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In recent years, longtime team owner Rick Hendrick has noticeably scaled back his trackside presence, even though he remains deeply involved behind the scenes. While he still makes appearances at marquee events such as the Daytona 500, Coca-Cola 600, and select playoff races, fans and media alike have observed that “Mr. H” isn’t as regularly seen on pit road or in Victory Lane as he once was. That gradual fade from the week-to-week grind isn’t surprising. Rick Hendrick finally opened up about his recent absence from the NASCAR Cup Series garage, addressing the growing chatter surrounding his health and limited trackside appearances. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad Hendrick gets candid on absence Speaking to Cup Scenes with his trademark humor, Hendrick revealed that despite being away, he’s still very much part of every Hendrick Motorsports victory. “I am in constant communication with Jeff Andrews and Jeff Gordon,” he said. “I have to remind Jeff Gordon, ‘Don’t forget me now. I want to talk to the driver when we win.’ One race he was standing in Victory Lane but never handed the phone off, so I wouldn’t speak to him for a week. I said, ‘I’m not talking to you anymore.’” Hendrick’s lighthearted jab at Gordon points to one of the most enduring traditions within Hendrick Motorsports, the post-race phone call. For decades, Hendrick has personally called into Victory Lane celebrations whenever his drivers win, even when he’s unable to attend in person. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad During Kyle Larson’s 2024 Las Vegas victory, Gordon was seen holding Hendrick’s phone on the team radio so the boss could congratulate the team remotely. That level of engagement underscores how closely Hendrick remains tied to his team’s operations, despite spending fewer weekends at the racetrack in 2025. Hendrick went on to explain what’s kept him away from the Cup garage. “I think my job is during the week, when the crew chiefs are back here, knowing what they need. I’m trying to run 100 dealerships, and I’ve also had an operation on my leg, but I do have the ability to listen to every guy and to monitor what’s going on.” The 76-year-old team owner wears multiple hats. Beyond his NASCAR empire, Hendrick oversees Hendrick Automotive Group, one of America’s largest privately owned dealership networks, with over 130 retail franchises across 14 states. Read Top Stories First From EssentiallySports Click here and check box next to EssentiallySports Balancing his business empire and racing organization has limited his ability to travel regularly, especially after undergoing a leg operation earlier this year, according to team sources cited by FOX Sports. This isn’t the first time health issues have sidelined him; Hendrick famously battled leukemia in the late 1990s before making a full recovery, an experience that shaped his outlook on life and leadership. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad “And I can be the Monday morning quarterback, asking, ‘Why did you do this? Why did you do that?’ But I’m very confident in the people we have. I miss going every weekend, but there are a lot of other things I have to handle. No matter where I am, I’m in constant contact with the guys.” That confidence is well-placed. Hendrick Motorsports, led day-to-day by Jeff Andrews (President and General Manager) and Jeff Gordon (Vice Chairman), continues to operate at a championship-caliber level. Under their leadership, HMS has remained NASCAR’s benchmark for excellence, boasting over 300 Cup Series wins and 14 championships. The organization has also thrived in the Next Gen era, leading all teams in victories since the car’s 2022 debut. Hendrick’s “Monday morning quarterback” remark reflects his behind-the-scenes influence, offering insight and oversight while empowering his team to make race-day decisions independently. “So hopefully you’ll see me more next year. But I kind of like my role, I can watch, listen, and critique. No, I’m just kidding. Really, those guys know what to do. Jeff and I are there from the beginning to the end of the race, except for handing the phone to the driver; he doesn’t do that part as well.” Hendrick’s joke about Gordon not passing the phone might sound trivial, but it highlights a deep relationship that spans three decades. Gordon joined Hendrick Motorsports as a rookie in 1992 and went on to win four Cup titles, later becoming a key part of the team’s leadership structure. Today, the two oversee NASCAR’s most successful organization together, a partnership rooted in trust and continuity. Hendrick’s optimism about “seeing more” of him next year suggests he’s on the mend and plans to return to a more visible role as his health improves and his dealership operations stabilize. HMS loaded for Phoenix title run Hendrick’s steady hand from afar powers the Phoenix push. William Byron and Kyle Larson chase title 15 on November 2. Jeff Gordon told Claire B. Lang the camp is running smoothly and is full of energy. He said, “The resources or whatever you need are here for you. That is what Rick has always offered, and it’s been amazing. Our guys will tell you. There’s nothing that they are lacking from that side of things.” Kyle Larson, too, post his Martinsville race, feels fortunate about the team’s position heading to Phoenix, as he said, “Glad we can give Mr. H an opportunity next week and hopefully one of us can win it. I’m proud of everybody at HMS, I feel like we’ve been just progressing so much throughout the playoffs and to put two cars in the championship 4 is awesome. Thanks everybody there, thanks Chevrolet…” Byron hits Championship 4 third straight year after Martinsville scrap with Blaney. Larson hunts number two. Hendrick and Gordon supply top gear, full backing, and drivers grab the wheel. The setup mirrors Hendrick’s words: constant support, zero gaps. Byron and Larson are ready to carve their legacy. With Phoenix on the horizon, HMS is rolling in full force.
