From Humble Beginnings to Triumph: Rick Hendrick's Legacy

The Life Story of Rick Hendrick

Among trending sports, racing holds a place in the hearts of many connoisseurs. Rick Hendrick is one of those people. A former racer and a businessperson, Hendrick is known mostly for his ownership of Hendrick Motorsports. While his career may not have spanned over that many years, he gained a lot of prominence as an entrepreneur.

A person who knows the value of working hard and with the determination of a leader, Hendrick set many records. His passion for cars began at an early age, and ever since, he knew he wanted to make it big.

In this article, we will learn more about Rick Hendrick and how he became such a prominent person in history.

Early Life and Background

Rick Hendrick was born on July 12, 1949, as Joseph Riddick Hendrick the third, his birthplace in Warrenton, North Carolina. His parents, Joseph and Mary, raised Rick and John, his brother, on a farm. Rick and John would spend most of their childhood in Palmer Springs, Virginia.

When Rick was only 14, he started building a 1931 Chevrolet, which he would use for drag racing. Two years later, when he was 16, he won the Virginia division of the Chrysler-Plymouth Troubleshooting Contest.

Hendrick went to school at the Park View High School of Virginia. Originally, he wanted a baseball career, as he was passionate about the sport. However, after careful consideration, he enrolled in a co-op study program after he graduated. The North Carolina State University and the Westinghouse Electric Company offered the program. This program would give him a start in the automotive industry.

Founding and Building Hendrick Motorsports

In 1984, Hendrick would lay the foundations of the team that would bring him glory: All-Star Racing. Later on, that team would be renamed Hendrick Motorsports. Originally, the company only had five employees on a full-time schedule and only 5,000 square meters to work with. With that setup, Hendrick led a team for the NASCAR Winston Cup.

One driver from the team was Geoff Badine, which allowed All-Star Racing to race through all 30 races of the Winston Cup. Badine finished ninth, having three pole positions, and won in the final standing.

“Perseverance: Try and try again until the goal is achieved. Never give up.” ~ Rick Hendrick

Hendrick Motorsport won championships four years in a row: 1995, 1996, 1997, and 1998. He also won one more championship in 2001. As the group leader, Rick owned several race cars, including Jeff Gordon’s Nextel Cup cars.

He acquired several notable drivers at Hendrick Motorsports, such as Terry Labonte, Kyle Busch, Brian Vickers, and Jimmie Johnson. With Hendrick growing increasingly into a powerhouse team, they gained over 140 NEXTEL Cups.

Business Ventures and Automotive Dealerships

Aside from his involvement with Hendrick Motorsports, Hendrick also had several business ventures. After finishing his co-op program, he partnered with Mike Leith and launched Hendrick Automotive Group. The venture operated as a used car lot.

The racer later became United States’ youngest Chevrolet dealer. This happened after he sold his assets and bought another franchise in South Carolina (specifically, in Bennettsville).

Hendrick also established a drag boat racing team, which would set the record for the highest speed achieved in the world. He won three championships in a row with that team.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Rick would meet the woman that would become his wife, Linda, at an ice cream parlor. The two have two children together, Lynn and Ricky. Ricky shared his father’s passion for racing cars, but he tragically lost his life in a plane crash in 2004. Nine more people died in that crash, including John, Rick’s brother, and two of John’s nieces.

As for charity, Hendrick and Linda founded the Hendrick Marrow Program to raise money for people struggling with leukemia. They used the money to add potential donors to the Be the Match Foundation and help patients cover the transplant costs not provided by insurance.

Hendrick donated to Charlotte’s Levin Children’s Hospital and the Hendrick Foundation for Children. His late brother founded the latter in 2004, the same year he passed away. Hendrick continued supporting the foundation in his memory.

In 2016, Hendrick and Linda laid the grounds for the Hendrick Family Foundation, his previous Hendrick Marrow Program becoming a part of it. Since its inception, the program has raised more than $15 million.

Triumphs and Tragedies

Throughout his career, Hendrick enjoyed numerous triumphs. As a race car driver, he competed in three NASCAR series: the Sprint Cup Series, the Champion World Truck Series, and the Nationwide Series.

As a team owner, Rick got 16 driver championships, 290 pole positions, and 345 race wins with JR Motorsports and Hendrick Motorsports. Many see him as the most successful team owner of NASCAR.

On the other hand, Hendrick went through some tragedies of his own.

He faced heartbreak when he lost his son. In 2011, Hendrick and his wife were involved in a plane crash at the Key West International Airport. Although Linda only suffered minor injuries, Hendrick endured three broken ribs and a fractured clavicle.

In 1996, Hendrick received a diagnosis of chronic myelogenous leukemia, which he underwent treatment for and entered remission in 1999. In 1997, Hendrick pleaded guilty to bribery and mail fraud.

Consequently, he was placed under home confinement for a year, paid a two hundred and fifty thousand dollar fine, and put on three years of probation. Eventually, he obtained a pardon from President Clinton for his offense.

