Rick Hendrick, now renowned for his dominance as a NASCAR team owner, has publicly addressed a decades-old regret involving Richard Petty at Riverside International Raceway. During a recent media appearance, Hendrick delivered a long-awaited Richard Petty apology for an incident in the 1988 Budweiser 400, reflecting on a moment that continues to weigh on him deeply.
Hendrick’s Short-Lived Driving Career and Its Most Memorable Race
Before becoming the architect behind NASCAR’s winningest organization, Hendrick briefly pursued a career behind the wheel. His time as a driver was limited, including single starts in ARCA, the Super Truck Series, and the Busch Series, along with two Cup Series appearances. Across these outings, his only top-15 result came in the 1988 Budweiser 400, finishing 15th after starting 13th—a race at Riverside International Raceway that would later trouble his conscience, not for the result, but for a contentious moment with a racing legend.
The 1988 Budweiser 400 and the Incident With Richard Petty
The June 12, 1988, Budweiser 400 was a milestone event, not only marking Rusty Wallace’s win but also serving as the final NASCAR Cup Series race at Riverside. That season, Hendrick’s team, Hendrick Motorsports, celebrated other successes, with Geoff Bodine capturing pole at the Budweiser at The Glen. Yet, Hendrick found himself haunted by a personal misjudgment during the Riverside race.
As Hendrick recounted on Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s podcast, after qualifying 13th, he stayed on track as others pitted, briefly taking the lead. The restart that followed led to the cars bunching up behind him, unnerving him as he navigated the pack. This scenario set the stage for his fateful interaction with Petty.
“But I guess one of the things the most about race is Richard Petty was right on me and went into turn nine, and he got under me, but then when you come off of nine, and you go to the flag stand, it goes back to the left. So if you’re on the outside or you don’t give the guy room, he’s going in the dirt. So, I didn’t and I looked in the mirror and he was doing donuts through the parking lot. I don’t know I haven’t told him, I don’t know if he remembers that or not.”
— Rick Hendrick, Team Owner
Public Apology Issued Decades Later
Prompted by Earnhardt Jr. during the podcast about whether he wished to clear the air, Hendrick didn’t hesitate to make his feelings known.
“Richard, I’m sorry. I really am.”
— Rick Hendrick, Team Owner
Media Amplifies Hendrick’s Regret
The apology quickly gained attention through media channels, emphasizing Hendrick’s lingering remorse for the Riverside incident.
“If Richard Petty sees this, just know Mr. H is sorry. ♂️”
— Dirty Mo Media
The Broader Journey: From Pit Crew to Historic Ownership
Hendrick’s connection to the racing world predates his driving days. In the 1960s, he served as a pit crew member for the Flying 11, driven by Ray Hendrick, to whom he has no relation. Over the decades, Hendrick has progressed from humble beginnings to establishing Hendrick Motorsports, which has since become a powerhouse in the sport.
Hendrick Motorsports’ Unparalleled Legacy
The organization continues to set records in NASCAR. Hendrick Motorsports holds the title as the most victorious team in Cup Series history, amassing 383 victories, with 320 at the highest level. The team, established in 1984, boasts 15 championships; its latest triumph came in 2025 when Kyle Larson secured his second Cup Series title.
Significance of the Apology and Lasting Impact on NASCAR
Hendrick’s public expression of regret for his actions at Riverside underlines the heavy responsibility racers feel toward their peers and the sport’s history. By choosing to revisit his mistake and directly offer a Richard Petty apology for Riverside, Hendrick demonstrates a rare vulnerability. As the NASCAR world notes this gesture, it serves as a reminder that even the sport’s most successful figures are shaped by moments of anxiety and remorse, impacting not just their legacies but also the broader culture and camaraderie within racing.
If Richard Petty sees this, just know Mr. H is sorry. 😂🤷♂️
🎙️ From The @DaleJr Download pic.twitter.com/0rnIIBlj7y
— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) January 1, 2026
