Hendrick and Team Earn First NASCAR Victory of Season

Crew Chief Gustafson's strategic calls lead to long-awaited win.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:18pm

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A vibrant, expressionist painting depicting the intense energy and movement of a NASCAR race, with the Hendrick Motorsports car surging ahead of the pack in a blur of neon colors and rapid brushstrokes.Hendrick Motorsports' strategic decisions and Kyle Larson's driving prowess propel the team to a hard-fought victory at Martinsville Speedway.Martinsville Today

Hendrick Motorsports and driver Kyle Larson secured their first NASCAR Cup Series victory of the 2026 season at Martinsville Speedway, overcoming a late-race challenge from Denny Hamlin's team. Crew chief Alan Gustafson's strategic decisions during the race proved crucial to the win.

Why it matters

Hendrick Motorsports is one of NASCAR's most successful teams, but they had struggled to find victory lane so far this season. This win could provide momentum and confidence as the team looks to contend for the championship.

The details

Larson led a race-high 256 laps, but Hamlin's team made a late push and closed the gap in the closing laps. Gustafson opted to keep Larson out on old tires rather than pit, a decision that paid off as Larson was able to hold off Hamlin's fresher tires and claim the checkered flag.

  • The race took place on Sunday, March 30, 2026 at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia.
  • Larson led the most laps of any driver during the 500-lap event.

The players

Kyle Larson

The driver of the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, who earned his first win of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season.

Alan Gustafson

The crew chief for the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports team, whose strategic decisions were crucial to the victory.

Denny Hamlin

The driver of the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, who made a late charge but ultimately finished second to Larson.

Hendrick Motorsports

One of NASCAR's most successful teams, which earned its first win of the 2026 season with Larson's victory at Martinsville.

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What they’re saying

“That was a gutsy call by Alan to keep us out there on old tires. I can't thank him and the whole team enough for the hard work they put in to get this win.”

— Kyle Larson, Driver, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

“We gave it our best shot at the end, but Larson and that Hendrick car were just too strong today. Proud of the effort by my team, but we'll go back to the drawing board and come back stronger next week.”

— Denny Hamlin, Driver, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

What’s next

The NASCAR Cup Series will head to Texas Motor Speedway next weekend for the next race on the schedule.

The takeaway

Hendrick Motorsports and crew chief Alan Gustafson demonstrated their strategic acumen, making the right calls to help driver Kyle Larson earn the team's first victory of the 2026 season. This win could provide a much-needed boost as they look to contend for the championship.