"My daughter opened my eyes to the problem": When Rick Hendrick reflected on turning personal pain into purpose

Behind Rick Hendrick's success as the owner of Hendrick Motorsports and founder of the Hendrick Automotive Group lies a story of resilience, empathy, and service. Over four decades, he has built two of the most successful enterprises in their respective industries - all while making philanthropy the core of his life’s work.

In 1996, the 2017 Hall of Famer was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia, which sidelined him in the late 1990s and left him homebound. By 2000, he was declared cancer-free, which changed his outlook on life. In a 2016 interview with Inc. magazine, Hendrick said:

“I have really been blessed and I believe giving back is not just something we want to do but something we need to do. I had leukemia 20 years ago and recovered, and for the past 20 years I’ve been raising money for people that need transplants.

"My daughter opened my eyes to the problem we have with so many hungry and homeless children right here in Charlotte. We’ve adopted 11 schools, we donated thousands of jackets and sweatshirts and T-shirts to kids that need them.”

Despite his accomplishments, Rick Hendrick’s path has been marked by profound personal loss. After his cancer recovery in 2004, tragedy struck again when a Hendrick Motorsports plane crashed en route to a race in Virginia, claiming the lives of his son Ricky, his brother, two nieces, and several team members.

(L-R) Jimmie Johnson, his wife Chandra, and Rick Hendrick, at a 2007 Charity Golf Tournament. Source: Getty

Hendrick and his wife Linda chose to honor their loved ones through action. The couple formally established the Hendrick Family Foundation in 2015, after decades of charitable work under one banner. Its programs now range from the Hendrick Marrow Program, which has raised more than $15 million for Be The Match, to community food drives, children’s hospitals, and educational partnerships.

Hendrick added how these experiences shaped his values:

“If you see a child who’s hungry and struggling, or parents who can’t afford to pay for their child’s medical needs … if we can help them, then it’s the right thing to do. Plus, it just feels good to do good. And I just love to see people get opportunities. I love to watch people who believe in our company grow and take over a dealership and become a leader. I’m proud of them.”

As the head of the largest privately held automotive group in the U.S., with more than 130 dealerships and 10,000 employees, Rick Hendrick’s focus has never been on profit alone. His other philanthropic efforts include initiatives like Hendrick Cares and the Victory Junction Gang Camp, a haven for children living with chronic illnesses, founded in memory of Adam Petty.

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Rick Hendrick’s Learn Live Hope tournament continues to raise millions for charity

Hendrick Motorsport team owner, Rick Hendrick, at the 2025 NASCAR awards. Source: Getty

Fast forward to 2024, decades into his storied career, Rick Hendrick’s commitment to giving back hasn’t slowed. Last November, the Hendrick Family Foundation’s annual Learn Live Hope Golf Classic took place at the Carmel Country Club in Charlotte. Despite wind and rain, 232 golfers participated, raising $1.5 million for causes across North Carolina.

The event, now in its 22nd year, has generated more than $21 million since its inception in 2003. Beneficiaries include Be The Match, the Second Harvest Food Bank, and the Boys and Girls Club, among others. Rick Hendrick was at the event with his Hendrick Motorsports drivers - Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, William Byron, and Alex Bowman.

“I want to thank everyone for being here, this is such a great cause,” he said in a team statement.

On the track, Hendrick’s racing team continues to rewrite NASCAR history. In 2025, the team secured its record-extending 15th NASCAR Cup Series championship, with Kyle Larson clinching his second career title and delivering another milestone for Hendrick’s storied organization.