In a moment that surpassed even Rick Hendrick’s own expectations, the legendary NASCAR team owner witnessed a milestone few imagined achievable. Watching from home, the 75-year-old Hendrick saw William Byron, behind the wheel of the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, expertly navigate through a last-lap crash to secure his second consecutive Daytona 500 victory. Byron’s triumph not only crowned him the youngest two-time winner of NASCAR’s premier event, famously known as ‘The Great American Race,’ but also propelled Hendrick Motorsports to a record-breaking 10 Daytona 500 wins—surpassing Petty Enterprises’ long-standing mark.
To honor this unprecedented achievement, NASCAR CEO and Chairman Jim France presented Hendrick with a unique token of recognition: a custom-engraved Rolex Daytona watch inscribed with “First 10x DAYTONA 500 champion” alongside Hendrick’s name. The presentation came months after the race, serving as a lasting tribute to the team’s dominance.
Rick Hendrick, no stranger to gifting Rolexes—having rewarded long-serving employees with the prestigious timepiece—was visibly moved by receiving one himself. “This is such a meaningful gift, and I’m truly grateful to Jim, everyone at NASCAR, and the team at Daytona International Speedway,” Hendrick expressed. “The DAYTONA 500 has given us incredible moments, and this watch will always remind me of the people who made them possible. It’s not just about the wins—it’s about the drivers, crew chiefs, team members, and their families who’ve put their heart into this organization.”
The ceremony also included Hendrick Motorsports’ key figures: Track president Frank Kelleher; team vice-president Jeff Gordon, a three-time Daytona 500 winner who received a commemorative ring for his contributions; president and general manager Jeff Andrews; vice president of competition Chad Knaus; and crew chiefs Rudy Fugle and Cliff Daniels.
Hendrick Motorsports’ record extends beyond Daytona. The team holds the most wins in NASCAR’s marquee events with 12 victories each at the Coca-Cola 600 and Southern 500, 11 at the Brickyard 400, and boasts 14 Cup Series championships along with an unparalleled 316 points-paying race wins—the most in NASCAR history. Given this legacy, the custom Rolex stands as a fitting symbol of their sustained excellence.
Reflecting on the milestone, Jeff Gordon shared that Hendrick is still amazed by the team’s accomplishments. “It blows his mind when he really goes back and thinks about it,” Gordon noted. Hendrick himself recalled his early days, saying, “When I first showed up in 1984, seeing legends like Bud Moore, the Pettys, and Junior Johnson—I didn’t feel like I belonged. But just two years later, Geoff Bodine gave us our first Daytona 500 win.”
Despite the landmark 10 victories, Hendrick’s ambitions remain high. With a roster featuring stars like Kyle Larson, Alex Bowman, William Byron, and Chase Elliott, the team owner is confident there’s more success ahead. “I think there’s a lot more out there for us to get,” he said.
