The Chicago Street Race penalty rumors: Fact-checking Hendrick Motorsports’ starting positions

NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race has been surrounded by speculation concerning the Hendrick Motorsports team. Rumors circulated that all four HMS cars faced penalties forcing them to start from the rear of the grid. As a motorsport journalist tracking this story, I can confirm that as of July 6, 2025, no credible sources have substantiated these claims.

Let’s separate fact from fiction about one of NASCAR’s premier teams and their status for this challenging street circuit event.

Understanding NASCAR’s technical inspection process

NASCAR’s rigorous technical inspection represents the first battleground of any race weekend. Teams navigate a gauntlet of measurements and compliance checks designed to ensure competitive balance across the field.

How technical violations impact starting positions

When teams fail pre-qualifying or pre-race inspection, the consequences can be severe. Drivers may lose their qualifying times, forcing them to start from the rear regardless of their speed on track. This scenario happens with surprising frequency in the Cup Series as engineers constantly probe the gray areas of the rulebook.

HMS has recently made headlines with William Byron’s contract extension with Hendrick Motorsports through 2029, positioning the organization for long-term stability despite occasional regulatory challenges.

The impact of track position at Chicago

The Chicago Street Race presents unique challenges where starting position carries exceptional value. Unlike ovals where passing zones abound, street circuits confine drivers to narrow racing lines with few overtaking opportunities. A rear-grid penalty would significantly impact race strategy, forcing crews to consider alternative approaches to gain track position.

The team’s commercial strength continues to grow with Phorm Energy’s partnership with Hendrick Motorsports, providing resources to overcome potential setbacks like grid penalties.

Hendrick Motorsports’ current status for Chicago

With Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, William Byron, and Alex Bowman comprising their driver lineup, HMS remains under intense scrutiny from both competitors and officials. However, the rumored penalties forcing all four cars to the rear remain unverified ahead of the Chicago event.

The racing industry continues monitoring the broader competitive landscape, especially with the ongoing NASCAR lawsuit creating background tension for all teams, including Hendrick.

Conclusion

While Hendrick Motorsports operates under the microscope of NASCAR’s technical officials, the claims of Chicago Street Race rear-grid penalties remain unsubstantiated. When tracking NASCAR developments, it’s essential to verify information through official channels before accepting rumors as fact.

The Chicago event will ultimately reveal the true starting positions for all Hendrick cars based on their qualifying performance and compliance with technical regulations. Until then, speculation should be treated with appropriate skepticism.