Snapping Toyota's intermediate track dominance, the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet surged ahead in the Würth 400 Texas, as Elliott outdueled Denny Hamlin to solidify his status as Hendrick’s premier NASCAR Cup Series title contender
FT. WORTH, Tex. - In a season where Toyota has flexed its muscles on intermediate tracks, Chase Elliott delivered a commanding statement win on Sunday, May 3, 2026, capturing the Würth 400 at Texas Motor Speedway.
Driving the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, Elliott not only secured his second victory of the young 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season but also reasserted himself as the leader of one of the sport’s most storied organizations.
Leading a race-high 86 laps, Elliott held off a hard-charging Denny Hamlin in a four-lap dash to the finish, with Alex Bowman rounding out the podium in third for Hendrick.
This win was a declaration, despite a challenging start to the year with Chevrolet’s new body package and early-season struggles, Elliott and his team are hitting their stride at the perfect time.
Texas, a 1.5-mile intermediate track, has been Toyota territory in 2026, with the manufacturer racking up dominant performances at venues like Las Vegas and Kansas. Elliott’s win snapped that momentum and gave Chevy its much-needed breakthrough on this configuration.
Championship Contention and Historic Pace
With the victory, Elliott climbed to third in the standings with 409 points, just eight points behind Denny Hamlin for second place. Tyler Reddick continues to lead the way with a commanding 526 points and five wins, but Elliott is now firmly in the conversation for the title.
This marks the quickest Elliott has ever reached two wins in a season. His first win came at Martinsville in late March via a gutsy pit strategy call, and now he’s backed it up with a dominant performance on a high-speed oval.
Consistency has always been Elliott’s calling card; he’s long been a fixture at the front of the pack. Yet, true dominance and multi-win seasons beyond four victories have eluded him in his career.
This year could be different.
Elliott vs. Larson: Shifting Dynamics at Hendrick
Since Kyle Larson joined Hendrick Motorsports, Elliott has often played a supporting role in the organization’s narrative. Larson, the reigning champion entering 2026, brought immense talent and pedigree.
However, the No. 5 team has hit a rough patch, with Larson not capturing a checkered flag in his last 35 attempts, and mired around eighth in points.
Elliott, by contrast, has emerged as the clear flagship for the team.
If Hendrick is to contend for another championship in 2026, the evidence increasingly points toward the No. 9.
Elliott’s ability to lead laps, win stages, and close out races under pressure positions him as the organization’s best shot.
His crew chief Alan Gustafson and the team have adapted well to the new Chevy body, turning early adversity into mid-season momentum.
Elliott’s talent has never been in question.
The 2020 champion has long been regarded as one of the most complete and popular drivers in the garage. What has been missing at times is that extra gear of relentless dominance: stringing together wins, controlling races from flag to flag, and turning good cars into great ones week after week.
The Path Forward: Becoming the Car to Beat
Sunday’s win at Texas represents the first major step. Elliott is once again the car to beat in the Hendrick garage and a legitimate threat on intermediates.
The next phase is clear: he must translate this momentum into clusters of victories. Reddick’s five wins set a high bar, but with 15 races remaining in the regular season, there’s ample opportunity for Elliott to close the gap.
NASCAR’s Chase format rewards consistency and peak performance. Elliott has the resume with multiple top-10 finishes, strong stage points, and now multiple wins.
His history of running up front suggests he has the skill set. The question is whether 2026 is the year he fully breaks through as a serial dominator rather than a consistent contender.
Elliott has navigated through the shadows at times within his own powerhouse team. This victory at Texas, against the grain of Toyota’s intermediate strength, signals a resurgence.
As the series heads into the next stretch, all eyes will be on the No. 9. Can Chase Elliott build on this foundation, pile up wins, and challenge Reddick for the ultimate prize?
The talent has always been there. Now, with Hendrick’s full support and a car clicking on all cylinders, the stage is set for Elliott to prove he can be the dominant force many have long believed him capable of becoming.
Hendrick Motorsports has a rich history of producing champions, and in 2026, their best path forward may well run through the steady, determined hands of Chase Elliott.
Texas was the latest, and perhaps loudest declaration that he’s back on top where he belongs.