The 2016 Xfinity Series champion from Monterrey, Mexico, is set to reach a milestone start in his sixth full-time season within NASCAR's three major division series.
The reigning three-time Daytona 500 champion was awarded the top starting spot for this weekend's Playoff event at the Charlotte Roval following last weekend's victory at Talladega.
A pair of youngsters rallied from an early multi-car wreck and their share of on-track challenges to post top-15 results at Talladega and keep their championship hopes alive.
The three-time Daytona 500 champion prevailed in a wild, controversial finish to win at Talladega and race his way into the Round of 8 in the 2020 Cup Playoffs.
The Winamac, Indiana, native stormed to the lead with two laps remaining before notching up another superspeedway victory of this season and keeping his title hopes alive.
Hendrick Motorsports enters the 2026 season coming off its NASCAR Cup Series record 15th championship. It is also the all-time leader in wins (320), poles (259), top fives (1,322), top 10s (2,260) and laps led (85,367).
Four-time IndyCar champion and current FIA World Endurance Championship driver Sebastien Bourdais (No. 38 McCumbee McAleer Racing) will compete as a guest driver in the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin doubleheader at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
