Chase Elliott Wins at Martinsville After Pep Talk from Hendrick

The Hendrick Motorsports driver took the checkered flag after a motivational call from the team owner.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 5:45am

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Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports car, won the NASCAR race at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia after receiving a pep talk from team owner Rick Hendrick prior to the event. Hendrick, who has owned the Hendrick Motorsports team for decades, called Elliott to provide encouragement and advice before the race, which Elliott credited as a key factor in his victory.

Why it matters

Elliott's win at the historic Martinsville short track is significant, as the driver has struggled with consistency this season. Hendrick's personal involvement and mentorship of his young star driver highlights the close-knit nature of the Hendrick Motorsports team and the importance of strong leadership in helping talented athletes reach their full potential.

The details

Elliott led 185 of the 500 laps at Martinsville, holding off a late charge from several competitors to take the checkered flag. The victory was Elliott's second of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season and the 25th of his career. Hendrick, who has guided the Hendrick Motorsports team to a record 14 NASCAR Cup Series championships, called Elliott before the race to offer words of encouragement and tactical advice that the driver said helped him maintain focus and composure during the intense closing laps.

  • The race took place on April 2, 2026 at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Virginia.
  • Hendrick called Elliott prior to the start of the race to provide a pep talk and strategic guidance.

The players

Chase Elliott

The 30-year-old driver of the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports car in the NASCAR Cup Series, who won the race at Martinsville Speedway.

Rick Hendrick

The owner of Hendrick Motorsports, the most successful team in NASCAR history with 14 Cup Series championships. Hendrick personally called Elliott before the race to offer encouragement and advice.

Alan Gustafson

The crew chief for Chase Elliott's No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports car.

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What they’re saying

“Rick called me before the race and really got me fired up. His belief in me and this team means everything.”

— Chase Elliott, NASCAR Driver

What’s next

Elliott will look to build on this victory as the NASCAR Cup Series season continues, with the next race scheduled for April 16th at Richmond Raceway.

The takeaway

Hendrick Motorsports' ability to provide strong leadership and mentorship for its drivers, like the pep talk Hendrick gave Elliott before the Martinsville race, has been a key factor in the team's sustained success in NASCAR over the past several decades.