NASCAR's Secret Weapon: How Rick Hendrick is Building a Dynasty, One Xfinity Race at a Time
In the high-stakes world of NASCAR, success isn't just about speed – it's about sustainable growth and a constant influx of fresh talent. For decades, Rick Hendrick has been a master of both, and his latest strategy, a revitalized partnership with Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s JR Motorsports, is proving to be a game-changer. But it's more than just a partnership; it's a carefully constructed development system designed to ensure Hendrick Motorsports remains at the pinnacle of the sport for years to come.
After a 13-year hiatus from the Xfinity Series, Hendrick Motorsports made a significant move in 2022, re-entering the series and immediately leveraging its existing relationship with JR Motorsports – an organization already fielding four competitive cars. This wasn’t simply about adding another team; it was about strategically deploying the No. 17 Chevrolet as a proving ground. The team’s initial goal was to provide valuable track time for its Cup Series drivers, a need that became increasingly apparent with reduced practice sessions, particularly since 2020. More seat time translates to sharper reflexes, refined racecraft, and ultimately, improved performance across the entire organization.
And the results speak for themselves. Since early 2024, established stars like Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, and William Byron have each piloted the #17 Chevrolet to Victory Lane in the Xfinity Series. Byron’s recent triumph at the iconic Charlotte Motor Speedway underscored the team’s potential and the effectiveness of this approach. But here's where it gets controversial… some critics argue that having Cup Series regulars dominate the Xfinity Series diminishes opportunities for up-and-coming drivers looking to make their mark. Is it fair to use the Xfinity Series as a practice ground for established stars, or should it be reserved for those striving to reach the top tier?
However, the #17 team’s mission extends far beyond providing extra laps for its Cup drivers. It’s also dedicated to nurturing the next generation of NASCAR talent. Rising stars like Corey Day, Jake Finch, and Truck Series competitor Rajah Caruth have all had the opportunity to gain valuable experience behind the wheel of the #17. In 2025, the team is scheduled for 21 starts, all under the expert guidance of Greg Ives, a seasoned crew chief with 10 Cup Series wins to his name. This isn’t just about throwing young drivers into the car; it’s about providing them with a structured learning environment and top-tier mentorship.
Ahead of the 2025 season, Adam Wall, previously an engineer on Kyle Larson’s championship-winning #5 team, returned to the #17 program as crew chief. The operational structure closely mirrors that of Hendrick Motorsports’ Cup Series teams, ensuring a seamless transition for drivers and crew members as they progress through the ranks. While the #17 team maintains a degree of independence, it’s deeply integrated into the HMS system.
Jeff Gordon, Vice Chairman of Hendrick Motorsports, has openly acknowledged the strategic importance of the in-house Xfinity team. He views it as a crucial “proving ground” for the organization’s future. It allows emerging talent – drivers, crew chiefs, engineers, and mechanics – to experience the pressures and demands of a high-performance racing environment firsthand, providing invaluable insights into their capabilities and potential. And this is the part most people miss… it’s not just about identifying talent, but about developing it within the HMS ecosystem.
Gordon emphasized that this hands-on approach is fundamental to Hendrick Motorsports’ long-term succession planning. By gaining experience at the Xfinity level, individuals can naturally ascend to Cup Series roles when the time is right, ensuring a consistent pipeline of skilled personnel. The ongoing collaboration with JR Motorsports is central to this effort, with key personnel like Corey Day and Adam Wall regularly participating in JRM’s weekly competition meetings to ensure alignment and shared learning.
For the 2025 season, a primary focus of the #17 team is the development of Corey Day, supporting his transition from dirt track racing to the demanding world of pavement racing. Following a P22 finish at the challenging Charlotte Roval, Day is scheduled to return to the car at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, with additional starts planned at Martinsville and Phoenix. These races aren’t just about accumulating laps; they’re about accelerating Day’s growth and reinforcing the #17 team’s role as a vital talent pipeline for Hendrick Motorsports’ future.
Ultimately, Rick Hendrick’s strategic investment in the Xfinity Series, coupled with the strong partnership with JR Motorsports, isn’t just about winning races – it’s about building a dynasty. It’s a testament to the power of long-term planning and a commitment to nurturing the next generation of NASCAR stars.
What do you think? Is Hendrick Motorsports’ approach the right model for developing future NASCAR talent, or does it unfairly disadvantage up-and-coming drivers? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
About the Author:
Neha Dwivedi is an experienced NASCAR Journalist at The SportsRush, having penned over 3000 articles on the sport to date. She was a seasoned writer long before she got into the world of NASCAR. Although she loves to see Martin Truex Jr. and Kyle Busch win the races, she equally supports the emerging talents in the CARS Late Model and ARCA Menards Series.. For her work in NASCAR she has earned accolades from journalists like Susan Wade of The Athletic, as well as NASCAR drivers including Thad Moffit and Corey Lajoie. Her favorite moment from NASCAR was witnessing Kyle Busch and Martin Truex Jr. win the championship trophies. Outside the racetrack world, Neha immerses herself in the literary world, exploring both fiction and non-fiction.
