The History of Hendrick Motorsports
Hendrick Motorsports was founded in 1984 by Rick Hendrick, a NASCAR fan and businessman from North Carolina. Hendrick had always been passionate about racing and had even owned a drag racing team in the 1970s. When he decided to start his own NASCAR team, he brought on Harry Hyde, a legendary crew chief, to lead the team.
In their first season, Hendrick Motorsports fielded two drivers - Geoff Bodine and Tim Richmond - and managed to win three races. Over the years, the team continued to attract top talent and expand its operations. In 1986, they won their first championship with driver Darrell Waltrip. And in 1987, they added a second championship with driver Terry Labonte.
Despite facing some setbacks over the years - including the tragic loss of several team members in a 2004 plane crash - Hendrick Motorsports has continued to thrive. Today, the team is one of the most successful in NASCAR history, with a reputation for excellence and a commitment to innovation that has kept them at the top of their game for over three decades.
Key Figures in Hendrick Motorsports
One of the key factors behind Hendrick Motorsports' success has been the team's ability to attract and retain top talent. From legendary crew chiefs like Ray Evernham and Chad Knaus to world-class drivers like Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson, the team has always had a knack for identifying and cultivating talent.
At the center of it all is Rick Hendrick himself. As the owner of the team, Hendrick has been a driving force behind its success, providing the resources and support needed to build a winning organization. But Hendrick's influence extends far beyond the NASCAR track. He's also the founder of the Hendrick Automotive Group, one of the largest privately-owned dealership groups in the country, with over 100 locations across the United States.
Another key figure in Hendrick Motorsports' success is Jeff Gordon. Gordon joined the team in 1992 and quickly established himself as one of the sport's top drivers. Over the course of his career, he won four championships and 93 races, making him one of the most successful drivers in NASCAR history. Gordon retired from full-time racing in 2015 but remains involved with the team as a commentator and mentor to young drivers.
Hendrick Motorsports' NASCAR Championships
Of course, the ultimate measure of success in NASCAR is championships, and Hendrick Motorsports has plenty of those to its name. As of 2021, the team has won 13 championships in the Cup Series, tied for the most all-time with Petty Enterprises.
The team's first championship came in 1986 with driver Darrell Waltrip, who won three races and edged out Dale Earnhardt for the title. In 1995, Jeff Gordon won his first championship, beginning a dominant run for Hendrick Motorsports that would see them win five championships in a row (1995-1999). Gordon would go on to win four championships total with the team, while Jimmie Johnson would win seven championships in a remarkable run from 2006-2016.
Overall, Hendrick Motorsports has won championships with six different drivers: Waltrip, Gordon, Labonte, Johnson, Chase Elliott, and William Byron. The team's ability to consistently produce championship-caliber drivers and cars is a testament to their commitment to excellence and their unwavering dedication to the sport.
The Current Hendrick Motorsports Roster
As of 2021, Hendrick Motorsports fields four full-time drivers in the Cup Series: Chase Elliott, William Byron, Alex Bowman, and Kyle Larson. Elliott, the son of former Cup Series champion Bill Elliott, joined the team in 2016 and quickly established himself as one of the sport's brightest young stars. In 2020, he won his first Cup Series championship, becoming the third-youngest driver ever to do so.
Byron, meanwhile, joined Hendrick Motorsports in 2018 as part of the team's driver development program. He won his first Cup Series race in 2019 and has shown steady improvement over the past few years. Bowman, who took over the No. 88 car after Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s retirement in 2017, has also had success with the team, winning his first Cup Series race in 2019.
Perhaps the most interesting addition to the Hendrick Motorsports roster in 2021 is Kyle Larson. Larson was suspended from NASCAR in 2020 for using a racial slur during an online race, but he was reinstated in early 2021 and quickly signed with Hendrick Motorsports. Larson has shown incredible talent on the track over the years, and many believe that he has the potential to be one of the sport's top drivers.
Hendrick Motorsports' Impact on NASCAR
Over the years, Hendrick Motorsports has had a significant impact on NASCAR as a whole. The team's success has helped to raise the profile of the sport and attract new fans, while its commitment to innovation has helped to push the sport forward in terms of technology and safety.
One of the most notable examples of Hendrick Motorsports' impact on NASCAR is the development of the "Car of Tomorrow." In the mid-2000s, NASCAR began work on a new car design that would be safer and more cost-effective than the existing cars. Hendrick Motorsports played a key role in the development of the new car, providing valuable input and testing the prototypes in the early stages. Today, the "Car of Tomorrow" is the standard design for NASCAR Cup Series cars.
Hendrick Motorsports has also been at the forefront of the sport's move towards more sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices. In 2019, the team became the first in NASCAR to install a large-scale solar array at its headquarters in North Carolina. The array generates enough electricity to power the team's entire campus, making it one of the largest solar installations in the state.
Hendrick Motorsports' Community Involvement and Philanthropy
Beyond their success on the track, Hendrick Motorsports is also known for its commitment to giving back to the community. The team has a long history of philanthropy, supporting a wide range of charitable causes and organizations.
One of the team's most notable philanthropic efforts is the Hendrick Marrow Program. Founded in 1997, the program aims to increase awareness of the importance of bone marrow donation and encourage more people to become donors. To date, the program has facilitated over 300 bone marrow transplants and helped to save countless lives.
Hendrick Motorsports is also involved in a number of other charitable initiatives, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Levine Children's Hospital, and the NASCAR Foundation. The team's commitment to giving back to the community is a testament to their values and their belief in the importance of making a positive impact in the world.
The Hendrick Automotive Group
While Hendrick Motorsports is undoubtedly the crown jewel of Rick Hendrick's racing empire, it's just one part of a much larger organization. Hendrick is also the founder of the Hendrick Automotive Group, one of the largest privately-owned dealership groups in the country.
The Hendrick Automotive Group was founded in 1976 and has since grown to include over 100 locations across the United States. The group represents over 30 different automotive brands, including Chevrolet, BMW, Toyota, and Mercedes-Benz. In addition to its dealership operations, the Hendrick Automotive Group is also involved in a number of other businesses, including Hendrick Racing Stables, a thoroughbred racing stable based in Kentucky.
Future of Hendrick Motorsports
So what's next for Hendrick Motorsports? As of 2021, the team is firing on all cylinders, with a talented roster of drivers and a commitment to innovation and excellence that shows no signs of slowing down. With the addition of Kyle Larson, the team has even more potential to dominate on the track.
Looking ahead, there are sure to be challenges and obstacles for Hendrick Motorsports to overcome. But if their history is any indication, the team will continue to thrive and push the boundaries of what's possible in NASCAR. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, there's no denying the impact that Hendrick Motorsports has had on the sport - and the legacy that they will leave behind for years to come.
