NEW YORK – Hendrick Motorsports and Hendrick Automotive Group owner Rick Hendrick

was honored by the Automotive Hall of Fame on Tuesday with the Industry Leader Award in Retail. The honor was presented by Cox Automotive at the Auto Forum New York.

According to a press release from the Automotive Hall of Fame: “the Automotive Hall of Fame’s Industry Leader Award recognizes executives whose vision, leadership, and contributions have significantly shaped the automotive industry … Hendrick is being recognized for his extraordinary impact on automotive retail and his decades-long leadership in building one of the most respected dealership organizations in the United States.”

“I’m truly humbled to be recognized by the Automotive Hall of Fame,” Hendrick added in the release. “Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside incredible people across our dealerships and racing teams who hold themselves to the highest standards and take pride in serving our customers and communities. I’ve always said I’m the luckiest guy in the world because I get to make a living doing two things I love – selling cars and racing cars. Anything we’ve accomplished is the result of talented teammates, enduring partnerships and a shared commitment to excellence in everything we do together. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hendrick Automotive Group in 2026, I’m grateful to everyone who helped build our organization brick by brick.”

WATCH: The final laps of Chase Elliott’s victory at Martinsville Speedway on Sunday

“Rick Hendrick’s impact on automotive retail is both profound and enduring. His commitment to excellence, his entrepreneurial vision, and the culture he has built across Hendrick Automotive Group have shaped the industry in meaningful ways,” said Sarah Cook, President of the Automotive Hall of Fame. “We are proud to recognize him with this honor in partnership with Cox Automotive and the New York Auto Forum, bringing together organizations that share a deep commitment to celebrating leadership and innovation across the automotive industry.”

Hendrick took to the stage for a brief fireside session on Tuesday and spoke of the culture that has been established within the Hendrick Automotive Group as well as Hendrick Motorsports.

“When you create a culture and a company, the people that have grown up in the company already have it,” Hendrick said. “Growing people, whether they’re technicians or salespeople – we have a Hendrick University where we train people – and so, if you create the culture early then that’s the only thing they know. And I think that’s worked for us.”

And of course, with Chase Elliott winning at Martinsville Speedway

in the Hendrick Motorsports No. 9 Chevrolet,

Hendrick was also asked about his ever-growing passion for racing.

“I grew up in it with my dad. We were poor and we raced on weekends,” Hendrick said. “Getting into NASCAR at an early age, early time – 42 years ago – having a driver like Jeff Gordon come along in your career … we started with five people, 5,000 square feet. Today, it’s grown into 800 people, and we’ve got almost a million square feet on our campus with a lot of things going on. It’s a love affair with cars and performance.”