NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick knows that success is not built on money alone. The Billionaire has recently opened up about his mantra to keep his business successful. 

 Hendrick is perhaps one of the most influential and well-known figures in the NASCAR garage. But it was not always like this. He had his humble beginnings at a small dealership before being promoted to General Sales Manager at the same dealership at the age of 23. He established Hendrick Motorsports in 1984, and since then has been making strides in the NASCAR world.

However, he knows that success is built on relationships and not on profit alone. During his recent appearance on Cars and Culture with Jason Stein, he spoke about something that has stuck with him since childhood. 

“Well, I grew up on a farm as you said, and you had to count on your neighbors. And so you couldn't do everything yourself. So my mum and dad taught me that, and my wife, Linda, worked in an orphanage, and at our wedding 53 years ago. You know, the only folks there were these little girls that she had, and so she’s always been a giver, and relying on people was something that I learned at an early age.”

The NASCAR Hall of Famer emphasized the mantra, adding:

“We're in the people business. I said it a million times, but people don't care about you if they don't think you care about them.”

This mantra is used by the 76-year-old and is quite evident throughout his term as a NASCAR team owner. For example, Jeff Gordon, who previously drove for Hendrick, joined the team as their Vice Chairman in 2022 and even became their equity partner.

Moreover, a unique initiative that Rick Hendrick has is giving Rolex watches to employees who complete 25 years in the organization.

A recent example of his care for his employees also emerged after the All-Star race at Dover in May.

Rick Hendrick Recognizes NASCAR Crew Member's Bravery

In May, Donovan Williams, who works as a tire carrier for Spire Motorsports and is a part of the HMS crew, displayed bravery as he jumped in front of a 4000-pound pit cart, which was loose on pit road at Dover.

Williams jumped in front of the pit cart to shield FOX reporter Amanda Busick, who was in the way of the rolling cart. He was hospitalised for minor injuries.

Hendrick Motorsports then awarded the crew member with the ‘Hendrick Motorsports Spirit Award.' In a statement put out by the team, HMS Athletic Director Evan Kureczka said:

"He went ahead and put his life at risk to help someone else that could've been injured severely. Not everybody in that time is going to necessarily do that. You may be more worried about yourself, your family, but Donovan took the time to worry about a person he didn't even know at the time, and he wanted to make sure she was going to be OK."

It is gestures like this, besides other perks like helping employees through tough financial situations, providing health insurance, and more, that make Hendrick Motorsports a powerhouse organization in NASCAR.

You can read more on the Daytona Racing Digest!

Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco

Edited by

Yash Kotak