Rick Hendrick and Dale Earnhardt Jr.: Shaping NASCAR’s Next Generation

For years, Rick Hendrick and Dale Earnhardt Jr. have been instrumental in developing the future of NASCAR. From legends like Jeff Gordon to rising stars such as Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) has built a legacy of cultivating top-tier talent. Similarly, Dale Jr.’s JR Motorsports (JRM) has helped launch the careers of drivers like William Byron. With JRM affiliated with HMS since 2008, the rivalry now extends beyond the track—it’s a race to determine who will be NASCAR’s next superstar.

One of the brightest young talents in this competition is Connor Zilisch, an 18-year-old prodigy mentored by Dale Earnhardt Jr. With his undeniable skill, Zilisch is turning heads. However, William Byron, Dale Jr.’s 2016 protégé, has already made his mark and continues to solidify his status as a generational talent. As Zilisch rises through the ranks, the question remains: Can he step out of Byron’s shadow and carve his own legacy?

Is Connor Zilisch NASCAR’s Next Big Star?

At just 18, Connor Zilisch is already being touted as the sport’s next superstar. Experts, including analyst Holly Cain, believe in his potential. “I think he is going to be our next great star in the sport,” Cain remarked. Zilisch has displayed remarkable versatility, excelling in multiple racing disciplines and making an impact in endurance events like the 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona, which he won on his first attempt.

His adaptability extends to the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where he won his debut race at Watkins Glen before turning 18. Analyst Shane Connuck praised his performance, stating, “He’s impressed in the 24 Hours at Daytona. He’s impressed in NASCAR Cars. He’s impressed in the Xfinity race on Saturday.”

However, William Byron, who also came through Dale Jr.’s system, is already a dominant force in the Cup Series. In 2023, he secured six victories, led the most laps of any driver, and finished third in the championship standings. His 2025 season started with a Daytona 500 win, followed by a strong run at Atlanta and a second-place finish at the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix. With such a rapid ascent, can Zilisch establish himself as a future Cup champion, or will Byron’s success overshadow him?

Zilisch vs. Byron: The Marketing Factor

Beyond racing skills, marketability plays a crucial role in NASCAR stardom. Zilisch already has a strong social media presence and exudes the confidence of a future superstar. “He has the superstar mindset clearly already,” Connuck observed. Meanwhile, Byron has become a cornerstone of Hendrick Motorsports’ long-term plans. If Zilisch continues delivering on track, his growing popularity could open doors to elite sponsorships and top-tier opportunities.

With support from Trackhouse Racing and JR Motorsports, Zilisch has a promising career trajectory. However, with Byron already established as Hendrick’s top contender, Zilisch must prove that he’s not just hype but a true championship threat.

Why HMS Wins Either Way

Looking back to 2008, HMS strategically moved its #5 Chevy team to JR Motorsports. This transition involved eight drivers, including Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr., and secured four primary sponsors in its first year. This was no ordinary business move—it was a calculated effort by Rick Hendrick to expand his influence while adhering to NASCAR’s four-car limit rule.

Rick Hendrick’s decision to take an ownership stake in JRM was also deeply personal. He shared a close bond with Dale Earnhardt Sr., and their friendship extended to their sons, Ricky Hendrick and Dale Jr. However, both tragically lost their lives—Dale Sr. in a 2001 crash at Daytona and Ricky in a 2004 plane crash. Their losses strengthened the bond between Rick and Dale Jr., and when the time came, Hendrick placed his trust in Dale Jr. to lead JRM.

When Kyle Larson joined HMS in 2020, the #5 team returned to the Cup Series, but Hendrick retained his JRM stake. He knows Dale Jr. will continue to develop top-tier talent. Whether it’s Byron or Zilisch who emerges as the next champion, HMS stands to benefit, reinforcing the alliance between Hendrick and Earnhardt’s legacy.

A New Generation Takes Over NASCAR

While the spotlight shines on Byron and Zilisch, they are not the only young drivers shaping the sport’s future. Rising stars like Sammy Smith and Carson Hocevar are also making waves, proving that NASCAR’s landscape is evolving rapidly. These drivers bring aggressive racing styles, adaptability across different series, and a keen understanding of social media, making them the faces of NASCAR’s next era.

Five years from now, these young talents will likely be battling for championships, elevating the sport to new heights. With Daytona viewership poised to soar, the excitement is only beginning. The future of NASCAR is in good hands, and fans can expect thrilling rivalries for years to come.