“What the Hell Is Rick Hendrick Doing” – Kenny Wallace Takes a Jab at Doubters of HMS’s “School Kid” as the Underdog Proves Himself in Jeff Gordon’s Seat

The 2023 season has been a testament to the rise of William Byron, who has defied expectations and proven himself as a force to be reckoned with. Kenny Wallace recently shared his thoughts on Byron’s journey from being a “school kid” to the most dominant force in Rick Hendrick’s stable.

When Mr H made the bold decision to sign a relatively unknown William Byron, skeptics questioned whether the “school kid” was the right choice for the #24 team. However, the 2023 Cup Series season has silenced the doubters. With six extraordinary wins already, William Byron has emerged as a frontrunner for the championship.

Back in 2018, the announcement that Byron would take the wheel of Hendrick Motorsports #5 Chevrolet marked the beginning of a promising journey. Rick Hendrick, the team’s owner, saw beyond Byron’s age, recognizing his immense talent and unwavering dedication. Byron’s rapid ascent through NASCAR’s lower tiers showcased his potential.

Kenny Wallace shuts down Rick Hendrick and William Byron’s doubters

Fast forward to the present day, and William Byron is proving to be more than just a rising star; he’s a true contender. Winning six Cup races in a single season is a remarkable feat. And Byron’s victory at the Texas Motor Speedway marked a historic moment. It was not just his sixth win of the year, it also came as the 300th win for Hendrick Motorsports in the Cup Series—a milestone that underscores the team’s unparalleled success.

Byron’s triumph at Texas showcased his prowess. Taking the lead on a late-race restart, he held off the competition and secured victory, securing an automatic berth in the Round of 8 in the Cup Series Playoffs.

Kenny Wallace, a prominent figure in the NASCAR community, recently weighed in on William Byron’s journey. During an episode of “The Kenny Wallace Show,” he addressed the doubters who questioned Rick Hendrick’s decision to entrust a 19-year-old school kid with a top-tier ride in the sport.

Wallace had this to say about Byron’s impressive season. “William Byron, the little school kid, remember a couple … three years ago. You’re like, what the hell is Rick Hendrick doing hiring William Byron? He’s a little child. Kid’s growed up! He has got it done this year. I’m gonna tell you what, six wins. I don’t care what you think of him. He can be boring all he wants. But I like William Byron because I talked to William Byron as everybody knows I was at Texas.”

While William Byron’s success is undeniable, it also shines a spotlight on Hendrick Motorsports’ unparalleled legacy in NASCAR.

NASCAR legend talks about the possibility of other teams’ catching up to Hendrick Motorsports

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With 300 victories in the NASCAR Cup Series, Hendrick Motorsports stands as an institution within the sport. So it’s only natural to ask: Can any team replicate the success and legacy of HMS?

NASCAR legend and 1999 Cup champion Dale Jarrett offered his perspective on this matter. Jarrett believes that Hendrick Motorsports’ accomplishments are insurmountable. He pointed to the team’s incredible lineup of drivers over the years, their consistent competitiveness, and their ability to excel on various types of tracks.

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“I don’t see how you’re gonna do that. Just look at the lineup,” Jarrett said on the NBC Sports Podcast when asked if there will ever be an organization equal to or better than HMS. “The wins that they have put there, and it’s just been incredible, the lineup and the success. Yeah, there have been a couple of years that weren’t their very best and the most profitable. It didn’t have the domination effect. But for so many years, they’re so competitive, not just with one driver, sometimes not just with two, but they come at you from all angles at every different type of track.”

“To think about 300 wins and the effort that it takes not just from the drivers but from the standpoint of everyone behind the scenes.” He concluded by saying that he doesn’t see anyone ever getting close to Hendrick Motorsports: “No, I don’t see how someone puts together an organization and a lineup that can come anywhere close to this again.”

The enduring impact of Rick Hendrick’s team and the remarkable journey of young talents like William Byron will continue to captivate NASCAR fans. Do you think a team could ever get close to HMS in terms of outright dominance? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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