From the moment Rick Hendrick and Joe Gibbs first crossed paths, on a frigid NFL sideline game, where Gibbs invited Hendrick as a fan, a connection was formed that would span decades. It’s not simply a meeting of titans; it is a reunion of two people who spent decades side-by-side in motorsports’ highest circles.

And now, as the two friends face each other in the Championship 4, with two drivers from each organization, their friendship has come into the spotlight. Whether it was a cold NFL sideline invite or a shared respect for each other’s win, through all the quiet moments behind the scenes, their bond has grown into one of the sport’s most enduring friendships. And now, Rick Hendrick cannot help but reminisce about how far the duo has come.

Rick Hendrick admits that he has immense respect for Joe Gibbs

Speaking at a media availability on Tuesday, Hendrick traced back through the years. He said, “Joe and I have had some good times and some sad times together. There’s nobody I respect more than Joe Gibbs. He’s built a great organization, and I admire the man for his strength and what he’s gone through. I lost a son, he’s lost both sons, and we both had plans that kind of got shattered. But we have a bond and a friendship that, no matter what happens on the track, we talk during the weeks. When I win two races, he’s on me, and I tell him, ‘Now you’ve won three or four, it’s time to quit and let us have a chance.’ So, we both want to win, but we have tremendous respect for each other.” 

Rick Hendrick faced one of the darkest days of his life on October 24, 2004, when a plane carrying his son Ricky Hendrick and nine others crashed en route to a race. In the aftermath, Hendrick, who rocketed into grief while running one of NASCAR’s elite operations, leaned heavily on those closest to him.

Joe Gibbs has known heartbreak, too. His son, JD Gibbs, died in 2019 after a long battle with a neurological disease. When his other son, Coy Gibbs, passed away in 2022, the loss compounded and underscored the fragility of the world behind the pit wall. Through each below, the door has offered immense support, and their friendship has extended their barriers outside of the racetrack.

In fact, it was Rick Hendrick who helped Joe Gibbs set up in NASCAR. When former NFL coach Joe Gibbs decided to field a NASCAR team in 1992, he turned to Rick Hendrick for help. Gibbs recalled, “ I didn’t have anything. Everybody referred me to Rick. He helped us a lot and gave advice. It was a huge deal for us to be able to get off the ground. Rick played a huge role in that. I just really really appreciate that.”

Based on Hendrick’s guidance, Gibbs acquired key equipment, secured a competitive engine program, and gained access to high-level meetings that helped launch Joe Gibbs Racing into one of NASCAR’s powerhouse organizations.

And now the legacy is playing out in a high-stakes rivalry on Sunday at Phoenix Raceway. For the 2025 season finale, two drivers from Hendrick’s camp, William Byron and Kyle Larson, and two from Gibbs’ organization, Denny Hamlin and Chase Briscoe, will race head-to-head for the Cup. What began as mentoring and mutual admiration has evolved into one of NASCAR’s great friendly rivalries.

But, while talking about Kyle Larson’s struggles, Mr. H is definitely not going to give up the title fight in the name of friendship.

Rick Hendrick reflects on HMS getting its 15th title

With Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick and Vice Chairman Jeff Gordon joining a media call during the NASCAR Cup Series Championship 4 week yesterday, it was inevitable that the conversation would turn toward history. After all, the two have shared a remarkable legacy that began in 1995 when Gordon delivered Hendrick his first championship in the premier series.

Now, three decades later, Hendrick’s stable once again stands at the forefront. William Byron and Kyle Larson make up half of this year’s Championship 4 lineup at Phoenix Raceway, each vying to bring Hendrick his record-extending 15th title.

Hendrick reflected, “Well, I was thinking about that this morning and how hard it is to win a championship. It’s pretty special. In some ways it doesn’t feel like it’s been 30 years. In some ways it feels like it’s been a long time. But I’m really thankful for Jeff in that first one. Hopefully we can get number 15 here next weekend.”

Since Gordon’s breakthrough in 1995, and even since Hendrick Motorsports’ founding in 1984, the organization has weathered format changes, new generations of cars, triumphs, and tragedies alike. Through it all, Hendrick’s team has remained a benchmark of consistency and dominance, still fuelled by the owners ‘ relentless competitive spirit.

Yet beyond his drive to win, Hendrick’s decades of experience have taught him when to step back. With 320 victories and 14 NASCAR Cup Series championships under his belt, he knows his drivers don’t need a pep talk; they need to trust. He explained, “They know what to do. The best thing I can do now … I can stand back,” Hendrick said. “I’ve talked to all of them and said, ‘Listen, I’m proud of you. We got two cars out of the four and let’s go get it done. You don’t want to put any more pressure on them than they already have.” 

It’s a familiar scenario for Hendrix. In 1996, Jeff Gordon and Terry Labonte battled each other to the wire, with Labonte ultimately taking home his second championship and first for HMS by just 37 points. This time, the equation is simpler. With William Byron, Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, and Chase Briscoe entering on equal terms, the highest finisher on Sunday will be crowned champion. And Rick Hendrick is all in to see his Chevy drivers win it.