CONCORD, N.C. – Since 1984, Hendrick Motorsports has earned a record 11 car owner championships in the Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR’s premier division.
With three drivers in this year’s Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, a 12th title is within reach. What lies ahead are 10 races where the organization will look to add to a regular season that saw its teams earn six wins.
Although the most recent victory came in July, Hendrick Motorsports engines have earned 35 top-10 finishes in the previous 10 races. And all three Chase drivers -- Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. -- earned top-10s last week at Richmond International Raceway, providing momentum as NASCAR’s postseason begins.
“The true character of an organization and a team is how you fight back, and I kind of think it is good for you sometimes that you have to step it up a little bit and you find out who is really dedicated,” Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick said. “Our guys are really committed and dedicated.”
At an organization-wide luncheon to celebrate the arrival of the Chase, Hendrick stood in front of more than 600 people and spoke of fighting back from adversity. He quoted former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Winston Churchill and motivated teammates to continue battling to the finish line.
“We’re working extremely hard, I can tell you that,” Gordon said. “We had some great meetings this week led by Rick. This is where he shines as a leader in motivating all of us.”
All of Hendrick Motorsports, starting with Hendrick himself, is inspired for a fresh start in the Chase.
“We have been down before when we weren’t looked at as the best team out there or the best record or whatever,” Hendrick said, a smile forming on his face. “But it ain’t over yet, so you go ahead and count us out.”