MARTINSVILLE, VA - MARCH 29: Chase Elliott 9 Hendrick Motorsports UniFirst Chevrolet celebrates in Victory Lane following the running of the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series Cook Out 400 on March 29, 2026, at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, VA. Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire AUTO: MAR 29 NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out 400 EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2603296529

May 13, 2026, 2:57 AM CUT

HMS Hits Rare Watkins Glen Low Days After Chase Elliott Surge

Just as it seemed that Hendrick Motorsports had found its groove, a week later, the organisation suffered one of its poor performances in modern history at The Glen.

The sluggish form that Hendrick was moving with seemed to be overturned as Chase Elliott ended Chevrolet’s six-race winless start in 2026 with a resounding win at Martinsville, followed by another pole at Texas, edging out Denny Hamlin by 0.407 seconds.

For the first time since Sonoma in 2005, none of the company’s cars managed to finish in the top 20 on the grid.

Even the defending champion, Kyle Larson, finished in a measly 23rd, followed by Chase Elliott in 24th, Alex Bowman in 25th, and William Byron all the way down in 36th, over three laps lagging.

The struggles extended beyond the final leaderboard. This also marked the first time since the 2023 Martinsville race that Hendrick failed to score even a single stage point during an event.

This came as more shocking as at the Glen, between 2018 and 2023, HMS won five straight Cup races. It was also the longest streak in the modern era, having ruled Watkins Glen 11 times.

With all the momentum suddenly disappearing from right under HMS’s feet, the question is, can Charlotte give some much-needed respite?

Can Hendrick Motorsports bounce back at Charlotte Motor Speedway?

Despite the recent lapse, with a talented team as they have, HMS can make a comeback anytime.

At the Coke 600, the organisation still leads with total accolades in victories, poles, top fives, top 10s, and laps led, making it one of the best tracks for the team.

Kyle Larson will be their biggest hope going forward. Larson's 2021 victory at the Coke 600, where he led 327 laps and swept every stage, will be their greatest motivation.

Unfinished business also seems to be floating around the feet of William Byron. Last year, Byron led 283 laps and swept the first three stages before unfortunately losing the race to Ross Chastain.

Charlotte Motor Speedway now presents itself as this magical opportunity for HMS to just wash away the embarrassment at the Glen and use the advantage that history gives them at this track to establish their dominance this season.

Written by

Uday Jakhar

Edited by

Koushik Biswas