Next up on The Sports Chief’s NASCAR preview is Hendrick Motorsports. With an insane 252 NASCAR Cup victories to their name, Hendrick Motorsports is a staple in the NASCAR world. Owned and operated by Rick Hendrick, the team opened its doors in 1984, then known as All Star Racing. Without a victory at Martinsville in 1984, the team may have shut-down. Jeff Gordon, Terry Labonte and Jimmie Johnson are some of the greats to drive for Mr. Hendrick. Truthfully, I could write a book on the history of Hendrick Motorsports, but I will try and keep it short in order to preview the 2019 lineup. 2018 was not a successful year in terms of production, as Chase Elliott was the only winning driver. With Dale Earnhardt Jr retiring, the team has focused on rebuilding with William Byron and Alex Bowman. The Camaro was a new car last year, and that may have set back a few of the Chevy teams, so maybe experience with the car will help their 2019 campaign.

#48 Jimmie Johnson

From El Cajon, California, the veteran driver of the Hendrick stable is Jimmie Johnson. The 7-time champion went winless for the first time in his career. Chad Knaus is no longer his Crew Chief, as Kevin Meendering will replace Knaus. The pairing was victorious in the Clash yesterday, and may result in great results to come. The goal is to get that 8thchampionship and surpass legends Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt, and that is not a far-fetched thought. Ally Bank has come aboard the #48 machine, as Lowe’s is no longer Jimmie’s primary sponsor. In his last two seasons, Jimmie has recorded 6 top-5’s and 22 top-10’s. This is a far cry from his 14 straight seasons of double-digit top-5 numbers. Maybe all of the new variables involved with the 48 team will provide a spark in terms of production, but I have Jimmie getting 1 win, 3 top-5’s and 14 top-10’s. This was a tough prediction, but the depth in NASCAR right now is going to make it tough for 7-time.

#9 Chase Elliott

Chase finally broke through with 3 victories last year, and proved that he can get it done at the top level. The 23-year-old prodigy finished 6thin the points standings last year. Even though Chase took a while to win a race, he has been one of the most consistent drivers in the sports. He has recorded 10+ top-5’s in each of his 3 full-time seasons. With the help of veteran Crew Chief Alan Gustafson, it is almost a given that Chase will keep that consistency up. Chase was the 2014 Xfinity Series Champion and is close to getting a title at the Cup level. With his win at Watkins Glen last year, he showed that his road course ability is immense, and he will be a favorite for years to come at those tracks. Chase is great everywhere truthfully, that is why I have him getting 4 wins, 20 top-5’s, and 27 top-10’s.

#88 Alex Bowman

In 2018, Dale Jr’s replacement recorded 3 top-5’s and 11 top-10’s in the 88 machine. Bowman had never competed in great equipment prior to last season, and he did “ok” last year. Career wise, it is hard to critique Bowman, as he has been a bit of a traveler. He drove for BK Racing in 2014 and 2015, and drove for Michael Waltrip some in the Xfinity series. “Bowman the Showman” has never finished higher than 3rd in a Cup race, and was honestly never in contention for a victory last year. Phoenix is one of Bowman’s best tracks and he is okay at Bristol (finishing 5th and 8th in 2018). I am tempering my expectations for Bowman, I have him getting 4 top-5’s and 12 top-10’s.

#24 William Byron

2017’s Xfinity series champion and the 2018 Cup series Rookie of the Year, William Byron looks to improve upon his abysmal 2018 season. I understand that Byron is young, and may have been rushed up to the top-level too fast, but not recording a single top-5 last year is not a good start. The talent is there for Byron to turn the corner, it may just take more time than most would like. Byron finished 23rd in the points last season, and finished in 22nd place on average in each race he started. He has started 2019 off on a good note, as he will be pacing the field at the Daytona 500, with his 1st career pole. Chad Knaus is now his Crew Chief, and that should help him in the 2019 season. There is a lot of pressure on Byron, and he will have to perform. The good thing about him driving for Mr. Hendrick, is that he will be patient. Byron seems to be good at flat tracks, judging by his Xfinity and Truck stats. I have Byron improving a little with 2 top-5’s and 6 top-10’s in 2019.

AustYn

References: racing reference, wiki, Hendrick Motorsports

2019 NASCAR Preview: Hendrick Motorsports