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Rick Hendrick, Jeff Gordon on Sunday’s Celebration

Written by John Davison · August 11, 2004

Possibly, if one reads between the lines in these comments from Rick Hendrick (team owner) and driver Jeff Gordon, NASCAR and possibly the George family (owners of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway) were somewhat taken aback by Gordon’s stopping on the front straight and not driving directly to Victory Lane. A lot of speculation centered on the possibility that Gordon would be fined or docked points for not following NASCAR’s ever-evolving protocols. Just a few minutes after the Hendrick statement was posted, we located the NASCAR response so it’s attached after the Hendrick statement. (IMHO it still sounds like NASCAR will not allow this in the future.)


Hendrick Motorsports Statement: Rick Hendrick & Jeff Gordon

The following statements are from Rick Hendrick and Jeff Gordon regarding Hendrick Motorsports’ Brickyard 400 victory Sunday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway:

RICK HENDRICK, OWNER OF HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS: (ON WINNING SUNDAY’S BRICKYARD 400 AT INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY.) “Sunday’s Brickyard victory was one of the most special moments I’ve ever experienced in this sport. I really wanted to win that race and kiss the bricks to honor my father. It was an unbelievable feeling for all of us.

“Nonetheless, I owe an explanation to the George family, along with everyone at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The celebration was emotional, and it was fun to acknowledge the fans like that, but it became obvious that we had unintentionally disrupted the Speedway’s program by not driving to Victory Lane after the checkered flag. Speaking for everyone at Hendrick Motorsports, I personally called Mary Hulman George on Monday to apologize for any actions that were perceived as being disrespectful.”

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Rick Hendrick’s father, Joseph R. “Papa Joe” Hendrick Jr. passed away July 14. He was 84.)

JEFF GORDON, DRIVER OF THE NO. 24 CHEVROLETS: (ON THE POST-RACE CELEBRATION.) “I can’t adequately describe how emotional Sunday was. When I got out of the car, it was my intention to get back in and drive to Victory Lane after waving to everyone in the stands. Our team certainly would not disrespect any procedures on purpose, and I truly apologize to everyone at the Speedway for any problems we may have caused. It was a classic case of being caught up in the moment. I plan to support NASCAR’s Victory Lane protocol moving forward.”

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Comments

8 Responses to “Rick Hendrick, Jeff Gordon on Sunday’s Celebration”

  1. MD on August 11th, 2004 4:58 pm

    The Speedway and the George family need to relax. Get over yourselves people. It is called MotorSPORTS for a reason. Sporting events are largely emotional. Why is this even an issue?

  2. Tony on August 11th, 2004 5:00 pm

    Caught up in the moment my butt! Returning to victory lane probably involved a right-hand turn and a gear change and he couldn’t do it unless it was correographed.

  3. DM on August 11th, 2004 5:19 pm

    Let’s be honest, there are commercial sponsors with banners in the “Victory Lane” area and there banners didn’t get the tv airplay they expected. Boo hoo.

  4. John La Mantia on August 11th, 2004 5:20 pm

    the response on this issue appears to be understanding from both points of view. protocol is important and respected. i am a big nascar fan and do not find this to be offensive in any way,on the surface. the history of the GEORGE family and the BRICK YARD is all AMERICAN. negitive comments from the media or personal points of view are unimportant. an error in judgement v.s. the excitement of the moment is not to be taken as disrespectful. the fans were on their feet, hearts were pumping and see you at the races.

  5. Brian Smith on August 11th, 2004 5:23 pm

    It was a big day for Jeff, The Hendrick family, and the fans..I can’t believe we are even discussing it… Brother.!!!

  6. Mike Lemaire on August 11th, 2004 5:38 pm

    It seems to me that most of the people making comments don’t understand the economics of the sport. Without the sponsors there would be no racing and the drivers would be working for a living. Yes they need sponsors to field a team, from my view those sponsors get hours of air time during the race. They need to support the sport instead of just thinking themselves.

  7. DM on August 11th, 2004 5:41 pm

    Mike, it’s not a sport. It’s a waste of gas that increases our dependence on Saudi oil.

  8. Dennis Pipher on August 11th, 2004 5:42 pm

    What a day for everyone.The amount of fans all standing, cheering, waving,yelling,throwing their hats, making memories and having the greatest time of their lives……
    Dang, wish I could have been there. I had to settle for N.B.C. I’m happy they didn’t switch to selling tooth paste!

    D.E.P.

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