Rick Hendrick is an American businessman, automobile dealer and NASCAR team owner best known as the founder and owner of Hendrick Motorsports. He is also the chairman and CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group, one of the largest automotive retail organisations in the United States.
Born on July 12, 1949, Hendrick turned a lifelong interest in cars into major businesses in automobile retail and professional motorsports. Under his leadership, Hendrick Motorsports has become the most successful team in NASCAR Cup Series history.
Quick Facts About Rick Hendrick
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joseph Riddick Hendrick III |
| Popular Name | Rick Hendrick |
| Date of Birth | July 12, 1949 |
| Age | 77 years old |
| Birthplace | Warrenton, North Carolina, United States |
| Hometown | Palmer Springs, Virginia |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Businessman, auto dealer and NASCAR team owner |
| Company | Hendrick Automotive Group |
| Racing Team | Hendrick Motorsports |
| Position | Chairman and CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group |
| Wife | Linda Hendrick |
| Children | Two |
| Son | Ricky Hendrick |
| NASCAR Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2017 |
| Net Worth | Not officially disclosed |
Rick Hendrick Early Life and Family
Joseph Riddick Hendrick III was born on July 12, 1949, in Warrenton, North Carolina. He grew up on a farm near Palmer Springs, Virginia.
Hendrick developed a fascination with automobiles at a very young age. When he was 14, he rebuilt a 1931 Chevrolet with help from his father, whom he affectionately called “Papa Joe.”
He also began racing while still young and regularly visited racetracks around the region. These early experiences helped shape the automotive and racing career that later made him famous.
Rick Hendrick Education
After completing high school, Hendrick moved to Raleigh, North Carolina. He joined a cooperative work-study programme connected with North Carolina State University and Westinghouse Electric.
He initially studied to become a tool and die maker. However, his passion for automobiles soon pushed him towards the car business.
While living in Raleigh, Hendrick connected with automobile dealer Mike Leith. That relationship opened the door to his first serious business opportunities in vehicle sales.
Rick Hendrick Automotive Business Career
Rick Hendrick began his automotive career by operating a small used-car lot with Mike Leith. The business performed well, and Hendrick was later appointed general sales manager of a new-car import operation at just 23 years old.
His major breakthrough came in 1976. Hendrick and his wife, Linda, sold their assets so he could purchase a struggling Chevrolet dealership in Bennettsville, South Carolina.
At only 26 years old, he became one of the youngest Chevrolet dealers in the United States. Hendrick quickly transformed the struggling dealership into a highly profitable operation.
His success created opportunities to purchase and develop more dealerships. These businesses eventually became Hendrick Automotive Group.
Today, the company operates more than 100 dealership locations and represents numerous vehicle manufacturers across several states. It employs more than 11,000 people and generates billions of dollars in annual revenue.
Founding Hendrick Motorsports
Although Hendrick was building a successful automobile business, racing remained one of his biggest passions.
In 1984, he founded a NASCAR team originally known as All-Star Racing. The organisation later became Hendrick Motorsports.
The team began with a relatively small operation and driver Geoff Bodine. Its first season produced three NASCAR Cup Series victories.
Over time, Hendrick Motorsports developed into one of the dominant organisations in American motorsport.
Rick Hendrick NASCAR Success
Rick Hendrick has become the most successful team owner in NASCAR Cup Series history.
Hendrick Motorsports has won more than 320 Cup Series races. The organisation also holds the record for the most Cup Series championships by a team owner.
As of 2026, Hendrick teams have won 15 NASCAR Cup Series championships.
Championship-winning drivers under Hendrick include Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Terry Labonte, Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson.
Jimmie Johnson won seven Cup championships with the organisation, while Jeff Gordon won four. Kyle Larson added championships in 2021 and 2025.
The team has also achieved major success in events such as the Daytona 500 and has repeatedly broken records that had stood for decades.
Did Rick Hendrick Ever Race?
Although Rick Hendrick is best known as a team owner, he also competed as a driver.
He made a small number of starts in NASCAR national series events during the 1980s and 1990s. These included two NASCAR Cup Series races.
His best Cup result came at Riverside International Raceway in 1988, where he finished 15th.
