Back in 1987 Rick Hendrick Donned His Ailing Driver’s Helmet to Make His NASCAR Cup Debut at Riverside

“If you’ve got the guts to do it, go do it.” Rick Hendrick did not expand to a three-car team in 1987 to have it gather dust in the garage. Hendrick Motorsports’ #25 Chevrolet driver Tim Richmond won seven races in 1986, only to be hindered by ailment the next year. As a result, in that season’s penultimate race, Hendrick himself got behind the wheel.

The team owner of HMS was advised against venturing into the sport by racing experts and even his manufacturing partner. And yet, Rick Hendrick built the winningest racing team by going against the tide. But in 1987, Mr H was getting ready for his first Cup Series race as a driver.

Hendrick Motorsports had a ready car and crew, so Rick Hendrick became the driver

After missing the first 11 races of the season, Tim Richmond came back to win two back-to-back races in Pocono and Riverside. But a few weeks later, the #25 driver retired again for the rest of the season. By the time the next scheduled race for Riverside came along, Rick Hendrick was determined to qualify and run himself. “This gives me a good insight into what’s going on in the sport,” was the primary reason he provided for this risky endeavor.

“I’m closer to my team than I’ve ever been since I’m driving and I think it’s going to help me a lot in working with them.” The qualifying day arrived and contrary to expectation, Rick Hendrick qualified 21st, ahead of seasoned drivers such as Morgan Shepherd and Davey Allison. The team owner admitted after qualifying, “I always wanted to drive and I drove boats and drag cars and go-karts and I raced all my life, but this is kind of the top deal.” 

Not in contention for points, the team owner just wanted to enjoy the drive and finish the race. Unfortunately, Mr H failed to do so when his race car suffered from flat tires and other technical difficulties. He might have only stood 33rd, but he had set out to achieve something far more meaningful than a good standing – a show of support for the idle #25 team. Hendrick said, “I would rather try to work with my people and motivate my people, ‘Let’s do it together’ than stand back with an iron hand.”

Watch this story: The Next Big Thing in NASCAR: A Hint from Hendrick’s Garage

That dedication and commitment to his team and crew members helped him build his racing empire against all odds.

Rick Hendrick became the most successful NASCAR team owner without industry connections

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The one race car All-Star Racing team in 1984 has today become the four-driver Hendrick Motorsports team. Rick Hendrick is now revered in racing circles after 14 championships and 301 race wins. But without an established connection and the requisite sponsorship, he had struggled to place the foundation all those years ago.

But Hendrick was certain of one thing. “Nothing motivates me any more than someone telling me I can’t do it. I believe plenty of people told me I couldn’t do it. I had people with Chevrolet tell me you don’t know what you’re getting into. It’s a big-time big league racing and you’ve got to be on the inside, you’ve got to have all this experience, you’ve got to know the right people.”

However, what Hendrick lacked in contacts, he made up with self-belief and a shrewd understanding of people. He said, “That’s true knowing the right people but being able to identify talent in any kind of business or racing, just recognizing good quality people and getting the work together,” was just as important.

Rick Hendrick ran another Cup race the next year before leaving it up to his star racers, but he proved that day in Riverside that he would overcome every challenge thrown his way and go to any lengths to make his dreams come true.

Read More: “I’ve Always Had That Philosophy”- Rick Hendrick Unravels Inclusive Mindset Behind HMS’ Colossal NASCAR Success