Hendrick Motorsports crew chiefs past and present share their thoughts and memories of working with Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick:
“When I first met him there was this kind of glow around him. You see him and you’re just in awe of him. He’s somebody I looked up to before I worked here and he’s just such a good person."
Alan Gustafson, No. 24 team crew chief
"He obviously is very passionate and he wants to win and he wants to do well but he always supports you and picks you up when you’re down. That, to me, generates a great relationship. He’s amazing and I’ve learned so much from him about that. That’s really when your people need you and you need that relationship is when you are struggling in the tough times. He’s just an amazing person and through those tough times he’s always supported me, which means the world to me. That’s where you generate that bond where you’ll do anything for him to make sure that he’s getting what he needs.”
Alan Gustafson, No. 24 team crew chief
“I think honestly Mr. Hendrick is one of the most deserving people in recent history to go in there just because of his contribution to the sport. He’s been in it since the mid ‘80s, started a team from what was nothing and grew it to one of the largest empires in NASCAR racing. We field four of the top-tier teams, we supply components, parts, engines to many of the other top-performing teams in the industry, he’s contributed personally to the industry, the environment, the area – Charlotte, which is all of our homes – so if there’s anybody that’s fitting in this area to be in the Hall of Fame located in Charlotte, North Carolina, it’s him.”
Chad Knaus, No. 48 team crew chief
“He’s definitely the foundation of this company. We tell him time and time again we like having him around because his influence pays huge dividends. He is Hendrick Motorsports. He really is. He’s just an amazing man.”
Chad Knaus, No. 48 team crew chief
"He reshaped the company to share information and really be one race team with multiple car numbers. He really put that idea and concept out there and really changed the landscape of racing."
Steve Letarte, former crew chief
"It comes down to that fundamental moment that when someone expects your time or you’re having a conversation, be in the moment. Be there, listen, understand what they’re telling you. With a one-on-one conversation, let it be one-on-one, don’t let it be one-on-one and your phone and you’re distracted. And I know that seems simple, but I think it means even more in today’s busy world that Mr. Hendrick takes a moment to stop and actually have a conversation."
Steve Letarte, former crew chief
"He is just someone that you never want to disappoint. He’s the guy that you know is always looking and checking things out, but he doesn’t micromanage, ever. He puts a lot of faith in the people in the positions that he puts them in and he always seems to figure out a way to put the right people in the right places.”
Lance McGrew, former crew chief
"For me, he’s always been a father figure, a family member, somebody that knows when you need a pat on the back or knows when you need a kick in the pants. We've just always had that kind of relationship. I feel like there’s lots of guys on the complex that have that relationship with him and he has an uncanny way to make you feel that he is listening to you. He is paying attention to what you’re saying and your opinion always matters with him."
Lance McGrew, former crew chief