CONCORD, N.C. – The thing about culture is that it doesn't often need to be discussed in a place that embodies and embraces it.
But Tuesday was a special occasion for several reasons at Hendrick Motorsports with two important luncheons exhibiting what that organizational culture has built and is continuing to build upon.
First was a luncheon celebrating nine employees who achieved 20 years of service this year. Each of them was given a watch to commemorate the milestone.
Following came a playoff kickoff luncheon, with all Hendrick Motorsports teammates invited as founder Rick Hendrick, his wife Linda, vice chairman Jeff Gordon, president and general manager Jeff Andrews and drivers Kyle Larson, William Byron, Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman all taking to the stage.
Hundreds of Hendrick Motorsports’ own turned out for the latter event and tying them all together, despite different backgrounds, job titles and age demographics, across gender lines, ethnicities and political leanings, was the commonality of commitment to each other and the company.
And through both ceremonies, that word kept coming up again and again.
Culture.
RELATED: See every Hendrick Motorsports win so far in 2024
“The victories are one thing but when people come through here, it’s not really the victories that capture them, it’s the culture,” Rick Hendrick said. “It’s the people. It’s clean. Everybody’s smiling and I appreciate that more than you’ll ever know.”
“There’s a lot of character in this room and the culture of this room starts with togetherness,” Linda Hendrick echoed. “That’s why we’re here. That’s why we’re pulling strong. That’s why we’re going to keep pulling strong. That’s why we’re going to keep winning. Because we’re going to be winning as people and believing in character and the culture that each of you believe in or you’d leave. Because if you don’t believe in that here, you won’t fit.”
The playoff kickoff luncheon was full of impassioned speeches, light-hearted joking, testimonials of faith and visions of victories all met with thunderous applause. That included a brief Q and A between Gordon and the drivers.
And perhaps the best came last as Linda Hendrick concluded, “I don’t know what else to say except go out and win. Go get ‘em.”
A 15th NASCAR Cup Series title this season would tie up a 30-season span since Gordon claimed the company's first in 1995. It would certainly be a big one in a year that’s already included highlights like the organization’s ninth DAYTONA 500 win (Byron), 11th Brickyard 400 victory (Larson) and a 1-2-3 finish in the team’s 40th anniversary celebration at Martinsville in April (Byron-Larson-Elliott). Those moments and several others were shown in a highlight compilation video at the beginning of the playoff luncheon.
RELATED: Byron visits DAYTONA 500-winning car
But before encouragement for the future, came a smaller, much more intimate gathering in which thanks were given to nine teammates who have already dedicated two-plus decades of their lives to Hendrick Motorsports. Both Rick and Linda Hendrick offered their sincere gratitude and took a photo with each of the honorees.
As things were about to wrap up, leading into the postseason bash, an employee of just a few years snuck into the room. It was Larson and after some good-nature ribbing from the boss, he was asked to give his thoughts about 20 years on the job.
And wouldn’t you know it?
That word, again.
“I do appreciate all the hours, years and all the hard work that’s been put into what this place is and the culture, as (Rick Hendrick) mentioned, is unmatched, for sure,” Larson said. “I’m super appreciative of it and I hope you keep me around for another 16 years or so, so I can get my watch.”
Team members honored for 20 years of employment:
Jason Cutright (Engine Engineering)
Becky Eidson (Aviation)
Pam Heaton (Hendrick Cares)
Jesse Hocking (Engine Production)
Greg Ives (Crew Chief/Vehicle Engineering)
Travis McIntire (Performance Group)
Kevin Meendering (Vehicle Engineering)
Jerry Norris (Facilities)
Clint Rohlmeier (Engine Production)
