“I’m the Only Old Soldier That Hasn’t Left”—Proud Rick Hendrick Flaunts HMS’ Colossal Success Amidst Jimmie Johnson’s Hall of Fame Induction

2023 was the year Rick Hendrick and his team knocked it out of the park. From bagging a collective 300 Cup series win to William Byron getting their 100th win for the No. 24 car, the team time and again has proved that they are legendary for a reason. Now, as 2024 rolls in, the team has more reasons to celebrate, with two of their own getting the nod for the Hall of Fame.

On January 19, 2024, Jimmie Johnson and his trusty former crew chief, Chad Knaus, were inducted into the Hall of Fame. One could hear the pride in Rick Hendrick’s voice as he talked about it on SiriusXM Radio. He was quick to point out, though, that the team’s success didn’t happen overnight. According to him, the seeds of greatness were sown a long time ago.

The HMS owner is over the moon, calls his team ‘a big family’

The legendary crew chief-driver duo of Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus, unstoppable in their quest for seven Cup Series championships, hit a home run on their first swing at the Modern Era ballot, landing a spot in the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Joining them in the Class of 2024 is Donnie Allison, who topped the charts on the Pioneer Ballot.

Talking of HMS and success, Rick Hendrick, himself a Hall of Famer since 2017, was the mastermind behind the No. 48 Chevrolet team featuring Johnson and Knaus. He recently expressed his immense pride in the team’s journey and achievements. “I’m really proud of what those guys and everybody that’s been there accomplished. […] I think the foundation… was built a long time ago with Randy Dorton and Harry Hyde and then people like Ray and Jeff and all these guys have come along. It’s just made it better and we stick together. We’re like a big family.”

However, talking about his old age, Rick Hendrick mockingly said, “We just keep bringing young people, and I’m the only old soldier that’s had left yet. But I’m really proud of the organization. And, hopefully, we’re not done yet.” Even back in August 2023, when the Hall of Fame news broke, Mr. H didn’t hold back his praise for Johnson and Knaus.

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To Rick Hendrick, their Hall of Fame induction together was a picture-perfect moment. He admitted that he sees them as one-of-a-kind individuals—different in personality, strengths, and approach—yet each a champion. But together, they were nothing short of magical. Not to mention, talking about his age and him passing the torch, Rick Hendrick has his eyes set on Jeff Gordon to take over when the time comes. He’s often joked about feeling too long in the tooth to juggle all the responsibilities himself.

Rick Hendrick sees Jeff Gordon as the perfect fit to fill his shoes 

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Back in early 2022, Jeff Gordon stepped up as the vice chairman of the 14-time NASCAR Cup Series champs, Hendrick Motorsports. In this top-tier role, he’s not just a figurehead; he’s actively shaping the future of the same team where he clinched four championships and 93 victories as a driver.

As vice chairman and co-owner, Jeff Gordon sits right next to Rick Hendrick at the decision-making table, focusing on both the competitive and marketing sides of the business. And Rick Hendrick himself can’t think of anyone better for the job. “That’s the way we are going,” he said. “Whenever I finally step away, it’ll be Jeff Gordon in my place.”

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Sure, fans might wish Hendrick could stay at the helm forever, but time waits for no one. Eventually, even he’ll have to pass the baton, and it looks like Gordon is all set to grab it.