Dale Earnhardt Jr and Hendrick Motorsports have a special relationship. From being a successful pairing in the Cup Series for over 10 years, their relationship has now changed. The Xfinity Series is where Junior and Rick Hendrick partner, but a twist in the tale might be in the offing.

2022 marked a change to a long-standing policy of Hendrick Motorsports. HMS had last taken part in the Xfinity Series in 2009 with Tony Stewart running the race in Daytona. But since that lone race in 2009, no other driver or car belonging to the team took part in the Series.

Hendrick Motorsports & the Xfinity Series

Rick Hendrick & Co. reintroduced and announced the return of his team to the second-tier of stock racing, however, only for a select few races. As a result, Kyle Larson participated twice while Alex Bowman and William Byron got a crack at it once each.

When asked about the move, Hendrick suggested they were happy with it; one win and two 2nd-place finishes were deemed satisfactory enough. They suggested a similar stint in 2023 would be in line, but a full-time return would remain off the cards since they partner with JR Motorsports in the Series.

Hendrick had then said, “Some of it but not a lot of it because I’m involved with (JR Motorsports), and that’s our focus up there. But we like to run some road courses, and some of our guys want to run some of the ovals. We won’t be competing full-time at all, just a handful of races.”

Team President Jeff Andrews reiterated that commitment through HMS’ website, “Right now, we are committed to running four races in 2023. We are defining what those are right now. We want to win a Xfinity race in 2023.”

HMS’ involvement in the Xfinity Series, though only partial, could possibly hint at a full-time involvement a couple of years down the line. That might not be the greatest news for other teams.

Garage 56 is also in full steam

The Garage 56 project has been on the top of Hendrick’s priority list for a while now. Using one of their most successful drivers, Jimmie Johnson, the team was seen gradually going ahead with the project.

With legendary crew chief, Chad Knaus, heading the project the organization will be very confident in what they can expect to get as a result. Though an official invitation from the 24 Hours of Le Mans is yet to be received, HMS has already made its intention to compete in the event public.

Andrews commented, “I think it is an amazing opportunity not only for Hendrick Motorsports but for the sport of NASCAR to showcase the level of technology and the quality of the race cars.” 

“The mechanics and the drivers that are in this business are some of the best in the world. For us to have the opportunity to go over there and be on a global, worldwide stage in France in June is just a tremendous opportunity not just for Hendrick Motorsports but for NASCAR.“

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NASCAR has a lot to gain from a successful showing of the Next Gen car at Le Mans. They will be watching all developments very closely.