Hendrick Motorsports: The Evil Empire

Now that the New England Patriots’ pursuit of perfection has come to an end, it is time to discuss yet another franchise that could shape up to have as dominating a record in a season.

The arrival of thoroughbred Dale Earnhardt Jr. to an already potent Hendrick Motorsports stable gives owner Rick Hendrick the talent that rivals the New York Yankees.

Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson are already accomplished and established champions.
They have combined for 76 poles, 114 victories, and six series championships, including the last two going to Johnson.

Casey Mears – the “third-string driver” for Hendrick – has accounted for one race win.

I guess winning the last two series championships was not enough for team owner Rick Hendrick. With pockets so deep he could touch his toes through his pants, Hendrick went out and signed perhaps the greatest free agent in the history of NASCAR.

On May 10, 2007, Dale Jr. announced his intention to leave Dale Earnhardt Inc., the company his late father built from the ground up. He hoped to take over DEI as majority owner, but after negotiations fell through, Dale Jr. opted to test the free agency market.

Earnhardt Jr. was a free agent for exactly 34 days when on June 13, he announced he had agreed to a five-year contract to drive for Hendrick Motorsports.

The rich keep getting richer. Richer in regards to winning and championships.

Hendrick Motorsports – just like the New York Yankees – has plenty of championships but spent more money on the best driver that money could buy.

Who will benefit more from the greatest free agent signing in the history of NASCAR?

Obviously, Hendrick already has enough championships and generated income from wins and sponsors to end child hunger and cure cancer, so that would point the arrow of success to Mr. Earnhardt Jr.

Dale Jr., with the backing of Hendrick Motorsports, should add to his career win total of 17 and capture a series championship that has eluded him his entire career.

So, who has more to lose?

Dale Jr. was unable to capture a championship with his own team. If he is unable to win a points championship with Hendrick, one would have to point the finger at Earnhardt’s driving ability, talent, and passion.

Now, let us not put too much pressure on Dale Jr. A job with Hendrick does not guarantee success. Numerous drivers have had their opportunities with the Evil Empire, but for whatever reason could not uphold legacy of Hendrick Motorsports.

Kyle Busch. Kenny Schrader. Ricky Craven. Jerry Nadeau. Brian Vickers. Just to name a few. The aforementioned drivers combined for a mere 12 victories. All of those previous drivers have moved on, leaving the door wide open for Dale Jr.

There are already many questions regarding the upcoming season that are lingering on the minds of racing enthusiasts across the country.

How will Dale Jr. handle not being a team’s top gun? At DEI, Earnhardt Jr. was the team. Despite a run of teammates that achieved great success, Dale Jr. was always the top attraction. Obviously he will still attract attention, but now he will be looked upon as just another teammate to Gordon and Johnson instead of being the team leader.

Can Dale Jr. break out of his father’s shadow and live up to the hype that has followed him since his rookie campaign of 2000? Based on the history of Hendrick Motorsports, all signs point to a series championship on the horizon.

How many trophies will be added to the Hendrick trophy case with the addition of Dale Jr.?

For Dale Jr.’s sake, hopefully he will fare better than the Patriots and not choke in the clutch.

There are many questions, but the answers will not come until February 17 when the Daytona 500 kicks off the season.

Stay tuned.