Hendrick Motorsports launched a bold new chapter in its history with the official unveiling of the Atrium Health Motorsports Athletic Center through a significant partnership in Concord, North Carolina. The Hendrick Motorsports partnership unveiling took place during a vibrant ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Papa Joe Hendrick Meeting Center, highlighting both the athletic and technological progress fueling racing innovation.
Ribbon-Cutting Event Marks Milestone Collaboration
The Thursday afternoon ceremony brought together key figures from the motorsports and healthcare worlds, including Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, Gene Woods, chief executive officer of Advocate Health, Dr. Claude Moorman, president of Atrium Health Musculoskeletal Institute, and NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon, who also serves as Hendrick Motorsports vice chairman. The event gathered media and invited guests to celebrate the culmination of years of development and a partnership that has been three decades in the making.
“It’s a special day for us and I think about where the sport has come from and where it is today, especially with pit crews and training, it’s been an amazing ride from what I’ve seen back in 1984,”
Rick Hendrick shared. He emphasized the significance of the collaboration by adding,
“We’re so honored today to let you experience this facility and we’re doubly excited because of Atrium and the team with Gene and our area here in Charlotte.”
“It’s been 30 years coming, so I’m excited for you to see it today.”
– Rick Hendrick, Owner, Hendrick Motorsports
State-of-the-Art Facility Redefines Pit Crew Development
The Atrium Health Motorsports Athletic Center sets a new standard in athlete development for pit crews and beyond. This initiative was propelled largely by Roberto Medina, Hendrick Motorsports’ development manager, and Evan Kureczka, pit development manager. Their collaboration extended to prominent partners such as REDLINE Design Group for architecture, 3TEN Construction as general contractor, ACRO Development Services for civil engineering, and Forty Nine Degrees leading branding efforts. Together, they have created what many regard as a transformative resource for recruitment, training, and organizational wellness.
This innovative approach draws inspiration from athletic facilities typically seen on college campuses, in professional sports complexes, and even at Fort Bragg, integrating best practices in performance and recovery to benefit motorsports athletes.
Features and Vision for the Future
Gene Woods reflected on the skills required in racing:
“I’ve seen a couple of races at Charlotte Motor Speedway. I would say the thing I’ve really come to recognize is the tremendous amount of skill and discipline and strategy that goes into racing.”
He continued,
“What I’ve come to find out more is about that pit crew. The skill that’s required is really incredible and it’s situations where moments, seconds count and if you think about the work that goes in, everybody working together in unison, it’s really what we’re trying to do here at this facility.”
The new center offers a comprehensive approach for athlete care and development. Its resources include cutting-edge strength training equipment, advanced sports medicine, dedicated spaces for physical therapy, hydrotherapy, and areas built specifically for wellness and recovery, all working cohesively to support pit crew performance.
“Under this roof you’re going to find medicine, wellness, state-of-the-art strength training, sports medicine, dedicated spaces for physical therapy, hydrotherapy and recovery all working together in unison.”
– Gene Woods, Chief Executive Officer, Advocate Health
Significance for Racing and the Broader Community
The Hendrick Motorsports partnership unveiling not only demonstrates a long-term vision for competitive excellence, but also signals the organization’s commitment to advancing the science of athletic performance and recovery. The collaborative effort involving leaders such as Rick Hendrick, Gene Woods, Roberto Medina, and Evan Kureczka reflects how motorsports is evolving, placing greater emphasis on health, technology, and teamwork. As the center begins to shape the future of pit crew training, its influence may well extend beyond the track, setting a precedent for integrated athlete development across a range of sports and organizations.
