Hendrick Motorsports NASCAR success has long made headlines as the most outstanding achievement in stock car racing, with over 320 Cup race wins and 15 championships to its name. Recently, former crew chief and current team consultant Ray Evernham offered new insight into what drives this sustained excellence, highlighting the essential role of Rick Hendrick’s leadership and the team’s unrelenting ambition to remain on top.
Rick Hendrick’s Influence Drives Teamwide Excellence
Since its founding, Hendrick Motorsports has been synonymous with winning and innovation, supporting legendary drivers including Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon, while revolutionizing the sport through game-changing engineering and team strategies. Evernham, in a candid conversation with John Roberts for Kenny Wallace’s YouTube channel, identified the key to this legacy: Rick Hendrick himself. He pointed to Hendrick’s vision and unique ability to motivate his organization year after year.
“The key person that’s always been there with the vision is Rick Hendrick. What he’s done, his vision, his commitment, and his ability to put people together and keep that drive up for as many years as he can is pretty amazing.”
– Ray Evernham, via Kenny Wallace’s YouTube channel
According to Evernham, the championship-winning team’s leadership stems directly from Hendrick’s fortitude and commitment to surrounding himself with proven talent. Figures such as Jeff Andrews, Jeff Gordon, and Chad Knaus take prominent roles in the organization, all sharing a mindset where finishing second isn’t considered acceptable. The internal drive set by these leaders permeates throughout Hendrick Motorsports, reinforcing a culture where only victory meets expectations.
“It’s a difficult thing to accomplish what they’ve done, but it’s easy for me to understand why after spending time around guys like Rick Hendrick and Jeff Andrews and Jeff Gordon, and Chad Knaus. You look at that group there and, man, second is just not an option for them.”
– Ray Evernham
Reviving the Legendary IROC Series
Away from NASCAR team operations, Evernham has also been instrumental in the effort to revive the International Race of Champions (IROC), a historic series favored by fans for its unique format and legendary participants from across the motorsport spectrum. In partnership with Robb Kauffman, he has been working to bring new life to IROC, looking ahead to a significant return in 2026 following a well-received event at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
“We’ve located about 65 original IROC cars around the world. We had a tremendous show at Rolex Monterey with Jeff Gordon and Bobby Labonte, Mark Martin, Ken Schrader, Dario Franchitti, Scott Pruett, Bill Elliott…So, a great, great group of drivers. And we’re already working on 2026.”
– Ray Evernham
Evernham revealed that the refresh for the IROC series includes several upcoming showcases and Heritage events. The next major event is scheduled for April at the Charlotte 1010 Motor Club track, a new venue developed with the cooperation of Rick Hendrick and Marcus Smith. Plans are also confirmed for another return to the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Laguna Seca in 2026, promising more appearances from past legends and authentic IROC cars.
“We’re going to have our next event on April 9th, 10th, 11th at the Heritage event at the new Charlotte… the 1010 Motor Club track that Rick Hendrick and Marcus Smith have partnered up on. So, and then again, we’ll be back at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Laguna Seca in August 2026.”
– Ray Evernham
What These Developments Mean for Racing Fans
Ray Evernham’s insights showcase how the blend of strong leadership, visionary planning, and the relentless drive shared among figures like Rick Hendrick, Jeff Andrews, Jeff Gordon, and Chad Knaus keeps Hendrick Motorsports at the top of NASCAR. The continuous pursuit of Hendrick Motorsports NASCAR success not only preserves their legacy but also raises the bar for competition across the sport.
Meanwhile, Evernham’s ongoing commitment to revitalizing the IROC series excites fans, ensuring that motorsport enthusiasts can look forward to high-profile events and the return of legendary racers to classic venues. With preparations underway for landmark events at both the Charlotte 1010 Motor Club and Laguna Seca, the coming years promise a celebration of both tradition and innovation within American racing.
