Full Breakdown
Hendrick Motorsports Shows Improvement with New Chevrolet Body at Las Vegas
3/18/2026, 1:45:34 AM
Performance Overview at the Pennzoil 400
During the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) demonstrated notable performance improvements with its new Chevrolet body, achieving a triple top-10 finish. Chase Elliott secured second place, William Byron finished third, and Kyle Larson placed seventh, marking a significant step forward for the team amidst a challenging start to the NASCAR Cup Series season. This race was particularly crucial as it was the first mile-and-a-half event of the season, where Chevrolet had previously struggled.
Key Drivers' Insights
Chase Elliott, who was the highest finisher among HMS drivers, expressed satisfaction with the car's performance, especially on long runs. He noted, “I felt like our No. 9 NAPA Chevy was a little better there on the longer runs... Just proud of this team.” Despite finishing second to Denny Hamlin, Elliott acknowledged the improvement from earlier races, highlighting the team's potential moving forward.
William Byron also had a strong showing, leading for 26 laps. He remarked on the car's balance, stating, “Overall, I was really happy with today... Just really excited for the future mile-and-a-half races.” Byron's performance indicated that HMS is beginning to find its footing with the new Chevrolet body.
Kyle Larson, while finishing seventh, led the most laps at 62 but faced challenges as the race progressed. He commented on the car's handling, saying, “In the second stage, we were getting really loose... Overall, it was good to get another top-10 finish for this No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet team.” Larson's mixed feelings reflect the competitive nature of the race and the need for further adjustments.
Implications for Chevrolet and HMS
The results from Las Vegas are particularly significant as Chevrolet has not secured a victory in the first five weeks of the season, a situation that has not occurred since 2019. The performance of HMS suggests that the organization is beginning to close the gap with competitors, particularly Joe Gibbs Racing, who currently hold a competitive edge.
As HMS prepares for the upcoming race at Darlington Raceway, the team aims to leverage its recent improvements and capitalize on its historical success at the track. The transition to the new 750-horsepower package will be pivotal in their strategy to achieve their first victory of the 2026 season.
Looking Ahead
With the upcoming race at Darlington, often referred to as "The Lady in Black," HMS is focused on refining their performance and building on the momentum gained from the Las Vegas race. The team’s ability to adapt and improve will be critical as they seek to reclaim their position at the forefront of the NASCAR Cup Series.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I felt like our No. 9 NAPA Chevy was a little better there on the longer runs,” — Chase Elliott, Driver, No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
- “Overall, it was good to get another top-10 finish for this No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet team,” — Kyle Larson, Driver, No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Conclusion
Hendrick Motorsports' performance at the Pennzoil 400 indicates a positive trajectory for the team and Chevrolet as they navigate the early season. With continued focus on car balance and performance, HMS is poised to challenge for victories in the upcoming races.
