Rick Hendrick, a name that echoes through the halls of NASCAR greatness, has dominated the sport with 14 Cup Series championships, countless victories, and a legacy of success. Yet in a candid moment on ‘The Dale Jr. Download’ for the ‘Business of Motorsports’ series, the iconic team owner shared a surprising tribute to the Earnhardt siblings, praising Kelley Earnhardt Miller and Dale Jr. for their leadership at JR Motorsports. Calling them the “best Xfinity organization in racing,” Hendrick’s words added weight to their already impressive legacy.
“Best Xfinity organization in racing”: Rick Hendrick praises the Earnhardt legacy
When Kelley reflected on the pivotal 2008 merger of JR Motorsports and Hendrick Motorsports’ #5 car, her voice showed how meaningful the decision still was.
“I was pretty floored that you gave us the opportunity to take your team from Hendrick Motorsports, the #5 car, and merge it with our #1 car team,” Kelley recalled. “I had never managed a large group of people, and that’s one thing I’ve always taken away from working with you—the way you treat people and that people-first mentality.”
Hendrick’s response? Classic humility. He didn’t hesitate to credit the Earnhardts for their remarkable success.
“Listen, you and Dale are family to me. I’ve known you guys since you were puppies,” Hendrick chuckled. “And to be honest with you, you’ve done a lot better job of running an Xfinity team than I was doing. Look at your success, your work ethic… You run the best Xfinity organization in racing.”
Despite his own record-setting history, Hendrick didn’t shy away from showering praise on JR Motorsports’ accomplishments.
Kelley, grateful for his support, echoed how much Hendrick’s early mentorship had shaped their success. “We wouldn’t have been as good at it off the bat if we didn’t have the foundation that you guys brought along,” she said. Hendrick, ever modest, downplayed his role: “I’ve just been fortunate to be on your coattail here.”
Quick on the draw, Kelley corrected him, “You’re not on the coattails. You were a huge part of this.”
Today, JR Motorsports stands as a powerhouse in the Xfinity Series, with Justin Allgaier clinching the championship—a testament to their growth and Hendrick’s original guidance.
For Rick Hendrick, it’s personal. From their childhood days to now overseeing NASCAR’s top Xfinity organization, he’s witnessed the Earnhardt siblings’ transformation of the team.
“I was excited for us coming together,” Hendrick said of the 2008 merger. “That Xfinity division inside the Cup team wasn’t getting enough attention, and it was out of control. You guys turned it into something special.”
Legacy and leadership: Kelley Earnhardt Miller’s deep connection to Hendrick motorsports
For Kelley, JR Motorsports represents more than just a racing team—it’s a continuation of her family’s profound legacy. She shared a lesser-known piece of history, revealing how her maternal grandfather, Robert Gee, had worked for Hendrick early on, even before the Earnhardts’ involvement in NASCAR.
“My grandfather on my mom’s side worked for Mr. Hendrick when he first started the Motorsports operation,” Kelley explained. “I remember you coming to the hospital to visit my granddaddy when he was having strokes, and that’s where I got to know you before we came to drive for you.”
This heartfelt admission highlighted the deep bond between the two families, one that goes far beyond the racetrack. Hendrick, moved by this shared history, expressed his admiration.
“Your family’s history in racing is something special,” he said. “And Kelley, you’ve carried that forward. I’m so proud of what you and Dale Jr. have done.”
Hendrick’s words underscored the importance of people in his own success and that of JR Motorsports. As he reflected on his empire’s legacy, he emphasized how critical the people were to building his success: “It’s not all me. It’s all you and the people who keep it growing. I want the legacy to be: It’s one of the oldest automotive groups in the business and still around, still doing the same thing. That gave me tremendous peace.”
Kelley agreed, adding, “Leadership is about people. It’s simple: for them to care, you have to care.”
The partnership between Hendrick and the Earnhardts might have started as a leap of faith, but it’s yielded extraordinary results. The lessons learned—about leadership, legacy, and the importance of people—have been instrumental in shaping JR Motorsports into the success it is today.
As Hendrick concluded, “You and Dale, you’ve done an unbelievable job. I’m just lucky to be part of it.”
And for Rick Hendrick, to earn his praise is no small feat—if he says you’re the best in the business, you’ve undeniably earned it.
