Rick Hendrick Reveals Why Jimmie Johnson Surprised Him the Most at Hendrick Motorsports
Follow Us
Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) has always been one of the premier teams in the top division of stock car racing. Much of the success that has come their way in the modern era of the NASCAR Cup Series is attributed to Jimmie Johnson.
The racing legend started a run of title wins in 2006 that lasted up until 2010. It was a golden run for HMS on all fronts during that period, but Johnson directly influenced their success with the title wins.
HMS owner Rick Hendrick was asked by Jeff Gordon in an interview about which NASCAR driver surprised him the most. Needless to say, it was a certain No.48 who stormed his way through the Cup Series to make his name.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
When Hendrick was ‘scared to death’ regarding Jimmie Johnson
Mr. Hendrick stated, “I guess Jimmie, I mean you know he winning all those championships. The five back-to-back was kind of unreal. I remember we were scared to death, we didn’t have a sponsor and we put him together.”
Gordon then expressed that Johnson’s feat surprised him greatly as well.
Johnson had just started off his career in the year 2002 and was a rookie back in the day. Despite that, he had a stellar season which consisted of three race wins, as he finished fifth in the season’s drivers’ standings.
“And then he comes out and wins races and then the championships. So that was probably the biggest surprise,” concluded Rick Hendrick in response to the question.
Johnson’s consistency elevated the status of Hendrick Motorsports
Trending
Racing Community Goes Berserk as Tony Stewart Drops Surprising ‘Fans Double’ Announcement Amidst Indy Return
May 03, 2024 01:47 PM EDT
Dodge’s NASCAR Legacy Walks the Tony Stewart Path as Ultimate Rescue Leaves Fans Jaw-Dropped
May 04, 2024 10:47 AM EDT
NASCAR Fans Claim Tony Stewart and SHR ‘Fu**ed Up’ by Nearly Causing Multiple Accidents in Dover
May 02, 2024 04:50 PM EDT
Livid Fans Tear Down HMS’ “Unbelievably Embarrassing” Tribute to NASCAR Legend
May 03, 2024 02:16 AM EDT
Dale Earnhardt Jr Drops an Expletive Bomb as He Turns the Tables on Cup Teams Financial Outcry
May 03, 2024 08:19 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NASCAR stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Johnson did not have a spectacular final season with the team in 2020. Regardless, no one would disregard his years of service to one of the most successful franchises in Cup Series history.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Of the 256 Cup Series wins Hendrick Motorsports has since its inception, Jimmie Johnson scored 83 of those. Barring the last three seasons, he had the knack of winning at least one race every season. His frequent appearances in the top-5 charts of every race made it more special.
It is not difficult to see why there is such a wonderful relationship between both team and driver.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
If Rick Hendrick had the choice of going back in time to hire a driver for his team, he would certainly not hesitate to pick the modern-day legend that is Johnson.