![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1015500613h-1.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Xfinity Series Sunoco Go Rewards 200, Aug 20, 2022 Watkins Glen, New York, USA NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Kyle Larson celebrates with owner Rick Hendrick right and his wife Linda Hendrick left in victory lane after winning the Sunoco Go Rewards 200 at Watkins Glen International. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports, 20.08.2022 18:03:59, 18902781, Linda Hendrick, NASCAR Xfinity Series, Nascar, Watkins Glen International, Kyle Larson, Rick Hendrick PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMatthewxOHarenx 18902781
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1015500613h-1.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Xfinity Series Sunoco Go Rewards 200, Aug 20, 2022 Watkins Glen, New York, USA NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Kyle Larson celebrates with owner Rick Hendrick right and his wife Linda Hendrick left in victory lane after winning the Sunoco Go Rewards 200 at Watkins Glen International. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports, 20.08.2022 18:03:59, 18902781, Linda Hendrick, NASCAR Xfinity Series, Nascar, Watkins Glen International, Kyle Larson, Rick Hendrick PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMatthewxOHarenx 18902781
The scent of victory hung heavy as Darlington Raceway hosted a historic moment in NASCAR history. The NASCAR Cup Series playoffs were in full swing. Under the South Carolina night sky, a tale of triumph and perseverance was about to unfold. The spotlight wasn’t just on Kyle Larson’s win but also on the HMS Bossan – Rick Hendrick.
Amidst the celebrations, a memory, intimate and nostalgic, resurfaced, weaving a tapestry of connections between past and present. Scott Maxim, the Director of Powertrain at Hendrick Motorsports (HMS), regaled reporters with a yesteryear tale.
Hendrick Motorsports Owner’s Intimate Darlington Memory
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Poll of the day
Kyle Larson & HMS Are Planning to Return to Indy 500 Next Year. But Should They?
Yes! It Is Great for NASCAR
No, It Was a Disaster This Time
Kyle Larson, the phoenix of the night, soared to victory by commanding the final 55 laps at Darlington Raceway, breaking free from a formidable 17-race winless grip. But the triumph held a significance that reached beyond the numbers. For Larson, it was a resurrection of his mojo, a triumphant roar in the face of adversity, and his Boss Rick Hendrick was indeed proud.
During the post-race interview, Scott Maxim told reports, “We had the good fortune to be able to speak to Mr. Hendrick yesterday, and he spoke of looking up there into Turn 1, and he said, you know, 1976, I came here with Linda, Mrs. Hendrick, and they snuck in and sat in the grandstands and watched the race.”
“To think that we would be here at Darlington for this weekend, such a historic track, and have an opportunity to get 500 engine wins, and think about for him how much contribution he had, as Jeff said, with his vision and commitment to us, it’s just really fitting to be able to be here.”
As engines cooled and victory chants subsided, the essence of Darlington Raceway lingered. The memory of a young couple, seated in the grandstands with dreams in their eyes, intertwined with the modern triumphs of a motorsports empire. The echoes of Maxim’s words connected the dots of history and destiny.
Coming back to the present, the victor, Larson revealed that this win wasn’t just a triumph on the racetrack but a resurgence of mojo.
WATCH THIS STORY: Rick Hendrick Painful Confession After Chase Elliott’s Playoff Flop
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Rick Hendrick star’s Audacious Dance at Darlington
Trending
Kyle Busch’s Wife Samantha Surprisingly Embracing Indian Culture Has Fans Going Gaga Over Fashionista Status
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1240218799.jpg?width=300)
NASCAR Rumor: Courtesy of a $38.76B Sponsor, Tony Stewart’s Dark Horse Secures a Seat With Brad Keselowski at RFK Racing
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-627072846-1.jpg?width=300)
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Enraged at Bubba Wallace After He Shot Himself in the Foot, Leaving Michael Jordan in Agony
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-design-91-21.jpg?width=300)
NASCAR Fans Urge Kyle Busch for a U-Turn Amid Rumors of Rick Hendrick’s Underachiever’s Exit
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Rick-Hendrick-and-Kyle-Busch-1.jpg?width=300)
Despite Alex Bowman’s Confidence, $12.67 Billion Sponsor Could Leave Him Hanging Out of HMS if the Tides Don’t Turn
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2022-03-12T201334Z_1117556456_MT1USATODAY17881011_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-RUOFF-MORTGAGE-500-PRACTICE-QUALIFYING.jpg?width=300)
The pressure intensified as the NASCAR playoffs unveiled their unforgiving three-race rounds. Fellow contenders stumbled, but Larson’s unwavering determination remained. Darlington’s history is etched in every scar on its walls, every tire mark left by those who dared to conquer its unforgiving embrace. As Larson, too, danced on this edge, his car and the track entwined in a tango of determination and audacity.
“I dragged the wall a few times – got into it kind of hard a couple of different times, Thankfully cars are tough enough to make little mistakes like that and not end your day,” the ace of Rick Hendrick admitted with a grin that held the thrill of a high-wire act.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The scars on his car mirrored the wounds of the track, reminders of the audacious pursuit of victory. And as the engines roared and the checkered flag beckoned, Larson’s triumph testified to the tenacity of those who dare to challenge the limits.
READ MORE: Drawing Heat Away From Rick Hendrick, Chase Elliott Makes Bold 5-Word Claim