Indeed, the Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway will be etched in the annals of racing history. Hendrick Motorsports celebrated its 40th anniversary in style, achieving a remarkable 1-2-3 finish. Kevin Harvick recently pointed out the good factor of Hendrick Motorsports drivers and praised them.
Last weekend, Hendrick Motorsports celebrated its 40th anniversary at Martinsville Speedway. All four drivers will sport ruby red paint schemes, commemorating this milestone.
"Those are the moments that you live for as a driver." @KevinHarvick was impressed by @TeamHendrick's performance under pressure at Martinsville. @KaitlynVincie | @MambaSmith34 | #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/HcHI8MZOfa
— HarvickHappyHour (@HarvickHappyPod) April 9, 2024
Geoff Bodine and Jeff Gordon served as co-grand marshals, and Rick Hendrick himself drove the pace car. The activation and acknowledgment of this historic occasion will be palpable throughout the weekend. Plus over 1500 Hendrick employees were there to cheer up their drivers and Kevin Harvick believes that build huge pressure to the drivers and Kevin Harvick praised Hendrick drivers the way they nailed through and clinched 1-2-3 positions at Martinsville.
The Turning Point at Martinsville in 1984
Back in 1984, team owner Rick Hendrick faced financial challenges and contemplated shutting down his fledgling team, then known as All-Star Racing.
Driver Geoff Bodine and crew chief Harry Hyde believed in their abilities and requested more time. They had a special affinity for the Virginia short track.
Against the odds, they raced at Martinsville, and Bodine secured a victory. Remarkably, Hendrick himself wasn’t present; he was attending a church event in North Carolina.
That win changed everything. Hendrick decided to keep the team going, and it marked the beginning of a remarkable journey.
Today, Hendrick Motorsports boasts 304 victories and 14 championships, making it the most successful organization in NASCAR Cup Series history.
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