Live Update: Remembering Jimmie Johnson’s Emotional Victory at Atlanta Motor Speedway
In 2004, Jimmie Johnson etched his name in the history books with a third consecutive win at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, a feat achieved by only one other driver, Jeff Gordon. However, this triumph was overshadowed by tragedy, turning what should have been a moment of joy into a deeply emotional event for Hendrick Motorsports.
A Race Overshadowed by Loss
The date was October 31, 2004—a day the Hendrick family and NASCAR community will never forget. Just hours before the race, a devastating aviation accident claimed the lives of 10 individuals tied to Hendrick Motorsports, including Ricky Hendrick, John Hendrick, Kimberly Hendrick, and Jennifer Hendrick. Also on board were key team members such as general manager Jeff Turner and engine builder Randy Dorton, along with others who played pivotal roles in the team’s success.
The crash left the team shattered, but canceling the race wasn’t an option. Instead, Hendrick Motorsports honored their lost loved ones by carrying photos of the victims to the track, turning their grief into a powerful motivator.
Jimmie Johnson’s Poignant Tribute on the Track
Despite the heartbreak, Jimmie Johnson delivered a performance that will forever be remembered as a tribute to the fallen. Leading only 17 laps, he made each one count, securing a victory that resonated far beyond the finish line. The win was Johnson’s third consecutive at Atlanta, cementing his status as one of NASCAR’s finest and providing a moment of solace to a grieving team.
Reflecting on that day, Hendrick Motorsports President Jeff Andrews shared:
“And then we won that race, and the emotions were so raw. It hurt so bad to be in victory lane knowing that we would never celebrate a win with any of them. John, Randy, Ricky, Jeff… all of them had been so influential in our careers and lives. It was a surreal moment. For the first time, we looked to the sky and pointed to them. And we still do that to this date—we will always look up in appreciation, honor, and yes, still grief after all these years.”
Even now, every triumph for Hendrick Motorsports carries the memory of those lost, reminding the team that some victories are about far more than racing.
Rick Hendrick: Rebuilding After Tragedy
For Rick Hendrick, the loss of his son Ricky, along with other family members and team personnel, was an unimaginable blow. There was even speculation that he might sell Hendrick Motorsports, but instead, he chose to turn his pain into purpose.
Recalling the aftermath of the crash, Rick shared:
“I don’t even remember much about the first week (after the plane crash). I didn’t know if I could come back. One day, I said, ‘I’ve gotta go over and talk to the people.’”
He continued:
“It was emotional. And I knew then that they would want us to go on—all these people that worked so hard to build what was here. And I made a commitment to them that we would fight on. That’s what those on that plane would want us to do.”
Through unwavering determination, Rick Hendrick rebuilt Hendrick Motorsports not just as a competitive team, but as a lasting legacy for those they lost.
A Victory Beyond the Finish Line
Jimmie Johnson’s win at Atlanta remains one of NASCAR’s most emotional moments—a testament to resilience and the enduring spirit of Hendrick Motorsports. Nearly two decades later, the memory of those lost continues to inspire the team, proving that some victories echo far beyond the racetrack.