Hendrick eventually focused fully on team ownership and business management rather than pursuing a long-term driving career.
Rick Hendrick Wife and Personal Life
Rick Hendrick is married to Linda Hendrick. The couple has been together for decades and built much of the Hendrick business empire together.
Linda has also been involved in the family’s charitable activities. Rick and Linda established the Hendrick Family Foundation to support healthcare and community causes.
The Hendrick family has experienced both extraordinary success and devastating personal loss over the years.
Rick Hendrick Children
Rick and Linda Hendrick had two children, Ricky Hendrick and Lynn Carlson.
Their son, Ricky Hendrick, followed his father’s interest in motorsports. He competed as a NASCAR driver before becoming involved in team ownership and management.
Tragically, Ricky died in a plane crash in 2004 along with several other members of the Hendrick organisation and family.
The loss was one of the most difficult periods in Rick Hendrick’s life and had a lasting impact on the Hendrick family and racing organisation.
Rick Hendrick Leukemia and Philanthropy
Rick Hendrick is a leukemia survivor. His experience with the illness led him to become heavily involved in charitable work related to blood cancers and bone marrow transplantation.
In 1997, he established the Hendrick Marrow Program. The programme helped raise millions of dollars to support patients and increase awareness of bone marrow donation.
Rick and Linda later created the Hendrick Family Foundation, which expanded their philanthropic activities.
The foundation supports children’s healthcare, medical programmes and other charitable organisations.
Rick Hendrick Net Worth and Earnings
Rick Hendrick’s exact net worth is not publicly confirmed.
Several online publications estimate his fortune at around $1 billion or more. However, there is no reliable public financial disclosure establishing an exact personal net worth.
His wealth is primarily connected to Hendrick Automotive Group, Hendrick Motorsports, automobile dealerships, business investments and other assets.
Hendrick Automotive Group alone generates billions of dollars in annual revenue. However, company revenue should not be confused with Hendrick’s personal wealth.
For this reason, a specific billion-dollar figure should be treated as an unofficial estimate rather than a confirmed net worth.
Rick Hendrick Awards and Hall of Fame
Hendrick’s achievements have earned him recognition in both motorsport and the automotive industry.
He was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2017 for his extraordinary accomplishments as a team owner.
He has also been inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and received several major industry honours.
His success extends beyond race victories. Hendrick has helped develop some of NASCAR’s greatest drivers, crew chiefs and racing teams.
Rick Hendrick’s Legacy
The Rick Hendrick biography is closely tied to two industries: automobile retail and professional racing.
From rebuilding a Chevrolet as a teenager to creating one of America’s largest privately held automotive retail businesses, Hendrick built his career around his lifelong passion for cars.
At 77 years old, he remains owner of Hendrick Motorsports and chairman and CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group in 2026. His record of NASCAR victories and championships has established him as one of the most influential team owners in motorsport history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who is Rick Hendrick?
Rick Hendrick is an American businessman, automobile dealer and NASCAR team owner. He is the founder and owner of Hendrick Motorsports and chairman and CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group.
Q2: How old is Rick Hendrick?
Rick Hendrick is 77 years old as of 2026. He was born on July 12, 1949, in Warrenton, North Carolina.
Q3: Who is Rick Hendrick’s wife?
Rick Hendrick is married to Linda Hendrick. The couple has also worked together on several charitable projects through the Hendrick Family Foundation.
Q4: What is Rick Hendrick’s net worth in 2026?
Rick Hendrick’s exact net worth has not been officially disclosed. Various online estimates place his wealth around $1 billion or higher, but these figures should be treated as unofficial estimates.
Q5: How did Rick Hendrick make his money?
Rick Hendrick built most of his wealth through automobile dealerships and related businesses under Hendrick Automotive Group. He also owns Hendrick Motorsports and has other business interests.
Q6: How many NASCAR championships has Rick Hendrick won?
Teams owned by Rick Hendrick have won 15 NASCAR Cup Series championships as of 2026. Championship drivers include Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Terry Labonte, Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson.
Q7: Does Rick Hendrick own Hendrick Motorsports?
Yes. Rick Hendrick founded the team in 1984 and remains its owner. Hendrick Motorsports has become the winningest team in NASCAR Cup Series history.
