Denny Hamlin on Ray Hendrick NASCAR Hall of Fame has become a significant talking point as Hamlin, a key Joe Gibbs Racing driver, recently expressed his deep personal and professional admiration for Hendrick. Both racers come from Virginia, a region recognized for its strong roots in short-track racing, and Hamlin openly recalled idolizing the legendary modified stock car driver during his youth.
Hendrick, often called ‘Mr. Modified,’ established a remarkable reputation within the sport, dominating the modified circuits with over 700 career wins, most of which were achieved in modified competition. He continues to hold the all-time wins record at Martinsville Speedway, capturing 20 victories between 1963 and 1975, an unmatched accomplishment that has solidified his enduring legacy in Virginia racing history.
In 1998, Ray Hendrick was honored by being named one of NASCAR’s 50 greatest drivers. His family’s racing passion continued with his son, Roy Lee Hendrick, who celebrated his own success by winning a track championship at Southside Speedway—a venue that Denny Hamlin himself considers foundational in his early racing career. As a tribute to the Hendrick family’s influence, Hamlin’s own racing number pays homage to the renowned ‘Flying 11,’ a number associated closely with Ray and his son Roy Lee, symbolizing their lasting mark on the racing community.
Ray Hendrick’s Enduring Hall of Fame Nomination
For a second year in a row, Ray Hendrick appears on the ballot for induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, following a previous nomination that occurred not long before the passing of his son. Reflecting on Hendrick’s qualifications for this prestigious recognition, Hamlin emphasized the significance of the family’s contributions and Hendrick’s dominance in short track racing.
“I knew his son more more so than than anyone else. From watching him, he was one of the guys that I kind of really idolized growing up….I’ve got to meet his family and whatnot, and so it’s just a really historic family and they’ve been in the racing industry for generations now….The Flying 11 was something that was so iconic for so long. The time Ray showed up, he was just the guy to beat when it came to short track racing.”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
Adding to his accolades, Hendrick was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2007, and later recognized by the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in 2012, further cementing his reputation across multiple levels of competition and regions.
Denny Hamlin Pays Tribute with Historic ‘Flying 11’ Victory at Darlington
In 2017, Denny Hamlin honored Ray Hendrick’s enduring influence by driving a throwback paint scheme featuring the iconic ‘Flying 11’ during the Bojangles’ Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. Piloting the No. 11 Toyota Camry, Hamlin executed a commanding performance, leading 313 out of 367 laps to secure a memorable win. The tribute was deeply personal, reflecting both Hamlin’s admiration for Hendrick and his ties to the legendary driver’s family.
“That’s as hard as I can drive. What can I say — it’s the ‘Flying 11.’ It means everything to me. I mean, as far as I’m concerned, this is a throwback to my history – this is for Ray Hendrick, Bugs Hairfield, Wayne Patterson, Eddie Johnson, the short track guys that I grew up watching,”
Denny Hamlin said via NASCAR. —Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
The victory marked Hamlin’s second win of the 2017 Cup season and his second career triumph at Darlington, further elevating the connection between his own journey and that of the Hendrick racing legacy.
Legacy’s Lasting Significance in NASCAR History
Ray Hendrick’s influence continues to resonate through the sport, with upcoming Hall of Fame consideration bringing renewed attention to a driver whose records and racing spirit shaped the careers of figures like Denny Hamlin. As the racing community awaits this year’s Hall of Fame inductee announcement, Hendrick’s unmatched achievements, family legacy, and lasting presence in the hearts of Virginians underscore why his impact remains undiminished among fans, drivers, and industry leaders alike.
