“It Might Be the Last Race”- Rick Hendrick’s Forgotten Savior Reveals 1984’s Pivotal Narrative Amidst HMS’ 300th Milestone

Every driver, team, or any individual for that matter, was once a novice in their career. Thoughts of failure and the tenacity to give up are certain to creep in on any individual, but it’s the choice, the willingness to act, and the grit to persevere through the hardship that separates champions from the lot. From a rookie businessman with a race team to becoming the sport’s top dog with 300 Cup Series wins, Rick Hendrick and Hendrick Motorsports’ tale is the stuff of legends.

For the unversed, the journey wasn’t a smooth sail. In fact, the team had to battle the rough seas to reach the new horizon, and it certainly did not come easy.

While the team is basking in its glory with its youngest driver, William Byron bringing home a monumental win, Mr. H at one point even thought of closing up shop. Fortunately, the tenacity of the team’s driver and legendary crew chief became the team’s savior, giving Hendrick the momentum to push forward.

The win that started it all – Rick Hendrick and HMS’ first win that saved the struggling team

Before HMS became a household name with the 14 Cup Series championships to its name, Rick Hendrick and his All-Star Racing team had a struggling phase. Severely under-financed, the team was just one race away from closing its operation until Geoff Bodine gave them their first win that changed the course of history.

After the win, NASCAR and HMS were never the same again. While the team went on to break records one after the other, the organization saw the emergence of a rookie businessman, making his way to the top with sheer determination. It came in 1984 when Geoff Bodine propelled the struggling team, pulling off a stunner, acing the 500-lap race in Martinsville to get the team through the thick.

Despite maintaining a healthy relationship with Chevrolet, and enough resources to keep them going, after 7 races, Hendrick was spending the last of his dime. The race was supposed to be the team’s last start, but the then crew chief, Harry Hyde convinced Mr. H to give one last shot, urging him to rest his hopes on Bodine who showed exceptional pace at the half-mile bullring in Virginia.

What happened next is sort of folklore in NASCAR nation. Bodine not only claimed his first career win but saved the team from the clutches of bankruptcy, getting them a much-needed win & a sponsor (Northwestern Security Life). Moreover, the veteran’s win was a testament to the team’s undying spirit. Passing the leader Bobby Allison in the closing laps, Bodine kept the lead till the last minute to cross the finish line while Hendrick’s mother relayed the news to her son on the phone.

Recalling the monumental feat, the driver said, “Knowing it might be the last race, that added some pressure to it, once you get in the race car and you get dialed into the race, all that goes away and you are just thinking about what you got to do.” Despite the overwhelming pressure, Bodine’s stellar finish ushered a new dawn in NASCAR as the veteran recalled, “We beat them all. We didn’t inherit the race by anyone falling out, so that made you feel really good. The good thing was we won. Let’s call Rick up and pray that this keeps the doors open and it did.” 

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“I had no idea” – Bodine shares his fascination, recalling how one win changed the course of history

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Picture a NASCAR without the ‘Wonderboy’ Jeff Gordon or the great 7-time champion Jimmie Johnson or the 2020 Cup Series champion Chase Elliott. Without Bodine’s monumental win back in 1984, HMS would have ceased to exist, so much so that the community would never have these legends in their full glory. Now with Byron’s win in Texas, the proud Chevy becomes NASCAR’s first team to win 300 Cup Series wins, trouncing over the shutdown Richard Petty Enterprises (268 wins) and the consistent Joe Gibbs Racing (207 wins).

Reflecting on his journey with Hendrick and the team, the veteran shared his fascination. Bodine said, “When I look back, I am in awe, when I signed that deal, I shook hands with Rick Hendrick. I had no idea that I was shaking hands with a guy who was going to be in charge of winning 300 Cup races.” 

“I didn’t even know if it was going to be one for me. You just don’t know what the future is going to bring. His legacy is going to be hard for anyone to match,” continued the 74-year-old. He also shared his amazement to see the team rack 299 more after their first. “I always pull for the Hendrick cars because I feel a little responsible for Hendrick Motorsports, I’m glad I was the first. Pretty incredible to think I helped get those 300 wins just by winning one race.” 

READ MORE: Rick Hendrick’s Superstar Reveals HMS’ Good Luck Charm Hours After Texas Steal