91����

Known to many simply as “Mr. H,” Rick Hendrick stands tall in the world of all things automotive, specifically professional auto racing. The well-known NASCAR team owner heads Hendrick Motorsports, the most winning NASCAR Cup Series team in history, as well as Hendrick Automotive Group, the largest privately held dealership group in the country. In 2021, Hendrick’s presence was refreshed in the world of drag racing as he stepped up to back Pro Stock veteran Greg Anderson for a successful Countdown to the Championship run, and with the series title in hand at the conclusion of the year, Hendrick renewed as primary sponsor for multiple seasons. 

In 2024, Hendrick increased his involvement in drag racing as the John Force Racing (JFR) team was added to the HendrickCars.com drag racing fold. Amplified presence of the HendrickCars.com brand not only pleased the straight-line motorsports fan, it also captured the attention of those more accustomed to circle track racing. 

Drag racing isn’t a new venture for Mr. H. As a young man, he made early strides in motorsports in the drag boat racing scene, and from there, he owned a Top Fuel car for a short while. Growing up on a tobacco farm in Palmer Springs, Va., Hendrick worked on and raced cars alongside his father, “Papa Joe.” He had a ’31 Chevrolet of his own that he built and raced, and when he became a successful businessman at an early age, he continued to pour into his passion for motorsports. From 1984 until 1993, Hendrick sponsored David Reher and Buddy Morrison’s drag racing team, winning a championship with Lee Shepherd as a driver in Pro Stock. 

Returning to NHRA in 2021, and specifically to Pro Stock, just made sense. When fellow Charlotte-area resident Anderson’s KB Titan Racing Chevrolet Camaro came to the starting line for the race at zMAX Dragway in the fall of 2021, it was adorned with an eye-catching HendrickCars.com wrap paying homage to Hendrick’s late son, Ricky Hendrick. The blue and white design reflected what the gone-too-soon driver had campaigned in both the NASCAR Craftsman Truck and Xfinity Series. 

The honor of running the meaningful design and the strengthening partnership with Hendrick rejuvenated and fueled Anderson, and in addition to closing the deal on a fifth world championship that year, he was officially the most winning driver in the history of the class. He continued to stockpile wins with Hendrick, cresting a milestone 100th Pro Stock victory at the 2022 NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. After finishing runner-up in the championship chase in back-to-back seasons, Anderson was again on top with Hendrick for the 2024 championship. 

“I started drag racing when I was 15 years old,” Hendrick told NHRA reporter Joe Castello in Charlotte the spring following his first championship season with Anderson. “I love drag racing, and Greg has been so good to our company and to our sport. When he got the 100th win, it was just unbelievable. That’s impressive in any sport.” 

The 2024 season also included a step deeper into drag racing as Hendrick Automotive Group partnered with John Force Racing, and Brittany Force flew the HendrickCars.com colors as primary sponsorship for four races. The other cars in the John Force Racing stable carried the HendrickCars.com brand as an associate sponsor. 

This season, the increasingly impactful presence of HendrickCars.com will again be seen at each race on Anderson’s car, and Hendrick will be a primary sponsor for Brittany Force at both Charlotte events, a major associate sponsor on Force’s car for the additional 18 races, a major associate sponsor on the Chevrolet Funny Car driven by defending world champion Austin Prock, and an associate sponsor on the Chevrolet Funny Car driven by Jack Beckman on behalf of recovering JFR founder and CEO John Force.

“I’ve had a lifelong passion for drag racing,” said Hendrick ahead of the start of the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. “It’s how I first fell in love with motorsports; going to a local dragstrip with my dad. [These drivers] are terrific representatives of HendrickCars.com, and we look forward to another exciting season.”