CONCORD, N.C. - Over the course of his decade-plus with Hendrick Motorsports, Sam DesRocher has had a hand in a multitude of different things.
On Wednesday, thanks nominations by his peers, he got his hands on something else. Something prestigious.
The Papa Joe Hendrick Award of Excellence.
The honor, established in 1995, is named after the team owner Rick Hendrick's late father. Hendrick Motorsports team members vote on the award and it recognizes an employee (or employees) for their hard work and dedication to the company. Recipients are noted for their demonstrated commitment to teamwork, servant leadership, enthusiasm, continuous improvement, integrity and accountability.
DesRocher, who started with the company in 2013, was recognized during the Hendrick Motorsports kickoff luncheon for the 2025 NASCAR season.
"It is an unbelievable honor to have this be a peer-voted award," DesRocher said. "You can win all the races and championships - and I'm certainly appreciative to have been a part of those - but I don't think it would be nearly as fulfilling if I was going about it in a manner of tearing other people down or shortcutting on any obligations."
The 33-year-old hailing from Chapmanville, West Virginia, has worn many hats over the years since starting as an intern in the vehicle engineering group. He's worked on interior and driver environment, provided support to the fabrication shop and assisted with chassis design among several other ventures. Along the way, he's lent his expertise to projects at the Xfinity Series and Cup Series levels as well as on the team's Garage 56 car.
But most important to DesRocher may be his work with the Faith Committee, which he joined in 2021. He was elevated to chairman the next year and has held that post since.
"I didn't have a chance to know Papa Joe, but from the stories I've heard from others around campus and the qualities that this award stands for, it cannot lead you to be anything but a successful human," DesRocher concluded. "I work with amazing friends and am honored that they think of me in this manner. Mr. H. always speaks about the people and culture, Hendrick Motorsports is very strong about that. I want to thank Mr. H. and all the 637 other current employees for this honor. I'm grateful to the Lord, my family, my friends, my coworkers - anyone who has helped me get to this point."
DesRocher wasn't the only person honored on Wednesday.
Marshall Carlson, president of Hendrick Companies, was recognized by Hendrick with the Chairman's Impact Award, a distinguished recognition reserved for extraordinary individuals whose contributions have made a significant, long-term impact on the Hendrick organization. While the Papa Joe Hendrick Award is presented annually, the Chairman's Impact Award is bestowed only when an achievement rises to the level of transforming the organization in meaningful and enduring ways. The honor recognizes excellence in leadership, innovation and dedication that has set a new standard, strengthened the Hendrick legacy or created opportunities for future success.
Carlson, who began at Hendrick Motorsports in 1996, served as president of the team from 2010-2022 before being promoted again. He was at the forefront of creating and developing Hendrick Motorsports Technical Solutions, a new advanced manufacturing company on the campus of Hendrick Motorsports announced on Wednesday afternoon. The initiative helped save jobs after NASCAR's introduction of the Gen-7 car in 2022.
"When we faced the challenges of a rapidly changing world, Marshall didn’t just adapt – he took the opportunity to lead," Hendrick said. "His efforts in advanced manufacturing saved dozens of jobs, but beyond that, they opened the door to an entirely new chapter for us. He spearheaded our push into industries beyond racing and automotive, ensuring new opportunities for our people."
Carlson echoed DesRocher's sentiment toward his teammates at Hendrick Motorsports.
"I've gotten so many amazing opportunities here," Carlson said in accepting the award. "Do we lack for any tools or anything we ever need? We don't lack for it. Credit to you Mr. H and credit to the people here in this organization who really look out for each other."
Papa Joe Hendrick Award of Excellence winners
- 1995: Jim McKenzie
- 1996: Ken Schrader
- 1997: Rick Hendrick
- 1998: John Hendrick
- 1999: Dennis Connor
- 2000: Dan Lohwasser
- 2001: Brian Whitesell
- 2002: Ken Howes
- 2003: Jim Wall
- 2004: Randy Dorton
- 2004: Jennifer Hendrick
- 2004: John Hendrick
- 2004: Kimberly Hendrick
- 2004: Ricky Hendrick
- 2004: Joe Jackson
- 2004: Scott Lathram
- 2004: Liz Morrison
- 2004: Dick Tracy
- 2004: Jeff Turner
- 2005: Rick Hendrick
- 2006: Rick Wetzel
- 2007: Robert Thorpe
- 2008: Charlie Langenstein
- 2009: Lynn Hess
- 2009: Richie Parker
- 2010: Mike Bumgarner
- 2010: Steve Hlinak
- 2011: Jeff Gordon
- 2011: Beth Jones
- 2011: Steve Letarte
- 2012: Chad Knaus
- 2012: Larry Zentmeyer
- 2013: Ron Malec
- 2014: Wayne Stemler
- 2015: Steve Bergh
- 2016: Brad Eichenlaub
- 2017: Mark Whitten
- 2018: Lisa Smokstad
- 2019: Murray Timm
- 2020: Donnie Floyd
- 2021: Brian Walsh
- 2022: Kelly DeHart
- 2023: Linda Hendrick
- 2024: Sam DesRocher