Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports (HMS), reached a significant achievement this year as his team claimed its 10th victory at the Daytona 500, the largest number of wins by any organization in NASCAR history. This milestone was marked on Thursday at a ceremony where NASCAR chairman Jim France honored Hendrick with a special Rolex Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona watch, commemorating this historic record.
The luxury watch, inscribed with “First 10x DAYTONA 500 champion” alongside Rick Hendrick’s name, celebrates the Concord-based team’s dominance at the Great American Race. Hendrick Motorsports secured the milestone after William Byron secured his second consecutive Daytona 500 win earlier this year, establishing himself as the youngest driver in NASCAR history to win back-to-back victories in the prestigious event.
Rick Hendrick Reflects on the Meaning Behind the Achievement
At the presentation, Rick Hendrick expressed heartfelt gratitude toward NASCAR, the Daytona International Speedway, and everyone involved with the team. He emphasized that the honor represents more than just the wins, highlighting the dedication of the drivers, crew chiefs, team members, and families who contribute to the organization’s success.
“This is such a meaningful gift, and I’m truly grateful to Jim (France), everyone at NASCAR, and the team at Daytona International Speedway.” —Rick Hendrick, Team Owner
“The Daytona 500 has given us some incredible moments, and this watch will always remind me of the people who made them possible. It’s not just about the wins; it’s about the drivers, crew chiefs, team members, and their families who’ve put their hearts into this organization. I’ll think of them every time I look at it.” —Rick Hendrick, Team Owner
With a career spanning more than forty years in NASCAR’s top series, Hendrick admitted his astonishment at reaching such a milestone.
“I never thought I would win one Daytona 500. I couldn’t have imagined 10 in my wildest dreams. It’s hard to believe.” —Rick Hendrick, Team Owner
Ceremony Highlights and Key Figures in Hendrick Motorsports’ Victory
The event was attended by several prominent members of Hendrick Motorsports, including vice chairman Jeff Gordon, president and general manager Jeff Andrews, vice president of competition Chad Knaus, William Byron’s crew chief Rudy Fugle, and Kyle Larson’s crew chief Cliff Daniels. Jeff Gordon himself contributed three Daytona 500 wins to Hendrick Motorsports’ record during his driving career in 1997, 1999, and 2005.
Last year, Gordon also received a commemorative ring from Daytona International Speedway president Frank Kelleher to mark that victory, reflecting the ongoing success and legacy of the team.
Jeff Gordon Shares Surprise at William Byron’s Win
Following Byron’s remarkable achievement of winning consecutive Daytona 500 races, Jeff Gordon shared his reflections on the unexpected result. Gordon admitted that the team wasn’t anticipating competing for the win, especially given the tense and unpredictable nature of the race.
During the season opener at Daytona International Speedway, a last-lap crash involving leader Denny Hamlin caused chaos, but Byron skillfully maneuvered his #24 Chevrolet on the top lane to avoid the wreck and secured the victory without a caution flag being issued.
“Victory never gets old, especially at Daytona, and I think this one is just such a surprise or a shock. Daytona is always unpredictable, right? And you never know, but I really didn’t think we had a shot at it yet.” [at the start of the video] —Jeff Gordon, Hendrick Motorsports Vice Chairman
Race Details and Top Finishers at the Daytona 500
William Byron’s win placed him ahead of Tyler Reddick, who finished second, and Jimmie Johnson, a former HMS driver with two Daytona 500 victories to his name (2006 and 2013). Chase Briscoe and John Hunter Nemechek rounded out the top five finishers in the race.
By securing back-to-back wins at the Daytona 500, Byron helped Hendrick Motorsports break the previous all-time wins record held by Petty Enterprises, cementing the team’s legacy at NASCAR’s most prestigious event.
Significance of the Milestone and Future Prospects
Rick Hendrick’s 10th Daytona 500 win underscores the enduring strength and competitiveness of Hendrick Motorsports, an organization that has long been a powerhouse in NASCAR Cup Series racing. William Byron’s back-to-back Daytona 500 wins further establish him as a rising star within the sport, pointing to a promising future both for the driver and the team.
This milestone presents an inspirational chapter in NASCAR history, highlighting the synergy between talented drivers, skilled crew chiefs, and steadfast leadership. As Hendrick Motorsports continues to pursue success, fans and participants alike will watch closely to see if the team can extend its record at future Daytona 500 races and other major events.
