Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, sparked laughter and friendly banter at the 2025 NASCAR Awards in Scottsdale, Arizona, as he joked about his fellow competitors after capturing his 15th Rick Hendrick NASCAR championship. The celebratory mood underscored the ongoing rivalry and camaraderie among top team owners, following a tense end to the NASCAR Cup Series season in Phoenix.
Hendrick’s Playful Remarks After Clinching Another Title
Hendrick Motorsports secured its 15th NASCAR Cup Series crown when Kyle Larson’s third-place finish in Phoenix clinched the title. In the fierce battle for the Bill France Cup, Hendrick Motorsports drivers Kyle Larson and William Byron faced off against Joe Gibbs Racing contenders Denny Hamlin and Chase Briscoe. During the awards event, Hendrick recounted how Joe Gibbs, whom he narrowly bested for the championship, had not returned his congratulatory phone call after the decisive race.
“See Joseph sitting down there. I actually hurt for Joe, not too bad. But I did call Joe, and he didn’t call me back right away. You know, he doesn’t answer his phone…He gets upset at me if I don’t return his calls. But he doesn’t return my call.”
– Rick Hendrick, Owner
This light-hearted exchange between two legendary team owners highlighted both the competitiveness and respect that define the NASCAR community. Hendrick’s comments captured the feelings racing rivals often share when a season ends with such a narrow margin.
Extending Respect to Competitors and Their Teams
Even as he celebrated victory, Rick Hendrick showed empathy toward his rivals. He acknowledged the strong performance by Denny Hamlin, who led 208 laps at the finale, only to lose his shot at the title after a late caution and tire strategy shift.
“But Joe and Denny..I called Denny. I felt bad for those guys. That’s the most excited I’ve been; I almost jumped off the pit box with one lap.”
– Rick Hendrick, Owner
Hendrick’s comments showed the emotional swings that come with championship racing, especially when the outcome turns on late-race decisions. Both Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin played critical roles in making the season finale a dramatic battle, touching on the heartbreak and elation that racing teams endure.
Gratitude for Racing Icons and Playful Jabs at Peers
The evening wasn’t just about rivalry. Rick Hendrick also paid homage to Roger Penske, calling him a hero for his contributions to NASCAR. Penske previously held a three-year championship streak, which was broken this season after all three of his drivers missed the Championship 4 spot.
“And Roger Penske. Roger, my hero over there, thank you for what you do for this sport. Thank you for being a friend. I got two heroes here I have to race against,”
Hendrick continued. – Rick Hendrick, Owner
The camaraderie extended as Hendrick playfully ribbed Richard Childress for similarly not returning his calls, reminding all of the lighter side of competition at the sport’s highest level.
“And all of the other friends, Richard Childress. I called Richard Childress; he didn’t call me back either… Nobody called me back.”
– Rick Hendrick, Owner
By mentioning Childress, Gibbs, and Penske, Hendrick placed emphasis on the unique relationships forged through decades of competing at NASCAR’s pinnacle.
Looking Ahead for NASCAR’s Elite Teams
This year’s championship shifted the balance among NASCAR’s powerhouses. With Penske’s Championship 4 streak broken, Hendrick’s latest triumph further cements his legacy and renews rivalries for next season. The playful exchanges and mutual respect underline how relationships between top figures like Rick Hendrick, Joe Gibbs, and Roger Penske both define and elevate the Rick Hendrick NASCAR championship narrative. As HMS, JGR, and other legendary organizations regroup, the competitive spirit and friendships appear set to continue shaping the championship battles for years to come.
Someone please call Mr. H back! 🤣 pic.twitter.com/Gny7G5yOhV
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) November 5, 2025
