January 25, 2007

"I think people manage different ways, and I think if she's got good people at the racetrack ... it's really her business if she wants to be there or not. I know Joe Gibbs, he didn't come much this year, but (son) J.D. (Gibbs) stepped up and did the job. So I sure don't think she deserves any criticism." - Rick Hendrick

June 13, 2007:

August 2007:

January 2008: Rick Hendrick’s comments during the

2008 Pre-Season NASCAR Media Tour

Rick Hendrick: "I try not to burn any bridges. I think I'm as close to any driver that's ever been here. I still help Kenny Schrader. I talk to Ricky Rudd. Darrell [Waltrip] and I are friends. I try not to have conflict and I try to honor the people that's made this place what it is. Ricky Rudd's wins counts. Geoff Bodine's wins counts. They all count, and they're all a part of our heritage and the history of our company. If everybody had the same philosophy [Earnhardt Jr. would] still be over there."

“The chemistry seems to be extremely good.”

“He wants to do good and we want to see him do good. I think he is one of the neatest guys, and I've said this before, I see why he is so popular once you really get to know him. He's got a good heart and he's a good person. He's real sensitive to how people feel. That's a very good trait for anybody to have. I'm very impressed with that feeling [not wanting to overshadow Johnson and Gordon] because most guys would say, 'Hey, I'm the Most Popular Driver, I can do this. I can do that.' He's not at all that way. He really respects those guys and they show him tremendous respect, too. They have seen that and they sense that. I think they were all ready for him to be the guy that's going to get the attention. Jimmie Johnson wants to win. He doesn't care about the attention. Everybody cares, but he's the most driven guy I know. Jeff's been there, so he doesn't have to prove anything. The competition is driving Jeff, but as far as him being the most glamored, he doesn't care about that either. So it's really a good fit. It's working out better than I thought it would.”

He doesn’t want to be treated special.“ Like when Earnhardt’s motorcoach had problems in Richmond and Hendrick offered use of his. “He said, ‘I can’t take your motorcoach. I haven’t earned the right. Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson have earned the right. It didn’t take him long to learn. He took my plane to Australia. I blame Gordon for that. Gordon and Jimmie have taught him well.”