NASCAR has faced accusations of favoritism for years, with fans often pointing to powerhouse teams like Hendrick Motorsports receiving preferential treatment. The recent success of Kyle Larson, particularly in races where circumstances seemed to favor him, has reignited debate over whether the sport is rigged in his favor.
The History of Hendrick Motorsports’ Dominance
Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) is one of the most successful teams in NASCAR history, with 14 Cup Series championships and a long list of race wins. Since its founding in 1984, the organization has produced legendary drivers like Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and now Kyle Larson. With such success, accusations of favoritism are nothing new.
Many fans argue that NASCAR bends the rules for Hendrick cars, often overlooking infractions or handing out penalties that seem less severe compared to smaller teams. One of the most infamous instances came in 2023 when all four Hendrick cars were penalized for modified hood louvers, yet the team still managed to have a strong performance in the following races.
Recent Races and Questionable Calls
You mentioned that all three recent races were “rigged” for Larson to win. Let’s break that down.
- Officiating & Cautions – One of the biggest complaints from NASCAR fans is how cautions are thrown (or not thrown). There have been multiple races where an untimely caution has seemingly benefited Larson, either erasing a deficit or allowing him to gain track position. Meanwhile, other drivers in similar situations don’t always seem to get the same treatment.
- Restarts & Officiating Decisions – Some fans believe NASCAR’s restart procedures are inconsistently enforced, benefiting certain teams. If a Hendrick car jumps the restart, officials sometimes let it slide, whereas smaller teams may get penalized.
- Tech Inspections & Penalties – While all teams are subject to post-race inspection, there have been times when Hendrick cars appear to push the gray area of the rulebook without severe consequences. Critics argue that NASCAR is more lenient on them than other teams.
Cheating vs. Finding an Edge
There’s a fine line between “cheating” and taking advantage of loopholes. NASCAR teams have always pushed the limits of the rulebook, and Hendrick Motorsports is one of the best at it. Their engineers and strategists know how to maximize performance while staying just within the legal limits. However, when it seems like their drivers (especially Larson) get away with questionable moves or receive favorable treatment, it fuels the perception of a rigged system.
Is NASCAR Protecting Its Stars?
Kyle Larson is one of the most talented drivers in the sport and a major marketing asset for NASCAR. His comeback story—from suspension to championship contention—has made him a focal point of NASCAR’s promotions. Some believe NASCAR wants him to succeed to keep fans engaged and sell more tickets, leading to officiating decisions that favor him.
What Needs to Change?
If NASCAR wants to silence accusations of favoritism, they need to:
- Be consistent with penalties and officiating, regardless of team or driver.
- Improve transparency in race control decisions, explaining why certain calls are made.
- Ensure equal enforcement of technical rules, with clear consequences for infractions.
While there’s no definitive proof that NASCAR is rigging races for Kyle Larson or Hendrick Motorsports, there are enough questionable moments to make fans skeptical. Until NASCAR ensures a truly level playing field, the accusations will continue.
What do you think? Are these races truly rigged, or is Hendrick just better at playing the system?