This occurred because Honda cars were highly regarded for racing in the 1980s, leading to a high demand for them. Consequently, it is alleged that Honda executives would request bribes from dealerships in exchange for larger product allocations. Hendrick admitted to providing hundreds of thousands of dollars, houses, and BMWs to the Honda executives.

Legacy and Impact

During his career, Hendrick left a strong impact on the automotive industry. He turned his passion for automobiles into a business venture and became a billionaire. He created a culture built on strong core values: teamwork, respect, trust, and integrity.

Many tried to follow in his footsteps as his team succeeded in NASCAR. Hendrick believed in continuous improvement but also knew that, eventually, he would need to pass the torch. This is why he mentored numerous NASCAR drivers to do what he did best.

Conclusion

Throughout his career, Rick Hendrick gained numerous accomplishments. He was a driver, taking his passion for cars on the tracks. After that, he became a team owner, mentoring other drivers to give it their best.

His career may have had its ups and downs, especially regarding the law. However, his success as a racer and team owner inspired numerous people. As a person who started his career by building his own Chevy, Hendrick became a major success.

Key Points

Rick Hendrick is a former racer and prominent entrepreneur known for owning Hendrick Motorsports.
He developed a passion for cars at an early age and started drag racing at 14.
Hendrick founded All-Star Racing, later renamed Hendrick Motorsports, in 1984.
He achieved great success in NASCAR, winning championships and acquiring notable drivers.
Apart from racing, Hendrick ventured into business, establishing the Hendrick Automotive Group and becoming a Chevrolet dealer.
He also had a successful drag boat racing team and engaged in philanthropy, particularly leukemia research and children’s hospitals.
Hendrick experienced personal tragedies, including the loss of his son in a plane crash.
He faced legal issues, including a bribery and mail fraud conviction, for which he obtained a pardon.
Hendrick’s legacy includes his impact on the automotive industry, his strong core values, and his mentoring of future NASCAR drivers.
Despite ups and downs, Hendrick’s career inspired many, from building his own Chevy to becoming a billionaire.

Rick Hendrick

1949:

Rick Hendrick is born as Joseph Riddick Hendrick III on July 12, in Warrenton, North Carolina.

1963:

At the age of 14, Hendrick starts building a 1931 Chevrolet for drag racing.

1965:

Hendrick wins the Virginia division of the Chrysler-Plymouth Troubleshooting Contest at the age of 16.

1967:

Hendrick graduates from Park View High School in Virginia and enrolls in a co-op study program offered by North Carolina State University and Westinghouse Electric Company.

1984:

Hendrick founds All-Star Racing, which later becomes Hendrick Motorsports, with five employees and limited resources.

1995-1998:

Hendrick Motorsports wins four consecutive championships in NASCAR Winston Cup.

1996:

Hendrick is diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia, underwent treatment, and enters remission in 1999.

1997:

Hendrick pleads guilty to bribery and mail fraud, leading to home confinement, probation, and a fine.

2001:

Hendrick Motorsports wins another championship.

2004:

Rick Hendrick’s son Ricky and other family members die in a plane crash.

2016:

Hendrick and his wife Linda establish the Hendrick Family Foundation, incorporating the Hendrick Marrow Program.

2011:

Hendrick and his wife are involved in a plane crash, resulting in injuries for Hendrick.

Legacy and Impact:

Hendrick leaves a strong impact on the automotive industry, becomes a billionaire, and builds a successful team in NASCAR. He mentors numerous drivers and creates a culture based on teamwork, respect, trust, and integrity.

Life Lessons

From the life story of Rick Hendrick, we can draw several teachable lessons:

The Importance of Passion and Early Dedication: Rick’s love for cars started at a young age and helped him build a successful career in the automotive industry. This shows that passion is a powerful driver of success, and pursuing interest from an early age can provide a solid foundation for future endeavors.
Value of Hard Work and Leadership: Rick demonstrated exceptional determination and leadership skills in setting up and leading Hendrick Motorsports, eventually making it a dominant force in NASCAR. It underlines the importance of working hard, staying determined, and leading effectively to achieve success.
Persistence Through Challenges: Despite numerous personal and professional challenges, including legal troubles and serious health issues, Hendrick persevered and succeeded. This highlights the importance of resilience and the ability to overcome adversities.
Embracing Continuous Improvement: Hendrick’s commitment to continual improvement and innovation in his racing team and his businesses is a key lesson in any field. It demonstrates the need for continuous learning, growth, and adaptation to stay competitive and successful.
Contributions to Society: Despite his success, Hendrick didn’t lose sight of his social responsibilities. His philanthropic endeavors, including the Hendrick Marrow Program and the Hendrick Family Foundation, show the importance of giving back to society and using one’s resources to make a difference in the lives of others.
The Role of Mentorship: Hendrick’s work in training and mentoring other NASCAR drivers reflects the value of mentorship in professional development. It shows how experienced individuals can significantly contribute to the growth and success of others.
Dealing with Loss and Tragedy: Hendrick faced significant personal loss, including the death of his son and brother. His resilience in the face of these tragedies is a powerful lesson in coping with grief and loss.
Ethics and Integrity: Rick’s legal issues and eventual conviction warn about the importance of maintaining ethical standards in business dealings. It’s a reminder that success should never compromise integrity.

