CONCORD, N.C. -- 2020 was a year to remember for Hendrick Motorsports. From a 13th championship to new faces joining the organization, it was a NASCAR Cup Season to remember.
Take a trip down memory lane with the top stories of the year on HendrickMotorsports.com.
15. Byron thrilled to reunite with Fugle: 'It worked out perfectly'
William Byron will hear a familiar face calling the shots over the radio when he hits the track in 2021. Rudy Fugle, who was Byron's crew chief in the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoor Truck Series, will take over for Chad Knaus next year.
14. Rick Hendrick reminisces on historic 13th title: ‘It was a great day’
Team owner Rick Hendrick extended his record of most NASCAR Cup Series titles this year when Chase Elliott took home the 2020 championship. Hendrick called it 'a great day' and was thrilled to see Elliott celebrate with his family.
13. Johnson to be honored ahead of DAYTONA 500, will lead field during pace laps
Jimmie Johnson spent 2020 receiving accolades and honors from various tracks to celebrate his impactful career in NASCAR. For the first race of the season at the DAYTONA 500, Johnson led the field during the pace laps and a tribute video played during the warmups.
12. Byron wins Duel 2, Bowman maintains outside pole for DAYTONA 500
Byron and teammate Alex Bowman had a hot start to the season with starts at the DAYTONA 500. Byron won the second Duel, ensuring he had a fourth-place start for the biggest race of the year. Due to Bowman's fast time during practice, he started on the outside lane for the 500-mile race.
11. Reactions pour in after Elliott earns first career title
Important figures, teammates and Georgia-based teams all took to social media to cheer on and congratulate Elliott after he won his first NASCAR Cup Series title.
10. Elliott wins Most Popular Driver for third year in a row
Chase Elliott has been the Cup Series' reigning Most Popular Driver for three years. However, he is just the second driver to win Most Popular Driver the same year as winning a championship. The other driver to do so was his dad, Bill Elliott, in 1988.
9. Hendrick Motorsports elevates Jeff Andrews and Chad Knaus into leadership roles
Hendrick Motorsports made a huge change in September when it announced Jeff Andrews would be promoted to executive vice president and general manager and Chad Knaus would take over Andrews' previous role as vice president of competition.
8. Hendrick Motorsports donates $50,000 to Jimmie Johnson Foundation
Aside from his on-track accolades, Johnson takes immeasurable pride in his organization, the Jimmie Johnson Foundation. As a thank you for his hard work and dedication to K-12 programs across the country, Hendrick Motorsports donated $50,000 to the foundation at the end of Johnson's final full-time season in the Cup Series.
7. Marshall Carlson embracing big changes for 2021
Hendrick Motorsports president Marshall Carlson said he was excited for 2021 after the organization tabbed Kyle Larson to reintroduce the No. 5 Chevrolet next year. Carlson called Larson an "incredible talent" and lauded Chad Knaus for being one of the most “amazing minds in racing” as he prepares to take on his executive role within the organization.
6. Larson, Hendrick break down signing, expectations for 2021
After Larson was signed to Hendrick Motorsports in October, he and team owner Hendrick revealed the steps they took that led up to the exciting moment.
5. Hendrick Motorsports taps Alex Bowman to drive No. 48 Ally Chevrolet in 2021
With Johnson retiring from full-time racing in the Cup Series, Bowman will take the reins as the new driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet next season. Johnson gave the 27-year-old driver his blessing, calling Bowman "the right driver to carry on the legacy of the No. 48."
4. Elliott wants family name to stay in racing
Elliott may be a younger driver on the Cup Series circuit, but he represents the old-school ideals his father, Hall of Famer Bill Elliott, instilled in him. Elliott said watching his father race while he was growing up made his decision to get behind the wheel an easy one.
3. Bowman jokes Cup Series should race jet dryers at misty Texas
For three days during the playoff race at Texas Motor Speedway, Cup Series drivers sat through drizzling conditions as they waited for a dry opportunity to compete. Bowman had a brilliant idea on how drivers could get the race in under the wet conditions.
2. Hendrick Motorsports to reintroduce No. 5 team with Kyle Larson in 2021
Hendrick Motorsports had a double announcement in October when it revealed its fourth driver for the 2021 season. Not only was Larson joining the stable, but the No. 5 Chevrolet was coming out of retirement after three seasons. Team owner Hendrick said he appreciated Larson's dedication and work ethic and revealed the No. 5 car is extremely special since it's the flagship Chevy for the organization.
1. Hendrick praises ‘confident’ Elliott, Gustafson
Hendrick credited Elliott and No. 9 crew chief Alan Gustafson's confidence and poise as the reason for their championship season. The Hendrick Motorsports owner said the duo remained calm and collected during the Round of 8 cutoff race at Martinsville and at the Championship 4 event at Phoenix Raceway. Hendrick said their level-headed attitude and quick thinking is what got the No. 9 team to victory lane in both races.