“From There I Grew Everything”- HMS Team Boss Lay Bares His Heart As He Charts His Life’s Trajectory

When we look at the most successful people on the planet, we cannot ignore their achievements. We seldom acknowledge the fact that they were once people that nobody knew, and they had to struggle every single day to get there. Needless to say, they also have their share of sorrow, frustration, failure, and setbacks. However, it is their indomitable spirit and firm resolution that have set them apart.

Hendrick Motorsports is probably the most coveted motor racing team, or, as they say, “winningest,” in NASCAR today. The team owner, Rick Hendrick, founded Hendrick Automotive Group in 1976, one of the biggest automobile dealership chains in the USA. With over 200 cars in his possession, the HMS owner sometimes takes time off of his busy schedule and strolls down his garage, recalling his days of struggle as a youth.

Rick Hendrick’s cars are testimonials of his growth as a team owner for Hendrick Motorsports

Rick Hendrick’s Heritage Center houses a classic collection of classic Corvettes and other priceless Chevy collectibles. You are not allowed inside unless you are invited. However, back in 2015, the Hendrick Motorsports boss opened his car museum to everyone for a day. His Heritage Center is a tribute to his family and his contribution to the automotive industry.

In an interview with the Detroit Free Press, he stated, “I pay tribute to my family, my grandad’s general store, the bank my mother worked in. The voluntary fire department my dad built. The tractor shop I worked in City Chevrolet.”

Looking back in time, Rick Hendrick considered himself extremely lucky to be able to do what he loved to do. He admitted having no plans. Back in Venezuela and South Carolina, he was selling just around 200 cars each year. However, General Motors came up to him and told him that if he could improve his sales, they would land Hendrick a big opportunity.

“18 months, three days, and 30 minutes later, City Chevrolet came available. And from there, I grew everything,” the legendary NASCAR team owner revealed.

According to Rick Hendrick, however high one flies, one should never forget their origin. His eyes sparkled with joy when he said, “This place to me is super special. I walk in this place when I’m having a bad day. I’m very thankful that I’m doing what I want to do…it’s what I love.”

Watch this story: NASCAR’s Le Mans Debutant in 1976 Serves Rick Hendrick and Richard Childress a Sharp Reminder of Their Old Promise 

Not everyone has 220 unique cars, 122 of which are rare Corvettes. So what made Rick Hendrick build an entire Heritage Center for his cars?

The tragedy that took place 9 years ago is directly connected to Rick Hendrick’s cherished car collection

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Hendrick’s favorite is probably the black Chevrolet Tahoe 2004 Z71. It is the same car that his son Ricky Hendrick drove to his dad’s personal hangar and boarded a Beechcraft Super King Air 200 with 9 others en route to Martinsville Speedway. But the plane crashed into Bull Mountain in Patrick County, killing everyone on it.

Rick Hendrick said in the same interview, “When my son died, I had these cars scattered all over dealerships, warehouse and I said, I wanna build a building, a heritage center because the guys here had restored his trailer, brought all of his helmets back and presented me with the trailer.” Such a heavy toll on the heart of a father.

Just moments before his son Ricky Hendrick left for Martinsville, he had an argument with his fiancee, Emily Maynard. But the young couple did not get a chance to resolve their argument, as Ricky never came back. Goodbyes are never sweet, but this one was way too bitter.

In an episode of the Meredith Vieira Show, Emily Maynard revealed the reason why she talked about her argument with Ricky after so many years of his death. The author of “I Said Yes: My Story of Heartbreak, Redemption, and True Love” said, “That’s a part of being human; people go to sleep mad, people leave and slam doors…it’s something that we all regret but I wanted people to see that, that happens to everybody.”

“And as much as I wanna forget it and pretend like we had this amazing I love you so much goodbye, that’s just not the case but that doesn’t define our relationship,” she added with a distinct remorse in her voice.

A lot of tragedy stays hidden behind the gala automobile show in Rick Hendrick’s Heritage Center. But as the man himself said, we must always be appreciative of whatever we receive in life and never forget where we come from.

Read more: Rick Hendrick Reveals His True Plans With Kyle Larson’s Indy 500 Car