The absence of a full-time driver of a motorsports team can adversely affect the team and their ranks. While common knowledge dictates that replacement drivers don’t really outshine the rival teams’ drivers, luck seems to be in favor of Hendrick Motorsports this time!

Two drivers from the Hendrick Motorsports team finished first and second in the Cup Series at Richmond Raceway. While Kyle Larson took his first win of the season, it was the substitute driver who stole the show. In the post-race press conference, the Vice Chairman of Hendrick Motorsports couldn’t stop praising the latter.

The substitute driver didn’t let Elliott’s absence felt

Xfinity Series driver Josh Berry, who has been subbing for Chase Elliott and driving the #9 Chevrolet, made his fourth appearance as the replacement. He finished second alongside his teammate, Kyle Larson.

Overwhelmed by his performance, Vice Chairman of Hendrick Motorsports, Jeff Gordon said, “All I know is them bragging on him a lot about the effort that he is putting in, the things he is focused on. And even watching video from last year when maybe they didn’t even ask him to, and he just kind of took the initiative to do that,” he added.

Gordon emphasized how Berry, being inexperienced in the Cup Series race, must’ve faced issues initially. He said, “You go into a new track, different track every time, what’s the car going to be like this weekend? You threw Atlanta in there on him too, and that’s a pretty unique one.

“It’s a much different car than what he is used to racing every weekend, and so there’s a lot of things that you have to adapt completely different to,” he added.

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Berry’s approach and technique has caught all the right attention. While the race results were all hunky-dory for the HMS team, the win didn’t come easy to him.

What did it take Josh to become the runner-up?

Driving in NASCAR races can be quite challenging for the Xfinity Series driver. Still, Berry managed to put up a commendable performance. In fact, he went the extra mile and watched videos of the previous year’s races to get himself accustomed to the idea of driving a Cup Series car.

The VC was quick to point this out as he said, “I love his approach, and it’s turning into results, which I’m sure it’s turning into confidence for him as he continues to go to each track that he is going to be behind the wheel of the car.”

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Hendrick Motorsport’s pick for the replacement has been a gifted experience for the team. On a different note, Elliott’s recovery period is supposed to be nearing its end. Once he returns, it will be interesting to see how HMS plans to incorporate Berry as a valuable addition to their garage.