driver to win a truck race at that time. He finished sixth in points that season.

Truck No. 24: Sprague's Championships

The No. 24 truck was a powerhouse from the start, debuting in 1995 with Scott Lagasse. In 1996, Jack Sprague took over, winning five races and finishing second in points. The next year, Sprague won three races and clinched his first NASCAR championship!

Sprague continued his success, winning another championship in 1999 and a third in 2001. He was a dominant force in the No. 24 truck. After Sprague moved to the Xfinity Series, Ron Hornaday Jr. drove the No. 24 once in 2002 before the team focused on other series.

Truck No. 25: Early Efforts

In 1995, the No. 25 Budweiser Chevrolet was fielded part-time by Hendrick Motorsports. Team owner Rick Hendrick and Roger Mears both drove it. Later that season, Jack Sprague joined the team, earning a pole position at Phoenix International Raceway and several top-five finishes.

Truck No. 94: Chase Elliott's Rise

In 2013, Hendrick Motorsports brought back its truck program with the No. 94 for young driver Chase Elliott. The trucks were built by a partner team, but Hendrick managed the effort. Elliott made his debut at Martinsville Speedway, finishing sixth.

Elliott quickly made history, becoming the youngest pole winner in Truck Series history at Bristol. He then became the youngest race winner in the Truck Series by winning at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. Elliott's success in the No. 94 truck helped him move up to the Xfinity Series in 2014.

ARCA Racing Series

Hendrick Motorsports in ARCA

Hendrick Motorsports also participated in the ARCA Racing Series, a stepping stone for many young drivers. They fielded cars in several races from 1985 to 2014.

Car No. 5: Wins for Young Drivers

In 1985, Brett Bodine drove the No. 5 car once, earning a pole position. In 2004, young development drivers like Blake Feese and Kyle Krisiloff raced the No. 5. Feese won a race at Nashville, and Krisiloff won at Chicagoland Speedway.

Car No. 7: Krisiloff's ARCA Season

In 2004, Boston Reid raced the No. 7 Chevy once at Talladega. The following year, Kyle Krisiloff drove the No. 7 in 14 races, achieving three top-five and five top-ten finishes.

Car No. 9: Chase Elliott's ARCA Debut

In 2012, Hendrick Motorsports started fielding the No. 9 Chevrolet for a promising young driver, Chase Elliott. His father, Bill Elliott, was listed as the owner. Elliott, at just 16 years old, made his debut and quickly showed his talent with a pole position and six top-ten finishes in six races.

In 2013, Elliott continued his success, winning his first career ARCA race at Pocono Raceway. At 17, he became the youngest driver to win on a superspeedway in ARCA history. Elliott raced the No. 9 car at Daytona in 2014 to gain approval for NASCAR's Nationwide Series, which he went on to win that year.

Car No. 15: Rick Hendrick's Race

In 1986, Brett Bodine drove the No. 15 car once at Atlanta, winning the pole and finishing second. In 1991, team owner Rick Hendrick himself raced the No. 15 Tide car at Heartland Park Topeka, his only ARCA start.

Car No. 87: Kyle Busch's Early Dominance

In 2003, Kyle Busch drove the No. 87 Ditech.com Chevrolet in seven ARCA races. He was incredibly successful, earning three pole positions and two wins! Busch also won the 2004 season opener at Daytona in the same car.

In 2007, Landon Cassill drove the No. 87 for a few races, achieving two top-ten starts.

Car No. 94: Feese's Victory

In 2004, Blake Feese drove the No. 94 Carquest Auto Parts Chevy in a single ARCA race at Talladega and impressively won the event! He also raced the No. 94 at Daytona in 2005.

