Harry Hyde Named 2024 Smokey Yunick Award Recipient

Hyde Served as the Inspiration for the Character Harry Hogge in the Movie “Days of Thunder”

Rick Hendrick was presented with the 2024 Smokey Yunick award
 on Harry Hyde’s behalf by Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith.

 

One of the most iconic crew chiefs in NASCAR, the late Harry Hyde, was named the recipient of the esteemed 2024 Smokey Yunick Award prior to Sunday’s Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

 

The Smokey Yunick Award, named after the legendary mechanic and innovator Henry "Smokey" Yunick, was instituted in 1997 to recognize an individual from humble beginnings who demonstrated exceptional innovation and made a major impact in the world of motorsports. Yunick passed away in 2001, and Charlotte Motor Speedway has continued the award in his memory.

 

Hyde joins a lengthy list of NASCAR greats who have received the honor, including Ralph Moody, Ray Evernham, Dale Inman, Richard Childress, Rick Hendrick, Waddell Wilson, Larry McReynolds and Ernie Elliott.

 

Hendrick Motorsports team owner Rick Hendrick was presented with the award on Hyde’s behalf by Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith before the seventh running of the Bank of America ROVAL ™ 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

 

Immortalized by Hollywood as the inspiration for the Harry Hogge character in the 1990 hit film “Days of Thunder,” Hyde developed a reputation for success in NASCAR’s ranks long before actor Robert Duvall portrayed Hyde’s old-school, no-nonsense mentality before a global audience.

 

The Brownsville, Kentucky, native honed his skills as a mechanic when, after he enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 16 in 1941, Hyde was injured while fighting in World War II. His injuries forced a shift in responsibility to repairing jeeps and trucks for the Army, which put Hyde’s remarkable level of mechanical aptitude on display.

 

Years of post-war success as a small-time midwest crew chief prompted NASCAR team owner Nord Krauskopf to offer Hyde a job with his race team in 1965. Five years later, Hyde and driver Bobby Isaac won 11 races and the 1970 NASCAR Cup Series championship – Hyde’s crowning achievement in a NASCAR career that spanned 27 seasons.

 

In addition to winning 36 races with Isaac, Hyde’s ingenuity guided legends including Buddy Baker, Neil Bonnett and Dave Marcis to the winner’s circle. Six years of winless results and part-time jobs came to an end in 1984, when Rick Hendrick created All-Star Racing – renamed Hendrick Motorsports a year later – and hired Hyde as the team’s first crew chief.

 

Operating out of a much smaller shop than the behemoth from which Hendrick now operates, Hyde and Geoff Bodine shocked the sport by winning three races in the team’s debut season.

 

"Harry was an innovator who'd work for nothing to get back in racing," Hendrick recalled on Sunday. "When we started, we had five people, two were volunteers and one was Harry's cousin. To see the things he did back then, the innovative ways to build a car, he did some things people would never try and he was a great coach.

 

"He was an unbelievable innovator, he was good with sponsors, he was funny, he was a comedian and he'd take a hammer to you if he didn't like you. We wouldn't be here today, seriously, without Harry. I'm honored to accept this for him."

 

Hendrick made the seismic shift to a two-car team in 1986 – bucking the conventional trend of running one car – and paired young hotshot Tim Richmond with the grizzled Hyde. The pairing started slow before Richmond acquiesced to Hyde’s instructions on how to approach a race – managing the car instead of going full-bore from the start – and the two rattled off seven wins in the final 17 races of 1986.

 

"This award is so neat to me because it celebrates the trailblazers of racing, people who did things at a time when we didn't have all this (technology)," Smith said. "It's very important to remember and celebrate the heroes before us, like Harry, who helped (Hendrick) become who they are today."

 

Never known as a man who kowtowed to anyone in his industry, Hyde’s genius as a strategist, manager and innovator cemented his place in NASCAR history and firmly established the legendary crew chief as a fitting recipient of an award named for one of his contemporaries.

 

In honor of Harry Hyde. pic.twitter.com/Sqff6jwoxa

— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) October 13, 2024

 

source: Charlotte Motor Speedway Media 

Hendrick’s Hot Shoe

”Young Money” is a Winner

 

Despite a flurry of NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) regulars claiming wins early in the season – 10 different drivers in the first 11 races – the summer stretch has belonged to Kyle Larson.

 

Dubbed “Young Money,” Larson claimed three consecutive runner-up finishes in May (Darlington, Dover and Circuit of The Americas) before clicking off four consecutive wins (Charlotte, Sonoma, Texas and Nashville).

