CONCORD, N.C. - As the 2019 season comes to a close, let’s take a look back on the eventful year at Hendrick Motorsports.
Take a trip down memory lane with the top stories of the year on HendrickMotorsports.com.
15) Teammates sweep top four starting spots at Talladega
For the 13th time at the 2.66-mile racetrack, a Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet led the field to green. For the seventh time, the organization swept the top-two starting sports at the famed Alabama oval after Chase Elliott captured the pole award, marking his eighth-career pole award.
14) Johnson surrounded by family during special announcement
When seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson told the world about his decision to make 2020 his final year competing in the Cup Series, he took time to share the thought process behind his decision and reflect on his successful career. What made it even more memorable was being surrounded by his family and friends, including his two daughters Genevieve and Lydia, who welcomed their father and Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick to the stage.
13) Hendrick Motorsports pit crew athletes create Spotify playlist
We asked the Hendrick Motorsports pit crew athletes – and their coaches – to provide their favorite songs to create another eclectic playlist for fans to digest.
12) Johnson’s Ally throwback brings 1995 to Darlington
When Darlington Raceway’s throwback arrived, Hendrick Motorsports did not disappoint. The No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 was modeled after Johnson’s Chevy Thunder Trophy Truck, which he piloted in 1995, creating the ultimate throwback fitting for the race weekend.
11) Hendrick on ‘Around the Track with Jeff Gordon’
The Hendrick Motorsports owner is featured in a two-part episode in which he and Jeff Gordon talk family, Hendrick’s personal car collection and the start of Hendrick Motorsports among other topics.
10) Johnson accepts Earnhardt’s challenge to #crackcancer
The #CrackCancer challenge is all about raising awareness and funds to fight pediatric brain cancer, inspired by the Willie Strong Foundation. All it requires is cracking a raw egg or two over your head. This time, Dale Earnhardt Jr. passed the challenge along to No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports driver, Jimmie Johnson.
9) Byron’s ‘Days of Thunder’ ride comes to life
Channeling his inner Tom Cruise, William Byron revealed the “Days of Thunder” inspired Chevy on social media with a video that co-starred crew chief Chad Knaus. The ride was unveiled for Darlington Raceway’s throwback weekend, which also left the No. 24 team with the fan vote for best paint scheme of the year.
8) Hertz, Hendrick Motorsports team up to create custom Camaros
Hendrick Motorsports and its partner Hertz teamed up to put fans and car enthusiasts behind the wheel of a limited-edition 2020 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and Camaro SS.
7) 2020 NASCAR Cup Series schedule finalized with race start times and networks
Among the highlights of the 2020 schedule are a stretch of five consecutive races under the lights in primetime starting with the regular-season finale at Daytona International Speedway. In addition, the championship race has been moved from Homestead-Miami Speedway to ISM Raceway.
6) Cliff Daniels named crew chief for Jimmie Johnson, No. 48 team
Daniels, 31, won the 2016 Cup Series championship as Johnson’s race engineer. The Smithfield, Virginia, native joined the No. 48 team in December 2014, moved into Hendrick Motorsports’ competition systems group following the 2018 season and rejoined the No. 48 team as race engineer and now the crew chief.
5) Watch Elliott’s patriotic NAPA ride come to life
Chase Elliott piloted his red, white and blue No. 9 NAPA Batteries Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 under the lights in the 400-mile race at Daytona International Speedway. The patriotic scheme promoted NAPA’s Military Month and featured the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund on the TV panel. Throughout the month of July, a portion of the proceeds from select NAPA products went to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund which serves United States military personnel suffering the effects of a traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress.
4) Watch Gordon’s full, emotional Hall of Fame speech
The beginning of 2019 saw Hendrick Motorsports co-owner Jeff Gordon being inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The former driver shared a heartfelt speech as he expressed his gratitude to his family, friends and the NASCAR industry.
3) Memories, thanks and tears for new Hall of Famer Gordon
Jeff Gordon was welcomed into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in early 2019. During his speech, he went on to share a handful of moments where fortunate timing helped lead him down the path to the Hall of Fame.
2) Bowman commemorates first win with brand-new car
First came a trip to Victory Lane at Chicagoland Speedway – the first win of his NASCAR Cup Series career – and then came plenty of celebrating with friends and teammates. But before he headed to Daytona International Speedway for the xx race of the season, he made sure to commemorate the win with one more item – a brand-new car.
1) Elliott’s No. 9 Hooters Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 revealed
Chase Elliott and Hooters unveiled the 2019 ride via social media. The driver and Hooters shared in the excitement digitally, and fans couldn’t wait to see the orange and white colors hit the track, which made for the most read story of 2019 on HendrickMotorsports.com.