Hendrick Motorsports stands as the most successful team in NASCAR history, boasting the highest number of wins and championships, many of which were achieved with their trademark neon yellow car numbers. Legendary drivers such as Jimmie Johnson, with his five straight titles from 2006 to 2010 driving the neon yellow No. 48 Chevrolet, Jeff Gordon, with four championships in the neon yellow No. 24, and Chase Elliott, who also wore the yellow No. 24 during his 2020 Cup Series victory, all contributed to the team’s iconic legacy. Historic moments like Terry Labonte’s last Cup win and Kyle Busch’s first also featured these distinctive colors. Although Hendrick Motorsports phased out the neon yellow in recent years—save for occasional appearances on William Byron’s No. 24, including his Daytona 500 wins in 2024 and 2025—the team is set to bring back the vibrant numbers across the board in 2027. This will include all their Cup Series drivers—Kyle Larson (No. 5), Chase Elliott (No. 9), William Byron (No. 24), and Alex Bowman (No. 48)—as well as extending to Corey Day’s No. 17 car in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
Since its inception in 1984, Hendrick Motorsports has amassed 323 Cup victories, including a recent win at Gateway, and holds 15 Cup Series championships, the most in the sport. The team also leads in marquee event wins, securing 10 Daytona 500s, 12 Coca-Cola 600s, 11 Brickyard 400s, and 12 Southern 500s. Looking ahead, the organization has signed promising young talent Connor Zilisch to take over the No. 48 full-time starting in 2028, marking a new chapter following Bowman’s planned retirement after the 2027 season.
Fan Take: The return of neon yellow numbers across Hendrick Motorsports’ lineup not only revives a visually striking and nostalgic era for fans but also signals confidence in the team’s next generation of drivers. This bold move is sure to reignite Hendrick’s legacy and excitement within NASCAR, reinforcing their status as a powerhouse while engaging a new wave of supporters.
Source: www.motorsport.com