 

In doing so, the Hendrick Motorsports standout has not only cemented himself as a 2021 championship favorite, but proven that he’s a threat on any style track.

 

Larson will have his work cut out for him to keep that momentum going at the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301, where he’s never won and only led 16 laps in 10 career starts.

 

“It’s awesome that they see the value in me and what we are able to do.” pic.twitter.com/zC7QCj1YoU

— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) July 14, 2021

 

However, this week has already proven a winner for Larson. On Wednesday, it was announced that Team Owner Rick Hendrick’s ninety-three (93) dealerships that his hottest driver, Kyle Larson had signed a contract extension through 2023 and would be will be fully sponsored by HendrickCars.com.

 

News keeps getting better, @HendrickAuto is supporting my dirt racing! pic.twitter.com/h0Yzolljkk

— Kyle Larson (@KyleLarsonRacin) July 14, 2021

 

Note: Team Hendrick is Hiring Technicians Nationwide! Click Here to Apply.

 

 

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Hendrick Motorsports Stars Excited to Have STP 500 at Martinsville on Horizon

Rick Hendrick casts a long shadow when he exits the tunnel under Turn Four and enters the infield of Martinsville Speedway. His thoroughbred short-track machines have claimed 24 victories, 17 poles and a staggering 78 top-five finishes in 223 races on the half mile.

Success in the STP 500 on March 25, then, is something that his drivers expect. The fact that Jimmie Johnson, Chase Elliott, Alex Bowman and William Byron are yet to visit Victory Lane in a regular season race in 2018 brings no added pressure, they said.

Bowman, who has taken the reigns of the No. 88, said that he enjoyed his previous four trips to Martinsville and is excited at the prospect of driving a Hendrick car there.

“Going to Martinsville with Hendrick Motorsports is going to be a great time. They always seem to bring really fast racecars there and it’s one of my favorite racetracks to go to,” Bowman said. “There’s really not a whole lot of pressure taking over the 88 car. I’m just ready to go enjoy it, have as much fun as I can and hopefully win some races along the way.”

Jimmie Johnson made Martinsville his personal playground early in his career and he said the positive memories of nine wins at the historic facility give him confidence heading into the first short-track race of 2018.

“I have nothing but great thoughts for Martinsville,” Johnson said. “For me I just love that little racetrack. Martinsville has been a great place for me.” 

Talk about a battle. @JimmieJohnson vs. @JeffGordonWeb at @MartinsvilleSwy. #TBT pic.twitter.com/5azPlMKZHA

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 22, 2018

In regards to his younger teammates, however, Johnson said patience is the key at a unique track like Martinsville.

“It took me a while to figure it out,” Johnson said of the driving style at Martinsville. “We’re not that slow through the center of the corner anywhere we go. There is just a rhythm and a feel and even a look to the way that our cars go around that track and the way we complete laps (that is unique).”

Chase Elliott is in the midst of that learning process and nearly capped it off with a win in the fall of 2017 before a late-race incident with Denny Hamlin saw his hopes of his first grandfather clock trophy fall by the wayside.

“Martinsville was my first start so it’s kind of always going to be a special place,” Elliott said. “There’s been a lot of things that have happened since then, obviously, at the track. But your first of anything is always special. We didn’t have a very good run that day, but it was still my first and I would love to have a great run there. It was my first Cup start and hasn’t been my best track so I would love to figure it out.”

Byron, on the other hand, will be making his first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series start at Martinsville on March 25, something he said does come with a little pressure, adding that a fast race car can erase that pressure in an instant.

“It’s definitely a little bit of pressure. They (Hendrick Motorsports) have been so good at Martinsville for so long,” Byron said. “That’s a racetrack you circle on your calendar to hopefully have success at and I feel like we’re going to be capable of doing that this year.”

The Charlotte, NC native noted that Martinsville has a special place in his young career as he drove in Late Model Stock Car and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races there on his way to the Cup series.

“Martinsville has always been special to me. It’s where I went to my first Cup race and it’s also where I got to race a Late Model and do a lot of different races,” Byron said. “It’s always special to me and I think it’s going to be one of those places that you always look forward to and hopefully, one day, I can get one of those clocks.”

As for Johnson, it isn’t just a place he enjoys driving, but a track he recommends people attend in person.

