Hendrick Motorsports: A Legacy of Success and Fierce Rivalries
Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) has solidified itself as a dominant force in NASCAR, fielding some of the sport’s most skilled drivers and producing intense rivalries on the track. Known for their unmatched success, the team has become a symbol of excellence and high-stakes competition in the world of motorsports.
An Iconic NASCAR Powerhouse
Founded in 1984, Hendrick Motorsports is one of NASCAR’s most decorated teams, boasting an impressive 14 Cup Series championships and 312 wins in the premier division. Co-owned by four-time champion Jeff Gordon, HMS fields four Cup Series cars, two of which are driven by former champions, including Chase Elliott.
Over the years, HMS drivers have not only dominated on the track but also engaged in some unforgettable altercations with rivals. Below, we revisit three of the most heated on-track incidents involving HMS drivers.
#3 Jeff Gordon vs. Clint Bowyer (2012)
The 2012 AdvoCare 500 at Phoenix Raceway witnessed one of NASCAR’s most iconic clashes. Four-time champion Jeff Gordon, piloting the #24 Chevrolet for HMS, was involved in a dramatic collision with Clint Bowyer in the race’s closing laps.
After Bowyer’s #15 Toyota nudged Gordon into the wall, a frustrated Gordon retaliated, slamming into Bowyer’s car and ending both their races. The incident triggered a massive brawl between the teams, with Bowyer’s crew charging at Gordon. Meanwhile, Bowyer sprinted toward Gordon’s hauler, but officials managed to de-escalate the situation before it escalated further.
Adding to the chaos, Joey Logano’s race also ended prematurely as he got caught in the aftermath of the crash.
#2 Jeff Gordon vs. Brad Keselowski (2014)
Two years after his clash with Bowyer, Jeff Gordon found himself in another high-profile altercation—this time with Brad Keselowski at the 2014 AAA Texas 500.
During a late-race restart, Keselowski made contact with Gordon’s #24 Chevrolet while attempting a pass, resulting in a punctured tire for Gordon and a significant loss of points. After the race, tempers flared as the crews exchanged heated words.
Gordon confronted Keselowski directly, but the situation escalated further when Kevin Harvick intervened, pushing Keselowski toward Gordon, sparking a brawl. The drama was intensified by Keselowski’s third-place finish, which only fueled Gordon’s frustration.
#1 Chase Elliott vs. Kevin Harvick (2021)
The most recent high-profile rivalry involving Hendrick Motorsports unfolded at the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2021.
Defending champion Chase Elliott, driving the #9 Chevrolet, was forced to pit after contact with Kevin Harvick caused a tire puncture. However, Elliott retaliated by side-slamming Harvick’s #4 Ford as he re-entered the track, disrupting Harvick’s lead. This move allowed Elliott’s teammate, Kyle Larson, to secure the victory.
After the race, tensions boiled over. Elliott and Harvick exchanged heated words and even physical shoves before officials intervened. Harvick didn’t hold back in his criticism of Elliott, calling his actions “chicken shit” and accusing him of a “temper tantrum.”
A Legacy of Intensity
The intense rivalries and fiery altercations involving Hendrick Motorsports drivers underscore the team’s fiercely competitive spirit. From Jeff Gordon’s historic clashes to Chase Elliott’s bold moves, HMS remains at the forefront of NASCAR, not just for their victories but also for their memorable moments of drama on the track.
