Rick Hendrick‘s lasting influence on Jimmie Johnson has played a pivotal role in shaping Johnson’s career—from his first NASCAR breaks all the way to his most recent decisions regarding Carvana and his team’s switch to Toyota. This story traces how a single ride-along with NASCAR royalty set the foundation for seven Cup Championships and eventual team ownership, with Johnson consistently reflecting on the mentorship and support he received from Rick Hendrick.
In 2000, an ordinary trip home after an Xfinity race changed everything for Johnson. What started as a simple invitation from Ricky Hendrick to catch a ride turned into a life-altering encounter with Rick Hendrick and his wife. Initially nervous, Johnson found himself welcomed and sharing a meal, an experience that would foreshadow the deep connection and ultimate legacy the two would establish in NASCAR.
Johnson’s gratitude for this chance encounter shines through to this day. While speaking about that moment, Johnson remembered,
Are you kidding me? Why didn’t you guys leave?
—Jimmie Johnson, Driver. That trip marked the beginning of an enduring relationship built on mutual respect and family values, guiding Johnson through the highest ranks of motorsports.
Carvana’s Support and Johnson’s Race to Reinvention
As Johnson’s NASCAR career with Hendrick Motorsports began to wind down, Carvana emerged as a vital partner during his transition to new opportunities. Carvana remained a steadfast sponsor as Johnson chased his dream of racing in IndyCar, drawing inspiration from legends he admired in his youth. According to Johnson,
I recall watching my heroes take their helmet and race any car anywhere in the world. Today’s racing is much different, and championships are the focus, but for me to move around and enjoy some IndyCar, maybe sports car racing at this point in my career, really comes from watching my heroes doing it.
—Jimmie Johnson, Driver.
The partnership drew attention, as Carvana’s presence in automotive retail was viewed as competitive with Rick Hendrick’s own business interests. Yet, Johnson handled the shift thoughtfully, choosing to have an honest conversation with Rick Hendrick. When asked whether he sought permission for this career pivot, Johnson recalled,
I went and sat down with him. Went and asked him if it was a problem, and he’s like, I’m not going to hold you back, you know. Of course, I’d rather you be in our colors, and mind you, I’m just walking away from an opportunity that he didn’t want me to leave. He’s like, look, you can stay in the 48, and I just, I don’t know, I was just ready to do something different and move on, as difficult as that was. So yeah, I sat with him face to face and he’s like, ‘I’m not holding you back’.
—Jimmie Johnson, Driver.
This open communication further demonstrated the depth of their relationship and Johnson’s loyalty, as he sought Rick Hendrick’s blessing before pursuing the next chapter in motorsports. Despite moving on, Johnson’s gratitude was unmistakable and reciprocated. Hendrick himself stated,
I don’t know how to thank you, buddy, for being a champion and the leader and friend and everything you’ve meant to this company. You’ve given us all these championships and done some unbelievable things. We’ll always be grateful. And we’ll always be appreciative. And, I’ve got your number!
—Rick Hendrick, Team Owner.
Legacy Motor Club: A New Chapter, Familiar Foundations
Jimmie Johnson’s return to NASCAR as an owner through Legacy Motor Club (LMC) marked another significant turn in his ongoing journey. While some fans questioned the shift from Chevrolet to Toyota, especially given Johnson’s deep ties to Hendrick Motorsports, it became clear that Johnson was channeling what he learned under Rick Hendrick into building LMC from the ground up.
Rick Hendrick, proud of Johnson’s determination, commented at the start of the season,
I know Jimmie Johnson well enough that, when he puts his mind to it, he’s going to work his butt off. And he’s done an exceptional job. He’s gone about it the right way. He built it a brick at a time. You try to get your base right, and you can grow it. Jimmie’s a leader, and his work ethic is so good. He will be a force in the sport because he will surround himself with good people. And he’s articulate. He will be able to bring in good sponsors. I’m real proud of him.
—Rick Hendrick, Team Owner.
Johnson, ever the student of strong organizations, described the philosophy he brought to his new team,
I’ve been able to thrive in a system that’s a lot like family. That element really teaches you just how important people are—how much teamwork matters, and everything that comes with it. But beyond that, the work ethic and dedication, such an integral part of Hendrick Motorsports. It’s built into the place.
—Jimmie Johnson, Team Owner.
With Carvana’s support, Johnson brought these ideals to his team, focusing on teamwork, humility, and strategic hiring. His vision was to construct a lasting organization reminiscent of what he experienced at Hendrick Motorsports, cementing Rick Hendrick’s lasting influence on Jimmie Johnson throughout this pivotal period.
Leadership, Talent, and the LMC Transformation Under Johnson
As Johnson took on a greater ownership role alongside Maury Gallagher, Legacy Motor Club quickly drew interest from across the NASCAR community. The team’s second year with Toyota saw significant performance increases, with John Hunter Nemechek and Erik Jones consistently finishing among the top contenders, a testament to the team’s renewed energy and sharp talent acquisition.
Longtime competitor Dale Earnhardt Jr. weighed in with high praise for Johnson’s efforts and the early results at LMC.
I would say, similar to Kaulig, Legacy Motor Club has made a massive gain, and I think that gain has happened during the season, not so much the offseason. Jimmie Johnson is now the majority owner of that team. We saw a ton of interesting hires over there the last six months. Jimmie is retooling that organization.
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Analyst.
Johnson’s deliberate leadership style, directly shaped by his time under Rick Hendrick’s management, has helped LMC become more competitive. As Earnhardt Jr. further observed,
He made it work, and it’s really impressive because Jimmie is spread thin as a human. He’s all over the place, but he’s plugged in enough to understand to put the right people in the right places to succeed in every department, going in the right direction, and it’s starting to show up on the racetrack. It’s fascinating. Incredible job.
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Analyst.
By being hands-on, Johnson provides part-time driving insights, nurtures emerging talent, and fosters a culture of teamwork reminiscent of what made him successful as a driver at Hendrick Motorsports. His ability to identify and empower new talent has turned LMC from a mid-tier competitor into a true contender.
A Legacy of Loyalty and Forward-Thinking in NASCAR
Questions remain about whether Jimmie Johnson’s shift from Chevrolet to Toyota and the introduction of new sponsors upset old alliances, or if these were simply shrewd business decisions. For Johnson, there’s no hiding his ongoing respect and appreciation for Rick Hendrick’s pivotal role in his life and career. Every major move Johnson has made—whether it’s transitioning to IndyCar, launching Legacy Motor Club, or taking bold business risks with Toyota and Carvana—traces back to the principles, values, and camaraderie instilled by Hendrick Motorsports.
With the energetic support of figures like Dale Earnhardt Jr., a proven formula for building winning teams, and the enduring belief of key sponsors like Carvana, Johnson continues to cement his status as an influential leader within NASCAR. The path ahead for Legacy Motor Club is bright, grounded in the same combination of loyalty, innovation, and grit that originated during that fateful ride-along so many years ago.
The future may hold more change for Jimmie Johnson, but the guiding influence of Rick Hendrick and a philosophy focused on unity and perseverance remain at the heart of everything he does—proving the impact a true mentor and friend can leave on the world of motorsports.