“Because of the history of the track, the connection to history when you experience it first hand, and the tradition of the trophy, I have an experience when I race there that feels like I could be racing in the 50’s or 60’s,” Johnson said. “It has that feel and that intensity to it…it really is a track that I suggest all my friends go to. When people ask me what track to visit, I tell them that they won’t find a more intimate and cool track to experience than Martinsville.”

The STP 500 weekend presented by whosyourdriver.org is March 23-25.

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Hendrick Adds Corvette to Collection, Benefiting Military Veterans

Rick Hendrick Buys the First Retail 2019 Corvette ZR1 for $925,000

Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick’s love of cars is well-documented.

This week, he added a very special car to his collection – for a very special cause.

At Barrett-Jackson, General Motors and Chevrolet offered two first retail production Corvette models for auction.

This 2019 @chevrolet Corvette ZR1 just SOLD for $925,000! 100% of the sale will benefit Stephen Siller @Tunnel2Towers. pic.twitter.com/HOd6JneAvh

— Barrett-Jackson (@Barrett_Jackson) January 21, 2018

Hendrick purchased the Corvette ZR1 – the fastest, most powerful production Corvette ever built. The auction proceeds will benefit the *Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation and its work supporting wounded veterans through the Building for America’s Bravest program. 

The other model – the Corvette Carbon 65 Edition coupe signed by President George W. Bush – was purchased by Chevrolet dealer John Staluppi with the proceeds benefiting the Bush Center’s Military Service Initiative. 

Jay Leno adds his signature to that of former President George W. Bush on the engine of a 2018 @chevrolet Carbon 65 Corvette that will be auctioned for charity soon! pic.twitter.com/IBxyHoJYhC

— Barrett-Jackson (@Barrett_Jackson) January 20, 2018

“GM and Chevrolet are proud to honor and support the brave men and women of our armed forces,” said Steve Hill, GM vice president of U.S. Sales and Service. “Thanks to the generosity of two of our dealers, John Staluppi and Rick Hendrick, we will be able to offer additional support to some of our most severely wounded veterans through the Bush Center Military Service Initiative and the Siller Foundation Building for America’s Bravest effort – both extremely worthy organizations.”

GM and Chevrolet were proud to help support the organizations, as more than 6,000 veterans are employed at GM and there are more than 50,000 GM retirees who are veterans.

*The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation is named for a New York City firefighter and first responder who died during the attacks of Sept. 11. The foundation builds mortgage-free smart homes for the most catastrophically injured service members. Each home is built with the goal of enabling the most severely injured heroes to live better, more independent lives.

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In Their Words: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Rick Hendrick on Retirement (4)

Photos and Quotes (Part 4 of 4)

"It was a very emotional conversation...but when we came out of that deal,
we were excited about what's next." -- Rick Hendrick

"I kind of want this season to drag a little just so we can
get everything we can out of it." -- Dale Earnhardt Jr.

"My heart loves being in the car, I love driving and I enjoy
it as much as I ever have." -- Dale Earnhardt Jr.

"I still have two XFINITY races to run in 2018 so even after this season
you have not seen the last of me on the race track." -- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
revealing his has a few races on the books next year

"I'm going to be on the track Richmond with my foot on the floor
and this press conference will be a distant memory." -- Dale Earnhardt Jr.

"Coming out of the gate and winning two XFINITY championships, blew me away."
-- Dale Earnhardt Jr. on his early success

"I wanted to leave some kind of mark that somebody would know I was here."
-- Dale Earnhardt Jr. on being a part of Hendrick Motorsports

"I want to be a part of the future of this sport for many,
many years to come." -- Dale Earnhardt Jr.

"I do love winning races but it isn’t the one thing I enjoy the most.
The one thing I enjoy the most about racing is my relationships
with the team." -- Dale Earnhardt Jr.

"I accomplished way more than I ever dreamed. Way more.
So I'm good." -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. on an overall look at his career

"He wouldn't tell me to my face, but he would probably tell Rick (Hendrick)
that he was really proud of me." -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. on
what his dad, Dale Earnhardt, would think of his career

"I knew your dad very well, and he would be proud of the man
that you are and all that you've done." -- Rick Hendrick on
what Dale Earnhardt would think of his son's career

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In Their Words: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Rick Hendrick on Retirement (3)

Photos and Quotes (Part 3 of 4)

"I feel healthy and I'm having a really good time driving these cars.
I'm excited about the races I have left." -- Dale Earnhardt Jr.

