“I Intend on Being Aggressive” – Rick Hendrick’s Pride Plots a New Plan to Push His Teammates Up the Ladder Despite the Points Deficit.

With the Cup Series reaching its crescendo at Daytona, all is not well at NASCAR’s winningest team, Hendrick Motorsports. Despite tasting a landslide victory last week with its youngest driver claiming the throne and racking up his first-ever road course win, its star attractions are still in the rut, fighting for survival.

Both the #9 and #48 drivers desperately need a win to keep alive their playoff hopes, let alone a shot at the championship. While the situation is critical in the HMS camp, Rick Hendrick‘s new pride and 2017 Xfinity champion has devised a gung-ho plan to get his teammates into the playoffs.

HMS’ youngest sensation cooks up an “aggressive” gameplan for Daytona, hoping to get his teammates up the ladder

Following a brilliant performance at Watkins Glen, William Byron racked up his fifth win of the season. The 25-year-old not only won his first-ever road race but also put out a bold statement, proving he is more than just outright fast.

While the #24 driver’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, leading over 60 laps and cruising to victory, his teammates, however, had a grim day. Especially for Chase Elliott, considering his road racing capabilities and proven track record on road courses.

The #9 Chevy came to a sudden standstill after the team’s strategy to get Elliott backfired, and instead of getting NASCAR’s golden boy up the ladder, the fuel strategy got him a bottom 32nd finish.

With their star driver missing the win on yet another road course, Elliott’s only hope is the upcoming superspeedway race at NASCAR’s crown jewel track. Fortunately for the two, their teammate William Byron has devised a gung-ho plan to get them across the strait.

NASCAR on NBC highlighted the driver’s mindset heading into the race, Byron said, “Yeah, I mean just trying to help those guys as much as we can, you know, superspeedways are really the place that we can help the most in all the.. I got questions about it. All the other tracks are, its tough to help you know unless you’re just really equal and battling it out, superspeedway is a chance everyone you know is really close there.” 

Furthermore, the 2017 Xfinity champ revealed more about his plot, saying, “Hopefully we can push those guys when we need to and you know I intend on being aggressive there and you know just makes sure all my belts are tied and make sure we’re ready to go.” 

READ MORE: Chase Elliott Defender Denny Hamlin Throws HMS Superstar Under the Bus for Bubba Wallace

With one spot left, who will make it?

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As of now, 23XI Racing’s Bubba Wallace is just above the cutline but as we head to Daytona for this week’s Cup Series action as mentioned above, things are indeed critical for Elliott and Bowman. The duo has been struggling to find their rhythm after their return.

While Elliott missed 7 races following his accident and the ugly stint with veteran Denny Hamlin, Bowman also fell victim to bad luck as the #48 driver suffered a severe back injury from a local sprint race. Both Bowman and Elliott are ranked 20th and 21st respectively and are in a must-win situation to keep their playoff hopes alive.

For William Byronver since joining the HMS camp, he hasn’t missed a playoff. Then there’s Wallace who is just above the cutline but given the nature of the superspeedway, anything can happen.

WATCH THIS STORY: Chase Elliott apologizes to Rick Hendrick and team for losing, after being confused by HMS’ decision 

One other drive to watch out for is Indy conquerors Michael McDowell and Ty Gibbs. But with the potent FRM Ford in the picture, anything is possible.

But for Elliott and Bowman, this is a do-or-die situation. And with Byron revealing his plans for this week, HMS fans certainly have to be on the edge of their seats.