Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs are the fiercest opponents on the track, and for good reason too. Their drivers, Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin, remain favorites to win the Cup Series title this year. Yet, some situations are bigger than on-track rivalries. These are moments that define the sport; with one of nature’s biggest calamities hitting the heart of NASCAR, these rivals knew they had to unite for a bigger cause. As the North Carolina populace suffered from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Hendrick Motorsport and Joe Gibbs Racing, along with Greg Biffle, answered the call to help after they sent out their helicopters to help North Carolinians.

The entirety of the United States Southeast battled a terrifying calamity as Hurricane Helene slammed into Florida’s Big Bend region. In what was the strongest hurricane to impact the area, the catastrophe has left a wake of destruction across several states, with approximately 94 dead. The Category 4 hurricane hit North Carolina hard, and during the state’s time of need, teams pledged their support. North Carolina is the home of NASCAR. It’s where the earliest form of stock-racing began, so, when the people of The Old North State needed help, NASCAR teams were happy to answer. Joe Gibbs Racing and Hendrick Motorsports sent out their helicopters to Ashville and Fairview respectively, as Bozi Tatarevic notices. While both teams remained occupied in Kansas over the weekend for the first round of the 12 race, they had their eyes back on their home state.

They weren’t alone in the battle. Greg Biffle joined them, piloting his own helicopter during the relief effort alongside YouTuber, Lawrence Garrett Mitchell, better known by his channel name Cleetus McFarland. These heroic members of the NASCAR world worked tirelessly to provide relief material all across the state. ‘The Biff’ took matters into his own hands when people in the mountains had no access to resources since access roads collapsed. He provided them with relief material, making dangerous flights on several occasions. Similarly, Joe Gibbs took up similar work in Asheville, making relief runs to those stranded in need. The region lacked water access as well as no cell service ever since Helene hit.

The teams’ work toward relief effort was a crucial need of the hour. By Sunday evening, news reports confirmed that 30 people had died in Buncombe County, North Carolina. The number of missing people all across the state remains high. In this time of need, it was not just these two teams working to help the people of North Carolina. The NASCAR community banded together to help those in need, the Charlotte Speedway as well as the Bristol Speedway opened its doors to anyone seeking shelter from flooding. Racetracks such as these have often served as safe havens for people in storms and hurricanes. In 2022, when Hurricane Ian ravaged the country, the Atlanta Speedway as well as the Talladega Speedway served as a refuge for people. Similarly, the NASCAR world has stood as a community pillar in times of crisis.

Back when COVID-19 left people all over the world battling a pandemic, the NASCAR world jumped into action. The NASCAR Foundations collected donations to support families in need, with initiatives aimed at providing healthcare and getting food to children. NASCAR’s R&D Center manufactured face shields in Concord, North Carolina, to be distributed across the state and in Georgia. A lot of tracks turned into makeshift testing and donation sites. From legends of the sport such as Dale Earnhardt Jr and Jimmie Johnson to younger drivers like Austin Hill, everyone came together to do as much as they could in the relief effort. These efforts are a true testament to what makes the sport great, and fan effort fans certainly recognize it.

Fans beam with pride after NASCAR teams send out relief effort

It wasn’t long before NASCAR fans realized what the teams were up to. Fans realized just how important the relief effort was to teams, given the place The Old North State has in NASCAR history. The earliest stock-car races took place in North Carolina in the late 1940s and were most commonly seen in Wilkes County at the time. 80 years later, North Carolina still remains embedded in the sport. NASCAR headquarters are located in Charlotte. Similarly, most teams and drivers come from the state, with young drivers from across the United States moving to North Carolina to be involved in the sport. Hence, it was an emotional moment for this fan to see Team Hendrick and Joe Gibbs take part in the relief effort. They went on to say, “As a NASCAR fan, this is fantastic to see the teams help in so many ways in the rescue efforts. Many NASCAR personnel have family and homes in those areas hard-hit.”

It should be no surprise Team Hendrick and Joe Gibbs Racing are involved in the effort. After all, the team’s owners Rick Hendrick and Joe Gibbs are both well-known philanthropists. Gibbs once helped deliver meals to people living with AIDS and visited patients at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Hendrick Motorsports took on the Hendrick Marrow Program, as Rick Hendrick raised over $15 million in an effort to support those who needed core blood transplants or marrow. Hence, another fan wasn’t surprised either on hearing the news of both teams’ contributions: “I have had several brief encounters with both Rick Hendrick and Joe Gibbs years ago. I’m not surprised that they are doing this.”

Looking at how dire the situation is in North Carolina, Joe Gibbs Racing and Hendrick Motorsports’ efforts are a beacon to the people of the state. With the National Guard leading the rescue and relief effort, NASCAR involvement gave a ray of hope to the thousands affected by the destruction Hurricane Helene left in its wake, with wind speeds of 140 mph. Additionally, with excessive flooding all over the state, rescue operations are the top priority. In such a situation, lending their helicopters to provide aid is an effort one user recognized, who wrote, “Good looking out, they really need your help out there.”

Fans also took notice of individuals such as Lawrence Garrett Mitchel, who used their social reach to bring support. The popular YouTuber is a pilot working with former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle in personally rescuing survivors. Mitchell also sent out a public call for pilots willing to join his effort, gaining the attention of fans of X. One fan brought attention to this call, saying, “ICYMI. This guy on FB is looking to connect with people like you!!” 

Fans believing these efforts fly under the radar from ongoing NASCAR races, you may be wrong, just as this fan on X was reminded. The fan questioned why the Kansas Speedway race made no mention of the Hurricane. The response came from another commenter, who reminded them of the public ask NASCAR made of asking viewers to donate to the Red Cross, remarking, “The broadcast specifically talked about donating to the Red Cross to help those in the devastated areas multiple times.” The racing league has frequently joined hands with the organization in a number of welfare efforts. Back in April, NASCAR teamed up with the Red Cross, encouraging people to participate in a blood donation drive.

With the October 13 race at Charlotte continuing as per plans, NASCAR will likely continue its donation driver at the next race in Talladega. What’s your take on NASCAR teams sending out relief in these tough times? Share below.