"This was going to come at some point. Everybody gets to a point in their career
where they are going to retire." -- Rick Hendrick

"Going through what we went through last year was a challenge.
I was pretty sick at one point,  didn't think I was going to get to race."
-- Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the road to returning to race in 2017

"This season has been a blessing to me. A gift." -- Dale Earnhardt Jr.

"I saw, even at an early age before I was a driver, that growing up in that
man's shadow was going to be difficult." -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. on
growing up around his racing legend father, Dale Earnhardt

"I've been treated so well by the industry and by the fans
everywhere we go." -- Dale Earnhardt Jr.

"When he said he wanted to talk to me, I had this inkling that it might be
pretty serious." -- Rick Hendrick on the discussion of retirement with Dale Jr.

"I'm at peace with the decision. I’m very comfortable with it. I’m more concerned
with the fallout of it." -- Dale Earnhardt Jr

"I enjoy the race team with have JR Motorsports and the fact that we
have graduated so many people. … Our connection to HMS
is critical to our success." -- Dale Earnhardt Jr.

"When I really want to know the facts, I'll sit down with Dale.
-- Rick Hendrick on Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s eye for young talent

"I really don’t know what to expect." -- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
regarding the farewell tour he is set to embark on

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In Their Words: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Rick Hendrick on Retirement (2)

Photos and Quotes (Part 2 of 4)

"Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, just to name two of probably a dozen guys
I’m excited about. All those guys have great attitudes and great
personalities." -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the young talent in NASCAR

"No one in the garage could be better to mentor these
young guys than Dale." -- Rick Hendrick

"This is a new batch of guys that are going to do things a new way
and bring some more energy to the sport." -- Dale Earnhardt Jr.

A"During my rehab I was given time to understand what was
important to me, the incredible support system I have with
my wife, team & doctors." -- Dale Earnhardt Jr.

"I've never woke up since I talked to Rick and had a change of heart."
-- Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the days since making his decision when he
first informed Rick Hendrick of his plans on March 29

"I’m very sad, because I know it’s definitely disappointing for a lot of people to
wake up to that news this morning." -- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
on the conflicting emotions his retirement brings

"We have a lot of urgency to go out there and try to make some things
happen this year." -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the mindset of the
No. 88 team for the remainder of the year

"We are very close. I appreciate the sacrifices he and his family have made for
our team." -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. on his relationship with crew chief Greg Ives

"You have helped me mature and grow well beyond the racetrack." - Dale Jr.
on his time and relationships at Hendrick Motorsports

"I felt like a member of my family came and told me this is what I decided to do."
-- Rick Hendrick on discussing the decision with Dale Earnhardt Jr.

"At a very young age, all I wanted to do was make a living
driving cars." -- Dale Earnhardt Jr.

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In Their Words: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Rick Hendrick on Retirement

Photos and Quotes (Part 1 of 4)

"The response just in the last six hours from teammates, colleagues and fans has been
overwhelming.  I just want to thank everyone for making me feel pretty
incredible today." -- Dale Earnhardt Jr.

"I just wanted the opportunity to go out on my own terms.  I wanted to
honor my commitment to Rick, my team, my sponsors and fans." -- Dale Earnhardt Jr.

"I wanted to be able to make the decision and not have it made for me.
I feel healthy." -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the timing of his decision to retire at the end of 2017

"He's like a son. We've had for many, many years a tremendous relationship."
-- Rick Hendrick on his relationship with Dale Earnhardt Jr.

"Without a shadow of a doubt the hardest thing to do was to tell you,
you mean so much to me. I didn't want to disappoint you."
-- Dale Jr. on discussing decision with team owner Rick Hendrick

"Through thick and thin, Amy's love and support has been constant. …
Without her help in those days of recovery, I wouldn't have been
back at the track." -- Dale Earnhardt Jr.

"To my father - Dale Earnhardt, I would not have been a racecar driver without him.
He believed in me, I appreciate my father." -- Dale Earnhardt Jr.

"I think if I were to sum up Kelley's life in one word it would be 'sacrifice.' …
She made it her life mission to have my back." -- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
on the bond with his sister, Kelley Earnhardt Miller

"To my fans, one thing that has made my career the incredible ride that it's
been is Junior Nation." -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. on his incredibly loyal fan base

"There will never be another Dale Earnhardt Jr." -- Rick Hendrick

"From my road crew to the pit crew to all the people in the Nos. 48 and 88 shop,
I'm a better driver and person because of you." -- Dale Earnhardt Jr.

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