(April 2, 1980 – October 24, 2004) Ricky Hendrick was a prominent figure in NASCAR, renowned for his remarkable achievements on the racetrack and his dedication to the Hendrick Motorsports legacy. Born to Rick and Linda Hendrick, Ricky grew up in a family deeply rooted in motorsports.  Ricky was destined to leave a lasting mark on the sport and continue the family tradition of racing excellence.

Early Life and Career Beginnings
Ricky Hendrick's passion for racing ignited at an early age. Growing up in the heart of NASCAR country, he was exposed to the sport’s intricacies from the sidelines, learning from the best in the industry. His journey began in the karting circuits and soon progressed to Legends Cars where he earned five wins in the Summer Shootout and in 1996 Semi-Pro Division earned one victory and four top-five finishes.

Ricky then competed in the NASCAR Winston Racing Series Late Model Stock Series where he honed his skills and developed his natural racing talent.  Ricky earned his first Late Model victory on May 23, 1998 and by the end of the 1999 season, he had secured four additional wins, further solidifying his reputation as a rising star in motorsports.

NASCAR Truck Series
In 2001, Ricky competed in the full season of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, where his driving skill and determination quickly set him apart from his competitors. On July 7, 2001, Ricky made history by securing his first Truck Series win in the inaugural race at Kansas Speedway, becoming the youngest winner in the series at that time. This landmark victory was a testament to his driving prowess and hinted at a long, successful career in the sport. He achieved 19 top-ten finishes during the season, setting a new rookie record.

Following his Truck Series success, Ricky moved up to the NASCAR Busch Series (now Xfinity Series) in 2002. Though an injury sustained in a crash at Las Vegas Motor Speedway required surgery and forced him to miss several races, Ricky remained resilient.

A Transition to Leadership
In October 2002, Ricky made the difficult decision to retire from driving and shift his focus to a leadership role at Hendrick Motorsports. 
His passion for the sport and desire to contribute in new ways saw him take on the responsibility of team ownership, overseeing the No. 5 car of Brian Vickers and Kyle Busch while also running the HMS Driver Development Program 

Under Ricky's guidance, both drivers thrived, with Brian Vickers going on to win the 2003 Busch Series Championship. Ricky's commitment to building a winning team showcased his leadership abilities and solidified his impact on Hendrick Motorsports.

Legacy and Impact
Ricky's influence extended far beyond his on-track success. As a part-owner of Hendrick Motorsports, he played a pivotal role in shaping the team’s future, ensuring that the family legacy of excellence in racing would continue. He was known for his work ethic, humility, and deep love for his family, which endeared him to fans, teammates, and competitors alike.

With his mother Linda's influence and his strong Christian faith, Ricky believed deeply in helping those less fortunate. He never passed up an opportunity to give of himself to someone in need. Regardless of who was around him, each conversation with his family ended with "I love you." Above all, Ricky was a devoted son and brother whose kind spirit continues to live on in those who knew him.

In addition to his racing career, Ricky enjoyed big game fishing, SCUBA diving, hunting, water sports, motorcycles, and, of course, racing. His love for adventure and the outdoors was a key part of his life, and those activities brought him great joy.

Remembering Ricky

On October 24, 2004, Ricky Hendrick perished along with his uncle John, cousins Kimberly and Jennifer, and six other racing team members/friends in a plane crash while en route to the NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville, VA.

Ricky Hendrick’s legacy endures through the continued success of Hendrick Motorsports, which remains one of the most dominant teams in NASCAR history. His influence as a driver, owner, and leader left an indelible mark on the sport. Beyond racing, Ricky’s life is remembered through the many people he inspired and the values he stood for: dedication, passion, and perseverance.

Only days after his tragic death, Ricky’s fiancée Emily Maynard learned she was pregnant with their first child. On June 29, 2005, she gave birth to their daughter, Josephine Riddick "Ricki" Hendrick, named in honor of her late father. As Rick Hendrick once said, "At the lowest time of our life, it was like a miracle that happened for us because we get a chance to have a piece of Ricky left."

Ricky’s story is not just one of unfulfilled potential, but of the lasting impact one person can have on an entire sport. As we remember Ricky Hendrick, we celebrate his contributions to NASCAR, his leadership at Hendrick Motorsports, and the enduring legacy of a racer and team owner whose influence will be felt for generations to come.