Hendrick Motorsports Earns First NASCAR Victory of the Season

Chase Elliott's win at Martinsville Speedway marks a turnaround for the powerhouse team.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:18pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the NASCAR race at Martinsville Speedway, with the cars and track broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of color, capturing the raw energy and competitive spirit of the event.Hendrick Motorsports' victory at Martinsville Speedway showcases the team's resilience and ability to adapt in the face of adversity.Martinsville Today

Chase Elliott and the Hendrick Motorsports team overcame an early deficit to earn their first NASCAR Cup Series victory of the 2026 season at Martinsville Speedway. Team owner Rick Hendrick provided crucial encouragement to the crew chief Alan Gustafson before the race, setting the tone for the team's comeback win.

Why it matters

Hendrick Motorsports is NASCAR's winningest organization, but the team had struggled out of the gate in 2026 with only four top-five finishes in the first six races. This victory at the historic Martinsville short track, where Hendrick has a record 31 wins, marks a turnaround for the powerhouse team as they look to contend for another championship.

The details

After starting 10th, Chase Elliott and the No. 9 Chevrolet team made a critical early pit stop call that vaulted them to the front of the field. Elliott then led the final 69 laps to earn his 22nd career Cup Series victory, despite having the sixth-fastest car according to NASCAR analytics. The win is the earliest in a season for the 2020 champion, who now heads into an off week with momentum on his side.

  • Chase Elliott started 10th and led the final 69 laps of the 317-lap race.
  • This is Elliott's 22nd career Cup Series victory.
  • The win is the earliest in a season for the 2020 Cup champion.

The players

Rick Hendrick

The founder of Hendrick Motorsports, NASCAR's winningest organization with 31 victories at Martinsville Speedway.

Alan Gustafson

The crew chief for Chase Elliott's No. 9 Chevrolet team.

Chase Elliott

The 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion who earned his first victory of the 2026 season at Martinsville Speedway.

Jeff Gordon

The Hendrick Motorsports vice chairman and Hall of Fame driver who had four championships and 93 wins with the team.

Denny Hamlin

The driver who led the first 292 of 317 laps from the pole position before Elliott took the lead late in the race.

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What they’re saying

“He just basically was super positive. The quote from him was: 'This is a marathon, not a 10K race. We're in it for the long run. Regardless of the way it starts, it's about the way it finishes.'”

— Alan Gustafson, Crew Chief

“Man, this is awesome. We've never done that. Going into the off week with the win is really cool. I know we still have a lot of room for improvement, don't get me wrong, but a great way to cap off this first stretch. A lot of good momentum for the whole organization.”

— Chase Elliott, Driver

“I feel that all the time from him. He's always done a great job of just showing support to me, whether things are going good or bad. Always cool to hear from him.”

— Chase Elliott, Driver

What’s next

The NASCAR Cup Series will take a break before returning to action at the next race, giving Elliott and Hendrick Motorsports time to build on their momentum.

The takeaway

Hendrick Motorsports' first victory of the 2026 season at the historic Martinsville Speedway showcases the team's resilience and the importance of an engaged, supportive owner in Rick Hendrick. This win could be a turning point for the organization as they look to contend for another championship.