It was 19 years ago when Rick Hendrick, the owner of Hendrick Motorsports, the legendary NASCAR team, suffered a tragedy of unimaginable proportions. On October 24th, 2004, a private airplane crashed into the mountainous terrains on its way to Martinsville from Concord.

The plane was carrying John Hendrick, his two daughters, Ricky Hendrick, Kimberly, and Jennifer Hendrick, along with chief engine builder Randy Dorton, GM Jeff Turner, DuPont executive Joe Jackson, and the pilot of current Stewart Haas Racing co-owner, Tony Stewart.

This crash claimed the lives of 8 on board, along with the two crew members.

The reported cause of the crash is claimed to be pilot error.

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Hendrick Motorsports are on the cusp of a split NASCAR title in Phoenix

As has been the case in recent years, this season as well, Hendrick Motorsports are in contention for the championships. Only this year, the driver title and owner’s title could see a split winner.

And if all goes well, the winners could be both from HMS.

Drivers William Byron and Chase Elliott are still in contention for a spot in the final four with one race remaining in the round of 8 at Martinsville, while 2021 champion Kyle Larson booked his spot in the owner’s championship with his recent win in Miami.

Speaking about this, Jeff Andrews, the President and General Manager of HMS, said he considers both championships as equally important, with one being more fruitful than the other for the team in a direct sense.

 “Obviously one has a different financial impact than the other one does, as we know the points fund is based largely off the owner points, but certainly for the driver as well as the team that that driver is associated with,” he said.

“That’s equally important to us, to be able to go there and compete for that and try to get that accomplished.”