Rick Hendrick

Rick Hendrick, born Joseph Riddick Hendrick III on July 12, 1949, in Warrenton, North Carolina, is one of the most influential figures in the history of NASCAR. He is the founder and owner of Hendrick Motorsports, one of the most successful teams in NASCAR history, and a prominent businessman in the automotive industry. Rick Hendrick’s passion for cars began at a young age, heavily influenced by his father, who was also involved in auto racing. 

PERSONAL LIFE 

Joseph Riddick Hendrick III, more commonly known as Rick Hendrick, was born on July 12, 1949, in Warrenton, North Carolina. The son of Mary and Joseph Hendrick, Rick grew up in a milieu where the automotive business played a significant role, shaping his future endeavors in both the automotive industry and motorsports.

Rick Hendrick’s personal life is deeply intertwined with his professional life, often reflecting his passions and the tragic elements that have impacted him profoundly. He has two children, including his late son Ricky Hendrick, who was an upcoming driver and a key figure within Hendrick Motorsports before his untimely death in a tragic plane crash in 2004. Rick Hendrick owns a Gulfstream V, a high-performance private jet that bears the tail number N500RH.

Beyond business, Rick Hendrick is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly influenced by his personal battles and family tragedies. After his diagnosis and subsequent recovery from chronic myelogenous leukemia, he became actively involved in health-related charitable work. 

CAREER AND EARLY SUCCESS 

Rick Hendrick’s career in the world of motorsports is one of extraordinary success and influence, marked by significant achievements as both a competitor and a team owner. His ventures span various forms of racing, including NASCAR and drag boat racing, each contributing to his reputation as a motorsport icon.

Rick Hendrick’s passion for speed initially found an outlet in the late 1970s through a drag boat racing team he founded. His team not only achieved three consecutive championships but also set a world record with Nitro Fever, reaching a top speed of 222.2 mph. This early success in competitive speed sports showcased his knack for team management and mechanical excellence, setting the stage for his future endeavors in auto racing.

Although Rick Hendrick briefly competed as a driver in NASCAR, participating in a total of four races across the Cup and Xfinity Series during the late 1980s, his most notable contributions to the sport have been as a team owner. Hendrick Motorsports, which he founded in 1984, has grown into one of the most successful teams in NASCAR history. Under his leadership, the team has clinched 14 NASCAR Cup Series championships and numerous other victories across NASCAR’s top series.

– Cup Series Achievements:Hendrick Motorsports has amassed a staggering 252 race wins and 216 pole positions in the Cup Series. The team’s dominance is highlighted by championships won by legendary drivers such as Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and Terry Labonte, among others.

– Xfinity Series Success: In addition to his achievements in the Cup Series, Hendrick’s influence extends to the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where his teams have won 67 races (23 with Hendrick Motorsports and 44 with JR Motorsports, an affiliate team). The Xfinity Series has also seen Hendrick-affiliated teams winning one championship, along with numerous pole positions.

– Craftsman Truck Series: Hendrick’s involvement in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, though more limited, has also been marked by success, with his teams accumulating 26 wins and 22 poles, and securing 3 championships.

His induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2017 was a fitting acknowledgment of his profound impact on the sport.

NET WORTH 

Rick Hendrick, a titan in the automotive and motorsports industries, has amassed a net worth estimated at $1 billion, reflecting his immense success in both business and NASCAR team ownership. This financial achievement is a direct result of his astute business acumen, innovative leadership, and sustained performance in the highly competitive world of NASCAR.

One of his significant philanthropic contributions is the establishment of the Hendrick Marrow Program in partnership with the Be The Match Foundation. This initiative was inspired by his battle with leukemia and focuses on increasing the number of donors in the bone marrow registry while also providing funds to cover uninsured transplant costs for patients and supporting research advancements in marrow treatment.

Moreover, through the Hendrick Family Foundation, he supports various causes that focus on children, education, and health care. This foundation aims to improve the quality of life for individuals and communities, reflecting Hendrick’s commitment to giving back to society.