Rick Hendrick’s name is synonymous with NASCAR greatness. With a record-breaking 14 Cup Series championships, over 300 wins at NASCAR’s highest level, and a thriving automotive empire, Hendrick’s legacy extends far beyond the racetrack. Yet, for all his accomplishments, Hendrick isn’t one to hoard credit. During a revealing conversation on The Dale Jr. Download, Hendrick made a surprising confession that would leave racing fans stunned: he considers Kelley Earnhardt Miller and Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Junior Motorsports (JRM) the gold standard of Xfinity Series racing.
This isn’t just empty praise. Hendrick openly credited the siblings for taking the Xfinity team he once managed and elevating it to an unparalleled level of success—one he admitted he couldn’t achieve himself. In the Business of Motorsports episode titled “Building a Legacy: People-First Leadership with Rick Hendrick”, Kelley Earnhardt Miller sat down with the legendary team owner to reflect on their intertwined family and professional histories. From their shared Virginia roots to decades-long partnerships, Hendrick and the Earnhardts share a bond that goes beyond business.
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When Hendrick handed over his Xfinity team to JRM in 2008, combining it with the one-car operation Dale Jr. and Kelley had built, it was an act of faith. Reflecting on that decision, Hendrick admitted to Kelley: “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 and work ethic. It wasn’t new to me. I’d followed you guys and been close to you. It was exciting. That was a division inside the Cup team that we weren’t paying enough attention to, and it was out of control.”
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Since then, JRM has thrived, becoming one of the most formidable teams in the Xfinity Series. With drivers like Justin Allgaier, Josh Berry, and Sam Mayer regularly contending for wins and now championships, JRM has cemented itself as a powerhouse. For Hendrick, it’s all thanks to the Earnhardts. “You run the best Xfinity organization in racing. And I’ve been just very fortunate to be on your coattail here,” Hendrick said humbly.
Hendrick also credited JRM’s people-first approach to leadership—a principle he has championed at Hendrick Motorsports. According to Kelley, Hendrick’s mentorship and their families’ deep-rooted connection laid the foundation for JRM’s success.
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This is a developing story.