CONCORD, N.C. -- Over the last 38 seasons, Hendrick Motorsports has been building a legacy that led to huge records being broken this year. In the span of three races, the organization posted its first 1-2-3-4 finish, tied the all-time win record with Petty Enterprises, then broke the record at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
For Hendrick, he never imagined his small racing team that he started as All-Star Racing in 1984 would turn into a dynasty. He hired Geoff Bodine, whose win at Martinsville Speedway in the team’s inaugural season kept the organization afloat and allowed it to flourish.
“Our celebration was (Hendrick) and (wife) Linda toilet papered my house,” Bodine recalled after winning Hendrick his first race. “It was a huge win for me and a huge win for Hendrick Motorsports because that is what kept the doors open. That’s what kept Hendrick Motorsports in to racing; we got more sponsors and the rest is history.”
Bodine went on to win two more races for Hendrick Motorsports in 1984 and was with the organization until 1989. Tim Richmond was with the team from 1986-1987 as a second fielded car and the organization continued to grow. Darrell Waltrip joined the team in 1987 and Ken Schrader replaced Richmond in 1988.
It was the foundation of a dynasty that would make history over the next four decades and ultimately lead Hendrick to owning the most championships and wins.
”To have your name on that list and to know the commitment that Rick put in to the NASCAR Cup races, it makes me pretty happy,” Schrader said.
While the start was slow for Hendrick, he soon was winning every season. In fact, only in 1985 did Hendrick Motorsports go without a win. Darrell Waltrip said he was impressed by Hendrick before he joined the organization, but he said he had heard the promises Hendrick was saying to join his stable.
As time went on during his time with Hendrick Motorsports and after he retired from racing, Waltrip couldn’t help but feel pride that Hendrick has accomplished so much for the sport.
“Rick has been, by far and away, my biggest mentor and one of my best friends,” Waltrip said. “He’s a visionary. … His vision of what he thought the company could be, what he thought the company could do, the multi-car teams – he’s done it all and he’s done it well.”
To listen to Hendrick, Waltrip, Bodine and Schrader reminisce more about the early days of Hendrick Motorsports, check out the video above.