CONCORD, N.C. – Hendrick Motorsports honored its employees who reached 20 years of service during a special ceremony on Tuesday.
The employees were presented with a special watch during a luncheon that included team owner Rick Hendrick, vice chairman Jeff Gordon, team president Jeff Andrews, vice president of competition Chad Knaus, vice president and chief financial officer Scott Lampe and president of Hendrick Companies Marshall Carlson.
"I’ve said this all my life in the automobile business and the racing business. Whatever business you are in, you are in the people business," Hendrick said. "People make the difference. Folks that built this place. You look at the walls and the wins. All the people that have worked here have put so much energy into this place.
"Here we are today trying to collect 300 wins, almost 500 wins for the engine shop and going for 15 (Cup Series) championships. That’s pretty impressive. I think about that and I want to thank you for all you do. You make the difference and it is all about you."
The employees were also recognized at the organization’s playoff kickoff luncheon ahead of the 10-race NASCAR Cup Series postseason that kicks off Sept. 3 at Darlington Raceway and runs through Nov. 5 at Phoenix Raceway.
The employees honored for their 20 years were:
John Boydston: Technician, Production
David Evans: Manager, Engine Production
Travis Gordon: Production Supervisor
Ned Grant: Aerodynamics Fabricator
Mark Griffin: Lead Procurement Specialist, Hendrick Performance
William Griffin: Fabricator
Jo Knight: Specialist, Janitorial
Marta Lambert: Accounting Clerk
Tad Merriman: Manager, Engineering
Gary Montesi: Machinist
Lyle Rippetoe: Fabricator
Alan Shaulis: Fabricator
Bruce Stauffer: Assembler, Engine