10 Times Hendrick Motorsports Got Humbled in NASCAR History

10. 2022 Pocono Disqualification – Double DQ for Larson & Elliott

Both Hendrick cars finished 1–2, but NASCAR disqualified them after a post-race inspection revealed illegal aero modifications. It was one of the most public humblings in team history.

9. 2010 Daytona 500 – Engine Woes and Hendrick’s “Lost 500”

The 2010 Daytona 500 was supposed to be a Hendrick showcase. All four cars — Johnson, Gordon, Earnhardt Jr., and Martin — started up front after dominating Speedweeks. But by mid-race, it all unraveled. Johnson cut a tire and hit the wall, Gordon’s engine overheated from grill debris, and Martin lost pace with handling issues. Dale Jr. made a heroic late charge to finish second, but the damage was done — three broken cars and one near-miss.

8. 2023 Coca-Cola 600 – William Byron’s Late-Race Collapse

Byron led late but fell apart in the closing laps as strategy and handling faded. It was a painful reminder that speed alone doesn’t seal the deal.

7. 2017 Indianapolis 400 – Johnson’s Blown Engine Duel

Johnson challenged Kasey Kahne for the lead, but his engine exploded mid-battle, ending his day in flames. The race marked the end of Hendrick’s dominance stretch at Indy.

6. 2018 Charlotte Roval – Jimmie Johnson Spins Himself and Truex

Going for the win on the final chicane, Johnson spun and took out both himself and Martin Truex Jr., costing both a playoff advancement. A humbling moment of over-aggression.

5. 2009 Daytona 500 – All Four Cars Struggle

Hendrick entered the Daytona 500 as favorites with Johnson, Gordon, Earnhardt Jr., and Martin — but none finished in the top 10. A total collapse on NASCAR’s biggest stage.

4. 2012 Martinsville – Johnson’s Tire Disaster

Jimmie Johnson looked poised for another Martinsville win until a flat tire with fewer than 10 laps left ended his day. The heartbreak turned dominance into disaster.

3. 2020 Texas Playoff Race – Chase Elliott’s Championship Scare

Elliott, the future champion, missed an easy pit call and lost a must-win situation late in the race. It exposed how even Hendrick’s strategy can falter when the stakes are high.

2. 2014 Texas – Jeff Gordon vs. Brad Keselowski Fight

After contact with Keselowski cost him a shot at the win, Gordon’s frustration boiled over into a pit-road brawl. It was a rare show of chaos from Hendrick’s polished image and left the team embarrassed.

1. 2005 Coca-Cola 600 – Jimmie Johnson’s Late Crash

Johnson dominated much of the night, but with just two laps to go, he lost control and slammed the wall, handing the win to Carl Edwards. It was a painful reminder that even the best can crumble under pressure.