These lessons from Rick Hendrick’s life provide valuable insights into passion, perseverance, leadership, social responsibility, mentorship, coping with loss, and ethical conduct.

Facts

Rick Hendrick was born on July 12, 1949, in Warrenton, North Carolina.
Rick Hendrick started building a 1931 Chevrolet for drag racing when he was 14 years old.
At the age of 16, Rick Hendrick won the Virginia division of the Chrysler-Plymouth Troubleshooting Contest.
Rick Hendrick attended Park View High School in Virginia.
Rick Hendrick founded All-Star Racing in 1984, which later became Hendrick Motorsports.
Hendrick Motorsport won championships in 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, and 2001.
Rick Hendrick owned several race cars, including Jeff Gordon’s Nextel Cup cars.
Rick Hendrick acquired notable drivers such as Terry Labonte, Kyle Busch, Brian Vickers, and Jimmie Johnson for Hendrick Motorsports.
Hendrick Motorsports has won over 140 NEXTEL Cups.
Rick Hendrick partnered with Mike Leith and launched Hendrick Automotive Group, a used car lot.
Rick Hendrick became the youngest Chevrolet dealer in the United States.
Rick Hendrick established a drag boat racing team and won three championships.
Rick Hendrick met his wife Linda at an ice cream parlor, and they have two children together.
Rick Hendrick’s son Ricky tragically lost his life in a plane crash in 2004.
Rick and Linda Hendrick founded the Hendrick Marrow Program to raise money for people with leukemia.
Hendrick donated to Charlotte’s Levin Children’s Hospital and the Hendrick Foundation for Children.
Rick Hendrick competed in three NASCAR series as a race car driver: the Sprint Cup Series, the Champion World Truck Series, and the Nationwide Series.
Rick Hendrick has achieved 16 driver championships, 290 pole positions, and 345 race wins as a team owner.
Rick Hendrick was involved in a plane crash in 2011, suffering injuries including three broken ribs and a fractured clavicle.
Rick Hendrick was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia in 1996 and entered remission in 1999.
Rick Hendrick pleaded guilty to bribery and mail fraud in 1997 and received a pardon from President Clinton.
Rick Hendrick built a successful automotive business and became a billionaire.
Rick Hendrick created a culture of teamwork, respect, trust, and integrity in his business ventures.
Rick Hendrick mentored numerous NASCAR drivers throughout his career.
Rick Hendrick started his career by building his own Chevy, which became a major success.

Questions and Answers

The information in this post answers many of the questions about Rick Hendrick. In addition, this section provides a summary and any further information.

Who is Rick Hendrick?
- Rick Hendrick is a former racer and a businessperson, most notably known for his ownership of Hendrick Motorsports.
When and where was Rick Hendrick born?
- Rick Hendrick was born on July 12, 1949, in Warrenton, North Carolina.
What sparked Rick Hendrick’s passion for cars?
- Rick’s passion for cars started at a young age when he began building a 1931 Chevrolet for drag racing at the age of 14.
What was the first notable achievement of Rick in the world of racing?
- When he was 16, Rick Hendrick won the Virginia division of the Chrysler-Plymouth Troubleshooting Contest.
When was Hendrick Motorsports founded?
- Hendrick Motorsports, originally named All-Star Racing, was founded by Rick Hendrick in 1984.
How many NEXTEL Cups has Hendrick Motorsports won?
- Hendrick Motorsports has won over 140 NEXTEL Cups.
What is the Hendrick Automotive Group?
- After finishing his co-op program, Rick Hendrick partnered with Mike Leith to launch the Hendrick Automotive Group, which originally operated as a used car lot.
What significant loss did Rick Hendrick suffer in 2004?
- In 2004, Rick Hendrick tragically lost his son, Ricky, his brother John, and two of John’s nieces in a plane crash.
What philanthropic works has Rick Hendrick been involved in?
- Rick Hendrick and his wife Linda founded the Hendrick Marrow Program, the Hendrick Foundation for Children, and the Hendrick Family Foundation. These initiatives have raised millions of dollars for causes like leukemia and children’s welfare.
What are some of the triumphs and tragedies of Rick Hendrick’s career?

Rick Hendrick enjoyed a highly successful career as a race car driver and team owner, winning numerous championships and races. He also faced tragedies, including the loss of his son in a plane crash and his own battle with chronic myelogenous leukemia.

What legal issues did Rick Hendrick face?

In 1997, Rick Hendrick pleaded guilty to bribery and mail fraud, for which he was placed under home confinement for a year, paid a hefty fine, and put on probation. He later obtained a pardon from President Clinton for this offense.

What is Rick Hendrick’s legacy in the automotive industry?

Rick Hendrick significantly impacted the automotive industry, turning his passion into a successful business and creating a culture based on strong core values. He has inspired many people and mentored numerous NASCAR drivers.

You Can View More Biographies Like This by Clicking or Tapping Here.

Image Attribution:

commons.wikimedia.org