Hendrick Motorsports is on the brink of making history at the Charlotte Roval. Despite being NASCAR’s most successful team, they’ve never had all four drivers advance to the Round of 8. That could change during the 2024 Bank of America ROVAL 400, a critical race on the modified 2.28-mile layout that presents unique challenges.
If all four drivers can navigate the expected chaos at the Roval and secure their spots for the Las Vegas race, Hendrick Motorsports would join an elite group—becoming only the third team in NASCAR history, alongside Joe Gibbs Racing and Stewart-Haas Racing, to achieve this feat. This opportunity is one Rick Hendrick’s team won’t want to miss as they aim to cement their legacy further in NASCAR royalty.
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With a combination of luck and hard work, there is no reason why all four drivers cannot make it to the Round of 8. Sharing his views about Hendrick Motorsports’ chances at the Roval, NASCAR Insider Eric Estepp said, “Alex Bowman has the best average finish of anyone at the Charlotte Roval, Chase Elliott has a good average finish at 8.2, and he also has two wins. Kyle Larson has won here, also at Sonoma earlier this summer so this is absolutely an interesting storyline worth following, especially if you’re a Hendrick Motorsports fan.”
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Back in 2016, Joe Gibbs Racing made history by becoming the first team to have all four drivers—Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, and Matt Kenseth—advance to the Round of 8, earning them the title of the ‘Dream Team’ of future Hall of Famers. Stewart-Haas Racing replicated this success in 2018 with Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer, Aric Almirola, and Kurt Busch. However, neither team secured the championship that year.
If Hendrick Motorsports joins this elite group, it would be a notable achievement, especially given the intense competition this season with eighteen different winners in the Cup Series. Hendrick’s consistent on-track performance and success with a spec car highlight the talent and development of their drivers—Kyle Larson, Alex Bowman, William Byron, and Chase Elliott. Rick Hendrick’s leadership has transformed these drivers into world-class competitors, positioning the team to capitalize on this unique opportunity.
Rick Hendrick is cautiously optimistic ahead of the Roval raceADVERTISEMENT
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With yet another elimination race on the horizon, Rick Hendrick is anxiously hoping that the final Round of 12 fixture will have a happy outcome for his racing team. Over the last six years, Charlotte Roval has built a reputation for being a chaotic race with few overtaking opportunities on the hybrid road course/oval track. Changes have been made to the track’s layout to improve the quality of racing, but several drivers in the Cup Series grid believe it will only add to the madness in the 109-lap race.
Sharing his expectations ahead of the Bank of America ROVAL 400, Rick Hendrick said, “I hope we can make it, but crazy things happen, we know. And so, you know, we’ve had a good year, and if we get them all four in or three in, it’s been a great year. Got William [Byron] in, so I think [Kyle] Larson’s in a pretty good spot. So we’ll just have to see.”
If all four Hendrick Motorsports drivers do make it to the Round of 8, they will be just three races away from competing for the title at Phoenix Raceway. Wouldn’t it be a fairytale end to the season for Rick Hendrick if the Championship 4 only features his drivers?
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While it will be a difficult feat to achieve, it’s not impossible. However, the immediate focus will be on getting a result at the Roval to keep the title hopes alive. After which, all four drivers will take it one step at a time while keeping one eye on the ultimate prize.
Source : EssentiallySports