Hendrick Motorsports drivers displayed a terrific performance on their favorite Martinsville race track. The Cook Out 400 saw William Byron clinch his third Cup Series victory of the season, followed by his teammates Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott at P2 and P3. Their other teammate, Alex Bowman, was not far behind at P8.

Owing to this amazing 1-2-3 performance, HMS legend, and nine-time winner at this shortest oval track, Jeff Gordon was found to be on cloud nine. The current v of the team describes how this win at Martinsville is a special feat for the entire team.

Jeff Gordon is blown away by unreal HMS dominance

After the race, a joyful Jeff Gordon opened up to ‘Sirius XM NASCAR’ to discuss his team’s win. He did not fail to mention how the track is special to the entire HMS staff. Although they had a horrible run last season, they were geared up to make things right. 

Gordon said, “I’ll be honest you know, we got beat pretty bad here last fall. So our guys went to work, and we knew how important this day was and wanted to step up. But it’s just you know, Martinsville is so special to Hendrick Motorsports in so many ways. But you know, when these guys start preparing, the crew chiefs, engineers, and drivers prepare, they are coming here with their mindset of, we’ve got a win. This is Martinsville and Hendrick Motorsports is supposed to run good, and have a shot at win”.

He added, “So I just can’t you know, I’m just blown away at how well prepared they came in here. How great the cars were. And you know, it took a lot of hard work to get to that and see them execute today. Not only to get in that position, like on that green flag stop. But also on that last restart. See, all three of those guys have to battle hard to stay 1-2-3.”

Martinsville Speedway is specifically where it all began for the most successful team in NASCAR.

The importance of Martinsville for Hendrick Motorsports

When threatened with financial challenges in 1984, HMS team owner Rick Hendrick considered a pivotal decision to discontinue. Geoff Bodine and his crew chief Harry Hyde, confident in the team’s potential, persuaded Hendrick to continue competing. They not only entered the Cup Series race at the same Martinsville Speedway but amazed others with a win.

Amidst Hendrick’s absence, Bodine and the team clinched the race victory, marking a crucial beginning of a chapter for the team. That win not only sustained Hendrick Motorsports throughout that season but also laid the foundation for its lasting legacy. On top of that, the 29 Cup Series win on the track is a record in itself among other teams.

After the podium finishes, HMS drivers look forward to their next test at Texas. Given their current form, how do you think they are going to perform there?

Read More: 9X Martinsville Winner Jeff Gordon Unravels the Perfect Strategy to Deliver a Perfect Lap in Martinsville