Rick Hendrick continues to demonstrate unwavering commitment to Hendrick Motorsports, cementing his status as a pillar of Rick Hendrick NASCAR leadership. Despite recent health challenges, including knee surgery earlier this year, Hendrick remains at the center of decision-making and team dynamics as his organization prepares for the season finale in Phoenix.
Since founding Hendrick Motorsports in 1984, Rick Hendrick has developed the team into a dominant force in international motorsports. At 76 years old, his devotion to racing and involvement in daily operations stands out, especially as he manages both the racing team and a large network of automotive dealerships. Ahead of the final race of the season, Hendrick addressed concerns about his health and reiterated his determination to stay active within his organization.
Balancing Health and Active Management
After undergoing knee replacement surgery in March 2024, Hendrick expected to resume his normal routine within six weeks, but lingering issues with his leg have limited his physical presence at races. Despite these setbacks, he refuses to relinquish responsibility or step back in favor of letting younger leaders fully take over.
Hendrick discussed his current role, stating,
I think my job is during the week and when the crew chiefs are back here… knowing what they need. I’m trying to run a hundred dealerships. I’ve also had an operation on my leg. But I do have the ability to listen to every guy and to monitor what’s going on and be the Monday morning quarterback, why did you do this, why did you do that, you know.
— Rick Hendrick, Team Owner
He emphasized that while he places great trust in his team, his personal involvement adds to his sense of fulfillment and control. Hendrick remarked,
I’m so confident in the group we have and the way they execute. You’ve got to know your place, you know? I love to go to all the races, but then there are some times that I just can’t make it.
— Rick Hendrick, Team Owner
To remain informed and engaged, Hendrick relies heavily on communication with his staff, particularly team Vice Chairman Jeff Gordon. He admitted,
I’ve really enjoyed wearing Jeff out on the phone,
— Rick Hendrick, Team Owner, referencing his frequent calls to make up for not being physically present at every track.
Strong Bonds and High Expectations with Jeff Gordon
The close rapport between Rick Hendrick and Jeff Gordon is considered one of the team’s greatest strengths. Gordon, a multi-time champion driver who transitioned into leadership as Vice Chairman, often serves as Hendrick’s direct link to the action during races when Hendrick is unable to attend in person.
This partnership, akin to a father-son relationship, came into the spotlight during a recent press event when both leaders recalled a miscommunication after a winning race. It is a tradition for Hendrick to speak directly to the winning drivers, and one incident affected him deeply when this exchange did not take place.
Gordon recounted the situation by saying,
I said, I am so sorry, Boss. I said something about, I just wasn’t in position. He said, That’s not true. I saw you on TV. The camera was showing you. You were standing right there. You just didn’t give him the phone [laughter].
— Jeff Gordon, Vice Chairman
The anecdote highlights Hendrick’s high standards and emotional investment in every race and interaction, underscoring why the team’s performance remains among the elite in NASCAR.
Looking Ahead: Leadership Through Adversity
Rick Hendrick’s persistent involvement, even when faced with mobility challenges, continues to inspire both the crew and fans of motorsports. His ongoing partnership with leaders like Jeff Gordon ensures that Hendrick Motorsports retains a winning edge, blending experience with innovation on and off the track.
As the organization approaches the season finale in Phoenix, Hendrick’s leadership style, which combines personal oversight with trust in capable chiefs and drivers, reinforces his place in collective memory as a crucial figure in NASCAR. The story of his resilience and drive is likely to be remembered for seasons to come, serving as motivation for both veteran and emerging leaders in the sport.
