The history of Hendrick Motorsports' most recent driver changes and how it worked out
Hendrick Motorsports holds countless NASCAR records, including the most Cup championships of any organization in history (15), and the most race wins too (322 at the writing of this story). It's also a race team that doesn't see a lot of turnover, and for good reason. Hendrick is the pinnacle and a place many drives dream of driving for. They also choose their drivers very carefully, and most ...…
Hendrick Motorsports has maintained a relatively stable driver lineup over the years, with only five changes in the past 15 years. The most recent driver change came in 2021 when Kyle Larson replaced Jimmie Johnson, who had been with the team for nearly two decades. Larson went on to win the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series title, becoming the second driver in Hendrick history to win multiple titles alongside Johnson.
This signing was significant as it brought back the iconic No. 5 car and shifted Alex Bowman from the No. 88 to the No. 48. In 2018, William Byron and Alex Bowman replaced Kasey Kahne and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Bowman filled in for Earnhardt after his retirement and later filled the shoes of NASCAR's Most Popular Driver. Despite facing injuries, Bowman won eight races with Hendrick and nearly won the 2024 Daytona 500.
In 2016, Chase Elliott replaced Jeff Gordon as the new face of the No. 24, while Chase Elliott moved to the No. 9 with his father's car. Elliott has since won 23 Cup races, becoming the fourth all-time winner for Hendrick behind Larson, Gordon, and Johnson.
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