Fans Pay Tribute to Major Hendrick Motorsports Figure Behind the NASCAR Success of Dale Earnhardt Jr, Jimmie Johnson & Alex Bowman

The ultimate race of the 2022 season in Phoenix was an emotional one for many reasons. Coy Gibbs’ passing was one of the biggest ones, but the race was the last for many notable personalities in NASCAR – one of them that led Hendrick Motorsports toward multiple victories.

On that list was Kyle Busch, with Phoenix being his last race with Joe Gibbs Racing. Similarly, it was also the ultimate race for Tyler Reddick at Richard Childress Racing. Crew chief Greg Ives also joined these notable personalities.

Ives teamed up with Alex Bowman and Hendrick Motorsports for his last hurrah, as he had announced he would retire at the end of the season, to take a job at HMS that would allow more time with his family. 

He had joined HMS in 2004 as a mechanic and had slowly climbed up the ladder. During his time serving as crew chief (for HMS and temporarily for JR Motorsports), he ran races for Bowman, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr, and Chase Elliott. Ives also worked on Jimmie Johnson’s pit crew for a few years.

However, Ives’ biggest victory was not in the Cup Series or the Xfinity Series. It came guiding a rookie Elliott to victory in 2014. Elliott and Ives won the Nationwide Series together, racing for JR Motorsports. 

That win made Elliott the youngest champion in NASCAR history, and also the first to win the Series Championship and the Rookie of the Year in the same season. The trophy also marked JR Motorsports’ first Nationwide Series win.

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The Michigan man will look to spend more time with his family now that he doesn’t have the responsibility of guiding HMS’ drivers to Cup Series glory. He will be rooting for the Green Bay Packers in his free time as well.

Hendrick Motorsports and NASCAR thank Greg for his invaluable services

The team at Hendrick Motorsports, in a very touching gesture, came out with a video tribute for their key man. Ives was a crucial part of HMS for several years.

Fans came out with their own messages of love for Ives:

The YouTube video also received plenty of comments – full of love and appreciation – for Ives. One fan said, “Thanks Greg for all you did for Dale Jr. and Alex!! #rally48 💜.” Another said, “Thank you for everything. You did awesome. Just getting to the Big Show of Nascar and being a crew chief is a great honor. Good luck in your future endeavors. As always go Hendrick Motorsports.”

His work with Jimmie and Dale Jr. received deserved recognition as one comment said, “I wish this man the best! it was a pleasure cheering for you, jimmie, dale, and bowman! Hope next year brings better things for everyone involved!”

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Ives’ departure is going to create a big vacuum at HMS. He was an instrumental part of their victories all these years. Hopefully, he can contribute as much from his new position on the team. Who, according to you, should replace Greg at HMS?