In the 1980s, Rick Hendrick made a determined effort to add racing legend Dale Earnhardt to his roster in what would have been a significant move in Rick Hendrick NASCAR recruitment history. Despite Earnhardt’s deep ties to Richard Childress Racing, Hendrick sought every chance to bring the celebrated driver to Hendrick Motorsports, hoping for an impactful partnership that ultimately never materialized.
An Ambitious Recruitment Effort Amid Stiff Competition
As Hendrick Motorsports was building its reputation, Rick Hendrick turned his attention to Dale Earnhardt, who was already making his mark at Richard Childress Racing. Earnhardt’s loyalty to Childress did not discourage Hendrick, who wanted to see the legendary Intimidator behind the wheel of one his team’s Chevrolets. Hendrick shared insights into this pursuit on the Dale Jr. Download podcast when Dale Earnhardt Jr. invited him to retell the moment Earnhardt tested a Hendrick car at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
“Well, we just asked him to come over and shake the car down,” Hendrick recalled, And so we started talking. And of course, I wanted to drive the car. But as a startup team, no history, no nothing. But at least we had a relationship. And if you see the picture, he drove the car, then I drove the car in a suit with a white shirt and his helmet.”
While the odds were always against Hendrick signing the seven-time NASCAR champion, he did not give up easily. He humorously acknowledged his persistence, driven by his professional instincts.
“I’m a car salesman. I mean, I’ve got to try, right?”, said Rick Hendrick.
Lasting Connections and Shared Memories with Dale Earnhardt Jr.
The Hendrick-Earnhardt link extended to the next generation, as Dale Earnhardt Jr. eventually joined Rick Hendrick’s team. Their relationship went beyond the racetrack. On the Dirty Mo Media podcast, Hall of Famer Dale Jr. recalled an outing with Hendrick, emphasizing the personal side of their partnership.
“I went fishing with Rick Hendrick and we caught some cobia and cobia is kind of like a steak almost and you cut it into nuggets and fried and a little fried.
“And so they were like, they were like, they were like, mix this here. Some Hellman’s mayonnaise and mustard and ketchup and put some dill relish in there. And I made that and I was like, I am a frickin’ chef. I am a, I am an expert.”
Although Dale Jr. has retired from full-time racing, he and Rick Hendrick continue to partner as co-owners of JR Motorsports. This leading team, which competes in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, maintains four full-time cars in NASCAR’s second division. Their ongoing business and personal ties reflect the strength of relationships in the NASCAR community.
The Enduring Significance for NASCAR
While Rick Hendrick’s bold recruitment of Dale Earnhardt did not change team rosters, it remains a notable episode that showcases the drive and ambition behind the sport’s biggest figures. The story highlights not only Hendrick’s relentless approach but also the deep roots and loyalties that define NASCAR’s most enduring teams, such as Hendrick Motorsports and Richard Childress Racing. The network of connections, from legendary drivers to rising talent and team owners, continues to shape the landscape of NASCAR, influencing its present and future.
Rick Hendrick tried to recruit Dale Earnhardt? 🏁
Go check out this DJD Classic episode with Mr. H on the @DaleJr Download! 🎙️
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