Only a little over a week after Acronis announced a multi-year partnership with 12-time NASCAR Cup Series champions Hendrick Motorsports, the team had three drivers in the Top 5 at Dover International Speedway.
And it was multiple champion Jimmie Johnson who led the charge for Hendrick, finishing in third for Sunday’s 311-mile race and leading home teammates William Byron and Alex Bowman, who an impressive fourth and fifth respectively.
Perhaps the new partnership was a lucky omen for the team, as Byron’s fourth-place result marked his first top-five of the year and now puts him four points above the playoff line.
“It’s good to be on the ‘good side,” said Byron in his team’s post-race presser. “What’s better is there’s two or three guys within reach – really, two spots up for grabs. I hope Jimmie and I can both get those spots next week.
“I’m happy with what we did overnight. To go from four laps down (in 28th) to finishing in the top five is something to be said.”
Most striking was the livery debut of Bowman’s #88 Acronis Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE, as he surged from the rear of the field in a back-up car to record a Top 5 finish.
So proud of my 88 guys and everyone @teamhendrick. We had a fast @acronis Chevy today! A step in the right direction 🤘🏼 pic.twitter.com/5V38K9gWpm
— Alex Bowman (@AlexBowman88) August 24, 2020