Since its inception in 1948, NASCAR’s ovals have fielded countless legends. Be it Richard ‘The King’ Petty or even the revered Dale Earnhardt, NASCAR’s list of icons is countless. Undoubtedly the best in the business, these icons left an indelible mark on the sport while also adding to their growing list of achievements.

But Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick has a different idea. In a recent statement, Mr.H made a bold seven-word declaration, snubbing multiple NASCAR legends.

Rick Hendrick ices out NASCAR legends

Beginning his full-time Cup Series career in 2002 with Hendrick Motorsports, Jimmie Johnson competed in 687 races. Johnson collected 83 career wins and also won the Cup Series championship title seven times, a record that has him tied with Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt. After collecting innumerable awards and accolades throughout his Cup Series career, Jimmie Johnson was named to NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers list in 2023. To further add to his achievements, Jimmie Johnson was recently inducted into NASCAR’s Hall of Fame, Class of 2024, along with his former HMS crew chief, Chad Knaus.

Elated by the news, Jimmie Johnson’s former team owner, Rick Hendrick, put out a statement. “I cannot imagine a more fitting moment than Jimmie (Johnson) and Chad (Knaus) being inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in the same class. As individuals, they’re truly unique, with different personalities, strengths, and approaches to their craft. Each is a champion and generational talent in their own right. But together, they were pure magic. All of us at Hendrick Motorsports were fortunate to see greatness up close as they re-wrote the record book,” Mr.H said.

Making a bold seven-word declaration that saw him snub multiple NASCAR legends, Rick Hendrick added, “On behalf of our entire organization, congratulations to two of the fiercest competitors – and best people – our sport has ever seen. We look forward to celebrating their unprecedented achievements.”

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Going through a tough time after his family tragedy that saw him bow out of the inaugural Chicago Cup Series race, Jimmie Johnson, on the other hand, was enthralled to be inducted into the Hall of Fame beside his championship-winning former crew chief.

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Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus: the winning recipe

Sticking with Hendrick Motorsports throughout his 19-year Cup Series run, Jimmie Johnson was paired with legendary crew chief Chad Knaus for seventeen seasons. Together, the HMS duo won 81 races and seven Cup Series championships for Hendrick Motorsports.

Now the owner of Legacy Motor Club, Jimmie Johnson was enthralled to learn that he was inducted into NASCAR’s Hall of Fame along with Chad Knaus. Posting on Twitter, Johnson wrote, “It is an incredible honor to be voted into the @NASCARHall with the Class of 2024. What makes this moment even more special is being inducted with @chadknaus. We re-wrote the record books together, so it’s only fitting we are inducted together. Congratulations also to Donnie Allison for joining the Hall of Fame and Janet Guthrie on the Landmark Award. Joining the elite company of so many who have contributed to our sport is truly overwhelming and I am forever grateful.”

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With Rick Hendrick making the bold seven-word declaration, do you think the HMS owners comments were justified?