With the NASCAR Championship Finale looming on the drivers’ heads, the pressure on William Byron and the entire Hendrick Motorsports crew is at an all-time high. With a legacy like theirs, expectations are always high, but this year, there’s a bit more on the line. The team is looking to cap off an already incredible season with a crowning achievement that could forever change the course of Hendrick’s history.

But it’s not just the drivers feeling the heat. There’s a voice from the top making sure everyone knows what’s at stake, and it’s adding an extra layer of motivation. It’s a reminder that when you race for Hendrick Motorsports, the bar is set high, and the path to glory has never been clearer. The championship could be a game-changer for everyone involved, and the pressure is understandable. So what did the voice from the top say?

William Byron’s promise to Linda Hendrick

As the NASCAR Championship Finale approaches, the weight of expectation on William Byron and his Hendrick Motorsports team is undeniable. But it’s not just the race on the track that’s pressing—they’ve got the full support of an organization with deep-rooted success and a legendary legacy. And that support comes with a clear message from the top: Rick Hendrick’s wife, Linda, has made sure the stakes are crystal clear.

Ahead of the big weekend, Shannon Spake caught up with William Byron in an online interview for NASCAR’s official YouTube channel to get his take on the pressure and the team’s mindset heading into the finale. They had a candid conversation about the expectations surrounding Hendrick Motorsports—especially with the team celebrating its 40th anniversary.

William Byron opened up about how Mrs. Hendrick had set the tone before the playoffs, telling the team that there was no bigger goal than bringing home a championship in this milestone year for the team. It was a reminder that while the success of Hendrick Motorsports is rich and celebrated, the pressure to perform is just as heavy. He explained, “And then, lastly, for us, with it being the 40th anniversary for Hendrick Motorsports, Mrs. H told us before the playoffs started that there was nothing more that she or Mr. H wanted, and the Hendrick family wanted, than to win a championship in the 40th year of Hendrick Motorsports.”

Byron shared that last year, Hendrick Motorsports had multiple drivers in the final four, but this time, it’s all on him and his crew. With the eyes of the Hendrick family on them, there’s no shortage of motivation. “We have the support now of everyone at Hendrick Motorsports,” Byron said. “It’s been amazing to see all hands on deck, giving us the support we need.” But he also acknowledged that the team was operating a bit under the radar this year, after a season of strong momentum that’s seen them steadily build steam, especially in the playoffs.

With the 40th anniversary of Hendrick Motorsports hanging in the balance, there’s a sense that this championship would be the perfect bookend to the season—Daytona 500 champions and then NASCAR champions in 2024. With Mrs. Hendrick’s wishes front and center, William Byron and his teammates are more determined than ever to carry that legacy across the finish line. And as the final laps ticked down, the stakes couldn’t be higher. However, this is not the only promise that Linda Hendrick had her drivers make this year.

Rick Hendrick’s wife wanted all 4 drivers in the top 4

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In a season where Hendrick Motorsports is already seeing strong performances with all four drivers making it into the playoffs, there’s an unexpected pressure coming from the top that’s adding a bit of extra heat—Rick Hendrick‘s wife, Linda. While Rick is known for setting high expectations for his team, Linda’s heartfelt words have a different kind of weight.

As the team celebrated its 40th anniversary, Linda expressed her deep desire for a championship win this season, “Rick and I really, really want this championship on our 40th anniversary year,” she said, revealing just how important this year is for the Hendrick family.

The playoffs are always high-stakes, but Alex Bowman found himself in the hot seat during an appearance on The Teardown podcast, where he discussed the challenges of the season. While all four Hendrick drivers have made the playoffs, Bowman was honest about the struggles they’ve faced in recent weeks. “The last month has been pretty tough. We have not had the pace we need,” he said, acknowledging both his and the team’s mistakes. Despite that, Bowman has his sights set on the Round of Eight as a good playoff result, but it’s clear the stakes are higher.

Then, Bowman casually dropped a line about Linda Hendrick’s expectations. “Mrs. Hendrick said she really, really, really, really wants all four of us in the championship race at Phoenix. And when she speaks, we listen. So, no pressure. Yeah, no pressure.” With this personal investment in the team’s success, her expectations carry a powerful emotional layer, especially with the anniversary of the team.

Now, as Bowman and the rest of the team push forward, there’s a new level of motivation—achieving something that has never been done before: having all four Hendrick drivers in the top four at Phoenix. It’s a tall order, but with Linda Hendrick’s unwavering support and high hopes, it’s a challenge that has everyone at HMS giving their absolute best.