Rick Hendrick’s fold has mostly steered clear of trouble this year. There were a few exceptions – like when Chase Elliott was ‘favored’ after the Talladega wreck or when William Byron got a blockade set up by fellow Chevrolet drivers in Martinsville. However, as the 2025 season peeks into view, NASCAR fans are bringing up a questionable alliance on Hendrick’s part. They are glad that it is slowly fading.

Liberty University has been a banner sponsor for William Byron for a decade. The latter pursued a B.S. in Strategic Communication through its Online Programs. However, this $3.5 Billion relationship seems to be crumbling, as indicated by reports of a truncated association next season.

The chip on Rick Hendrick’s shoulder

Being the owner of a 40-year-old Cup Series team comes with a huge responsibility. Hendrick Motorsports owns 14 championships and 312 Cup Series race victories – a golden legacy established by Rick Hendrick and his employees. However, even the most dazzling race team can have its caveats. Ever since William Byron hopped on board the team in 2018, Liberty University also tagged along. But the latter also dragged a dark reputation. In 2021, twelve women filed a lawsuit, accusing the Evangelical Christian institution of a pattern of mishandling cases of s—ual a—ault and hara—ment. While Liberty settled this lawsuit, the campus has landed in trouble again with the US Department of Education this year.

Amidst this, Liberty announced its continued sponsorship of Byron’s No. 24 Chevrolet. According to its website’s report, it will be the primary sponsor for six races – half of what it sponsored last year. These include the Busch Light Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, the race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Martinsville Speedway, the Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis, and the final two regular-season events in Richmond and Daytona. Byron’s car will be adorned with the institution’s typical red, white, and blue colors. However, not a single playoff race is in the works to be sponsored by Liberty.

The reason seems clear when we look at Rick Hendrick‘s ally’s legal fiasco. The US Department of Education fined the institution $14 million for violations of the Clery Act. This Act demands information about public safety issues, including s—ual a—ault, to the university community. The fine lodged is also the largest in history – the last highest figure was $4.5 Million against Michigan State in 2019. There were several incidents that the university determined to be unfounded, without evidence that the initial report was false. The final program review stated, “Consequently, victims of s—ual a—ault often felt dissuaded by Liberty administration’s reputation for punishing s—ual a—ault survivors rather than helping them.”

Fans also dissected this enormous blotch on Rick Hendrick’s resume, demanding a permanent dissolution.

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Liberty University has supported William Byron for a long time. Since 2014, when he drove for JR Motorsports, then moved up to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2016, through winning the Xfinity title in 2017 – Liberty has been around. But in 2025, Rick Hendrick’s ally is a dwindling presence. Fans noted this, with a fair amount of animosity: “Don’t like Liberty U, but kind of surprised they’ve cut their sponsorship with Byron in half (pretty sure they sponsored 12 races last year). We’re likely going to be seeing more of the Axalta/RAPTOR & Valvoline schemes in 2025.” Another fan chimed in, noting Liberty’s absence from core NASCAR with a hint of glee. “Wow they are really cutting back. Not one single playoff race either. Interesting.”

Other people were rejoicing in this truncated alliance. After all, Liberty’s questionable campus safety is a particularly shady blotch on its public image. One fan called for permanently banishing the sponsor from the racetracks: “Good riddance. I know they liked to sit in the corner and watch but they aren’t welcome.” The 2025 schedule also indicates that William Byron is having second thoughts. Rick Hendrick stood by Liberty during the s—ual sc—dal lawsuit in 2021, saying to the Associated Press, “Things like that, I mean, it’s not pleasant, but they’re dealing with it. They’re being very up front, very transparent,” but now even he has fallen silent. So another fan wrote, “I guess Byron is pulling in more outside sponsorship so he’s not needing the Liberty $$$ as much.”

And the reputation of Liberty is plummeting downwards. The US Department of Education’s report involved a case where a woman was r—ed while being threatened by a knife. Shockingly, Liberty’s investigator claimed the woman “consented to the s—ual act.” Such instances of gross mishandling of cases further irked fans. “Boo Liberty,” somebody wrote. Another fan shared the sentiments that Liberty has too many races despite the reduction, emphasizing the disgust the community holds towards the organization, writing, “6 too many“.

Evidently, Rick Hendrick is booked for a vast wave of criticism. A questionable sponsor by his side may impact Byron’s performance – but let us wait and find out.