Hendrick Named NCMA Vice Chairman

CORNELIUS, N.C. (Sept. 24, 2003) – Richard Petty, chairman of the North Carolina Motorsports Association (NCMA), announced Tuesday that Rick Hendrick has been named vice chairman of the NCMA board of directors. “It is an honor to accept the position of vice chairman of the North Carolina Motorsports Association,” Hendrick said. “I look forward to working with Richard and the board of directors in promoting and growing our sport statewide. “The NCMA has served as the unifying voice for the racing industry in North Carolina for more than a year, and I’m proud to be a part of that continuing effort.” Despite his prominence in NASCAR circles, Hendrick began his career drag racing at age 14 near his hometown of South Hill, Va., setting records at a local track with a self-build 1931 Chevrolet. In 1976, the then-25-year-old purchased a struggling Chevrolet dealership in Bennettsville, S.C., dramatically increasing sales and eventually turning it into the most profitable franchise in the area. That success was the precursor to the Hendrick Automotive Group, now consisting of more than 60 dealerships and 4,700 employees from the Carolinas to California. In 1984, Hendrick founded Hendrick Motorsports, which now fields six teams in NASCAR’s top two divisions with drivers Terry Labonte, Jeff Gordon, Joe Nemechek, Jimmie Johnson, Brian Vickers and Kyle Busch. Over the years, Hendrick Motorsports has earned eight NASCAR championships in the Winston Cup Series (5) and Craftsman Truck Series (3) combined. Hendrick succeeds Keystone Marketing Co. Inc. president Roger Bear as the NCMA vice chairman. Bear will continue to serve the organization as an active board member. “Many thanks to Roger for his efforts and support in getting this great organization off the ground,” said Ed McLean, NCMA executive director. The North Carolina Motorsports Association is a nonprofit corporation designed and structured to be an effective representative and proponent of and for the motor sports industry in North Carolina. The NCMA is a trade association of businesses and individuals involved in motor racing in North Carolina. Further information on the NCMA can be accessed via the organization’s Web site, located at www.ncmotorsportsassociation.org.