CONCORD, N.C. – It's Mother's Day, a time to recognize and celebrate the important roles moms play in our lives.
For many of the Hendrick Motorsports pit crew athletes, mom also played the role of No. 1 fan growing up in their athletic careers. They described their mothers as a “backbone,” and shared that they provide support and motivation through thick and thin.
In honor of what they have done and will continue to do for them, read the teammates' tributes to their moms below.
“She’s always supported me throughout my life. Athletics carried me to where I am right now, but without her I wouldn’t be here. She has come to as many races as she possibly could. Coming from Illinois, outside the Chicagoland Speedway area, it’s kind of a drive to over here on the East Coast and to any of those West Coast races, but my parents have been all over. They’ve been to Phoenix, Texas, Talladega, Charlotte, Dover. I really appreciate their support. It really motivates me and keeps me going. I’ll give her a call and probably FaceTime her, send her some flowers, I’m for sure going to be in contact with her because I miss her a lot.”
Tanner Andrews, No. 48 team front-tire changer
“My mom has never missed a Little League game, college football game, she watches every race, Xfinity race, Truck race, anything I’ve ever been a part of, she has been there and watches it. She was there Saturday, actually, for the race, and I was excited to see her. We were supposed to fly back with the team Saturday but I’m going to fly back Sunday and surprise her and have a nice Mother’s Day and hopefully we will get some good weather and have a little barbecue or something.”
T.J. Semke, No. 9 team jackman
“My mom has always supported me by cooking good food, making sure I’m healthy. I come from a big Italian family, so she always made sure I was full and very strong and ready to go. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to see my mom this year, but my wife is a mom-to-be. So, we will celebrate with ourselves.”
John Gianninoto, No. 9 team fueler
“Ever since I was a kid, she’s always been behind me. Everything I’ve ever done, I can’t thank her enough for all she’s done for me. She has always been a great supporter of mine. I’m going to call her, I probably won’t see her, but I’ll give her a call and tell her happy Mother’s Day.”
Brandon Harder, No. 48 team fueler
“My mother has been there every step of the way. She was very supportive throughout football and really whatever I wanted to do. She played such a huge role in me even being able to play sports and with the next level of Division I football. She would come down to every home game with my father. Just being able to have her there was huge for me because it was being able to have that support in the stands. Not everybody gets that. I was very lucky. I had such a great opportunity at Clemson to play, and she was very supportive and when I got into this sport, NASCAR, she was the same. She stays there with me, she comes to races, always asking what’s going on. I couldn’t have a better mother. I will absolutely be calling her. We should be going out on the lake on the boat Sunday, as long as the weather holds up. I’ll get to see her, which will be awesome. It’s my wife’s first Mother’s Day, so looking forward to enjoying that with her and my mother. It will be an awesome day.”
Landon Walker, No. 24 team fueler
“She’s always been my backbone. Anytime I ever needed any advice, clear my head, moral support or just somebody to talk to, she has always been there. She’s always been my rock. I’m actually moving into a new place on Sunday, so she’s coming to help me move. Probably be more moral support there, too, not as much physical support (laughing)."
Alan Stallings, No. 48 team tire carrier