NASCAR Honors Rick Hendrick with Monumental Bronze Statue Slated to presented on the….
In a momentous gesture that underscores decades of excellence, leadership, and unmatched contribution to the sport, NASCAR has announced it will honor legendary team owner Rick Hendrick with a life-size bronze statue. The statue will be unveiled and formally presented on the eve of the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, marking one of the most prestigious tributes ever bestowed upon an individual in NASCAR history.
The announcement came during a special media event held at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, where executives, drivers, and fans gathered to celebrate Hendrick’s lasting legacy. As the founder and owner of Hendrick Motorsports, Rick Hendrick has revolutionized NASCAR, transforming his organization into one of the most successful teams in motorsports history. With over 300 Cup Series victories and 14 championships, his impact on the sport is both historic and enduring.
NASCAR President Steve Phelps praised Hendrick’s visionary leadership and character, calling him “a cornerstone of modern NASCAR.” Phelps added, “Rick Hendrick isn’t just a team owner — he’s a mentor, a builder, and an ambassador for everything this sport represents. His contributions reach beyond the racetrack, touching lives in the garage, the boardroom, and the community. This statue is a symbol of our deepest respect and gratitude.”
The statue, which stands over seven feet tall and is crafted in stunning detail by acclaimed sculptor William Behrends, captures Hendrick in his signature pose — hands on hips, smiling confidently, wearing a Hendrick Motorsports team jacket and baseball cap. It will be permanently installed just outside the main entrance to Charlotte Motor Speedway, a location deeply tied to Hendrick’s career and legacy.
Rick Hendrick, visibly emotional during the announcement, expressed his profound gratitude. “I never set out to win statues — I just loved cars, racing, and people,” Hendrick said. “This sport has given me everything, and to be honored like this, especially here at Charlotte, it’s more than I ever dreamed of. I share this with every crew member, driver, sponsor, and fan who has ever been part of this journey.”
The timing of the unveiling, on the Saturday evening before the iconic Coca-Cola 600, is symbolic. The Coca-Cola 600 is not only NASCAR’s longest race, but also one of its most patriotic and storied events, traditionally held on Memorial Day weekend. Hendrick Motorsports has won the race multiple times, and its Concord, North Carolina headquarters lies just miles from the track — further reinforcing the significance of the moment.
The ceremony is expected to feature appearances by NASCAR legends, current Hendrick drivers including Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, William Byron, and Alex Bowman, as well as tributes from past champions such as Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson. Fans will be invited to attend, and NASCAR plans to stream the unveiling live, making it accessible to viewers across the globe.
This statue not only commemorates a career of historic achievements but also serves as a lasting symbol of Rick Hendrick’s indelible mark on the sport of NASCAR.
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