Rick Hendrick’s “million dollar promise” prank, born out of Hendrick Motorsports’ scrappy early days, has once again drawn laughs and astonishment from NASCAR fans as the legendary team owner shared the tale on a recent podcast. In the story, Rick Hendrick’s focus on humor and motivation is spotlighted, encapsulating the culture that made his team a dominant force—especially as memories from Charlotte Motor Speedway in the 1980s resurface, appealing to all who follow NASCAR’s storied past.
Early Days at Hendrick Motorsports and the Charlotte Pole Rewards
The playful spirit within Hendrick Motorsports was evident from its inception, shaped during the 1980s at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Rick Hendrick recalled how back then, the organizers used to award brand new cars to pole winners. This high-stakes incentive not only intensified competition but also fueled team camaraderie and good-natured teasing behind the scenes.
During a recent episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Dale Jr. ignited the discussion, noting the unique rewards system at Charlotte:
“They used to give away cars if you won a pole at Charlotte. And I don’t know if Tim was driving for you when this happened, but they’d give Tim the car,”
said Dale Jr., setting the scene for Hendrick’s well-known prank on his driver.
Kenny Schrader, a driver for Hendrick Motorsports from 1985 to 1987, was at the heart of this story—a period that defined the resourceful, resilient nature of the team’s early years. Hendrick, always ready with a joke, explained the set-up of what’s become known as the “million dollar promise.”
The Legendary Truck Prank and a Promise Fulfilled
Explaining his deal with Schrader, Rick Hendrick detailed how it all began. He reminisced,
“Well, Schrader, his deal wasn’t that good,”
providing the candid foundation for what followed.
With the stakes set, Rick Hendrick promised Schrader a truck if he managed to win the pole. The twist, of course, came after Schrader rose to the challenge:
“So I told Schrader, if you win the pole, I’ll give you a truck. Schrader won the pole, and we had this four, five-hundred-dollar truck rusted out, smoking, just a junker, and so we brought it over to the truck and gave it to him.”
The prank’s humor was accentuated for all when the battered truck, far from the windfall Schrader anticipated, rolled up as his “reward.”
The hijinks didn’t stop with the rusted vehicle. Hendrick further raised the stakes by adding a creative sign to the back, making the moment unforgettable for Schrader and the whole team:
“Race car driver wanted: a million-dollar guarantee.”
Schrader, expecting a meaningful prize, instead became the punchline of a practical joke, reflecting how Hendrick’s leadership thrived on levity just as much as ambition.
Reflecting on the mix of pride and playful embarrassment, Dale Jr. quipped in response,
“Damn, I had to hurt his feelings a little bit,”
highlighting the friendly nature of the prank. Hendrick, never one to miss a beat, explained that while the team played hard, the intention was always lighthearted:
“We were just cutting back. It wasn’t real serious. So we always cut up a lot with Schrader.”
The Impact of Humor and Motivational Leadership
These practical jokes went beyond simple amusement; they helped cement a culture of resilience and unity at Hendrick Motorsports. In a time when resources were tight, such antics kept spirits high and relationships strong during high-pressure moments, such as Schrader’s pole-winning performance at the 1988 Charlotte May race. Without excessive spending, the team managed to stand out and draw fans thanks to the sense of camaraderie built by Hendrick’s humor.
This groundwork laid the foundation for Hendrick Motorsports’ growth, with the “family-first” atmosphere attracting talented drivers and staff who identified with the team’s scrappy beginnings and mutual respect. As of 2026, HMS has accumulated 301 Cup wins, a testament to the enduring legacy of the playful yet determined leadership Rick Hendrick embodies.
An Unforgettable Encounter with Dale Earnhardt Sr.
Beyond the “million dollar promise” prank, Rick Hendrick’s early years included memorable exchanges with NASCAR icons. He recently recounted a significant moment with Dale Earnhardt Sr., known to fans as “The Intimidator.” The episode took place during a qualifying session at Charlotte Motor Speedway, when promoters offered a $1,000 bonus for topping the speed charts.
Borrowing a car from Ralph Earnhardt, Dale Jr.’s grandfather, Hendrick not only achieved the fastest qualifying lap but also learned a valuable lesson in racing psychology. Upon seeing Dale Earnhardt Sr. approach on turn one, Hendrick wasted no time—he pitted immediately, instinctively avoiding a potentially costly confrontation. When questioned about this quick decision, Hendrick replied with characteristic wit:
“I’m not stupid. I was getting ready to get dumped.”
Dale Jr. couldn’t help but burst into laughter, underscoring just how much respect and caution Sr. commanded on the track.
This quick thinking and ability to read situations, paired with a shrewd sense of humor, were central to Hendrick’s early racing days. The same insights that prompted him to dodge risks helped set the stage for bigger achievements. Soon after, Hendrick would partner with Robert Gee in the 1983 Sportsman division, hiring Earnhardt Sr. for a race that resulted in a 200-lap victory at Charlotte. This milestone represented Rick Hendrick’s first NASCAR win—and the origin of what would become Hendrick Motorsports.
A Legacy Defined by Spirit and Storytelling
Stories like the Rick Hendrick million dollar promise prank are more than harmless fun; they capture the essence of NASCAR’s culture and the resourcefulness that characterizes its most successful teams. The prank involving Kenny Schrader resonates with fans because it shows that beneath the trophies and historic wins, the people at the heart of Hendrick Motorsports value laughter, motivation, and teamwork just as much as victory itself.
As NASCAR continues to evolve, these stories remind both new and devoted fans why characters like Rick Hendrick remain beloved figures. The playful traditions he established during Hendrick Motorsports’ challenging beginnings continue to inspire future generations, ensuring that, even in an era dominated by fierce competition and high-tech advances, humor and friendship are celebrated alongside speed and strategy.
These drivers won a new car … well, it was new to them! 🤣
🎙️ From The @DaleJr Download pic.twitter.com/n8Ymg70ivp
— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) January 2, 2026