ARCA Series Wins

2003

• PFG Lester 150 at Nashville Superspeedway – Kyle Busch
• The Channel 5 205 at Kentucky Speedway – Kyle Busch

2004

• Advance Discount Auto Parts 200 at Daytona International Speedway – Kyle Busch
• PFG Lester 150 at Nashville Superspeedway – Blake Feese
• ReadyHosting.com 200 at Chicagoland Speedway – Kyle Krisiloff
• Food World 300 at Talladega Superspeedway – Blake Feese

2013

• Pocono ARCA 200 at Pocono Raceway – Chase Elliott

IndyCar Series

In 2024, Hendrick Motorsports teamed up with Arrow McLaren to enter the famous Indianapolis 500 race. Kyle Larson drove the No. 17 car, becoming one of the few drivers to attempt "the Double" (racing in both the Indy 500 and the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 on the same day). The team announced that Larson will attempt to run the 2025 Indianapolis 500 as well.

IndyCar Series Results

(key)

Year	Chassis	Engine	Drivers	No.	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	Pos.	Pts.
Arrow McLaren with Hendrick Motorsports
2024					STP	TRM	LBH	ALA	IMS	INDY	DET	ROA	LAG	MDO	IOW	IOW	TOR	GTW	POR	MIL	MIL	NSH
	Dallara DW12	IndyCar V6t	Kyle Larson  R	17						18													36th	21
2025					STP	TRM	LBH	ALA	IMS	INDY	DET	GTW	ROA	MDO	IOW	IOW	TOR	LAG	POR	MIL	NSH
	Dallara DW12	IndyCar V6t	Kyle Larson	17						24

24 Hours of Le Mans

In 2023, Hendrick Motorsports took on a new challenge by entering the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race. They worked with NASCAR, Chevrolet, Goodyear, and IMSA to create a special version of their Camaro Cup car for an experimental category called Garage 56. The car, a Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, was very similar to their NASCAR Cup Series cars but had some changes for Le Mans, like real headlights, a bigger fuel tank, and special brakes.

The car, proudly carrying the No. 24, was driven by racing legends: long-time Hendrick driver Jimmie Johnson, 2010 Le Mans winner Mike Rockenfeller, and 2009 Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button. The team finished 39th overall out of 62 cars, performing better than many other entries in its class. This special car was later shown at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

24 Hours of Le Mans Results

Year	Entrant	Class	No	Chassis	Engine	Drivers	Laps	Pos.	Class Pos.
2023	Hendrick Motorsports	Innovative	24	Chevrolet Camaro ZL1	Chevrolet R07.2 5.9 L V8	Jenson Button Jimmie Johnson Mike Rockenfeller	285	39th	N/A

A Time of Sadness and Remembrance

On October 24, 2004, the Hendrick Motorsports family experienced a very difficult day. Ten people connected to the team were on a plane traveling to a race near Martinsville Speedway. Sadly, the plane had an accident in heavy fog.

Among those who lost their lives were John Hendrick, Rick Hendrick's brother and the team's president; Jeff Turner, the general manager; and Ricky Hendrick, Rick Hendrick's son and a driver for the team. John Hendrick's twin daughters, Kimberly and Jennifer, also passed away, along with Randy Dorton, the chief engine builder. The plane's pilots, Richard Tracy and Elizabeth Morrison, Joe Jackson, and Scott Lathram were also among those remembered.

NASCAR officials learned about the accident during the 2004 Subway 500 race that day. They waited until the race was over to tell the drivers. The race was won by Hendrick driver Jimmie Johnson. For the rest of the 2004 season, all Hendrick Motorsports cars carried special pictures of those who were lost, along with the words "Always in our hearts," as a way to remember them.

Images for kids

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  Hendrick Motorsports race shop in Concord, North Carolina

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  Ricky Hendrick's No. 5 GMAC Chevrolet in 2002

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  Alex Bowman in the No. 17 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2022

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  Casey Mears' No. 24 National Guard Chevrolet at Homestead in 2007

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  Chase Elliott's No. 94 Aaron's Chevrolet at Rockingham in 2013

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  Chase Elliott's No. 9 Aaron's Chevrolet at Road America in 2013

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  The No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans

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  Brian Vickers' No. 25 Ditech/GMAC Chevrolet, which pays tribute to the ten people who passed away in an October 2004 plane crash

See also

In Spanish: Hendrick Motorsports para niños