Hendrick Motorsports is arguably the best franchise in the history of all team sports. Their presence has been influential ever since their first victory by Geoff Bodine at Martinsville Speedway in 1984. However, the same track also holds a tragic story as team owner Rick Hendrick and the entire organization endure the loss of their loved ones and family.

The 2004 plane crash is certainly among the darkest days in NASCAR history. A total of 10 people, including Mr. H’s son, Ricky Hendrick, lost their lives in the incident. It was a huge blow to Rick Hendrick and the entire company, as the members on the plane were the backbone of the success story at HMS. Back then, it was thus hard to see how the team would muster up the courage and continue its dominance on the racetrack.

Yet, thanks to the exceptional leadership qualities of Rick Hendrick and the feeling of togetherness inside the HMS camp, they came back even stronger. Mr. H chose to not ‘let everybody down’. 

Rick Hendrick wasn’t ready to give up on hope and the dreams of people at HMS

It just didn’t sit right with Mr. H to lose all hope and shut down Hendrick Motorsports after losing his family and team members. They had all been the driving force in building the team from the ground up and were striving for continued success. Therefore, according to him, it was only befitting to carry on their legacy and further look for excellence with their vision of success.

Touching upon the heartbreaking incident, Rick Hendrick, in a video via NASCAR, said, “It was the most devastating thing that could ever happen. You lose your son and brother and nieces, and all the folks who were on that plane; they had given their all to help build that place, and we just couldn’t let everybody down.”

While the tragedy unfolded, HMS star drivers Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon were battling each other for the win at the 0.526-mile oval racetrack. And only after Johnson took the checkered flag did the duo learn about the horrifying accident. “Take the checkered flag and expect to do donuts, but Chad quickly tells me, Hey man, NASCAR’s telling us not to celebrate. At that point, I knew something was up. Something bad had happened.” Johnson recollected.

However, the entire HMS group came together and rallied behind Johnson, who won the Atlanta race the very next weekend. “It was so emotional. I mean there was only five days before the track again. There was this profound moment of honoring those that we lost. And we did it, the company did it. We all needed each other so much that week, amazing people can do amazing things,” Johnson added.

Well, since the tragic events of 2004, two decades later, HMS has found its new group of championship-worthy drivers. And keeping the team’s tradition of scripting history, William Byron, Chase Elliott, and Kyle Larson did the unthinkable at Martinsville Speedway on the eve of the team’s 40th anniversary.

Hendrick Motorsports achieves first top-three sweep in Martinsville history

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This was a big event for the team, all the HMS employees were present at the venue for the momentous occasion. The stage was set for the drivers to pull off a historic moment, and guess what? They delivered one. William Byron won the race, whereas his teammates Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott finished second and third. This was the first-ever 1-2-3 finish by drivers of the same team at the racetrack.

Unfortunately, Mr. H wasn’t able to be in attendance to witness the magical moment himself. “I wanted so bad to be there but I couldn’t get my leg to cooperate. But to see it on TV and everybody having a good time I almost think I got to see more of it.” He went on to add. Meanwhile, Jeff Gordon wasn’t able to contain his excitement and was seen celebrating the occasion with the entire HMS team.

One thing that is synonymous with Hendrick Motorsport is the people-first approach. It is always about the group and less about the individual, and maybe that is why they are still a force to be reckoned with in NASCAR racing. And hopefully, they will continue to do so in the coming years.