Jeff Gordon Breaks Out Rick Hendrick’s Brainchild With NASCAR a Year After Its Iconic European Run

Jeff Gordon and Rick Hendrick go a long way back. From winning championships together to working together at HMS, it’s been a successful ride for the two. So it’s no surprise to see Jeff Gordon show off Rick Hendrick’s masterpiece at the Ten-Tenths Motor Club. This car was created to participate in the historic Le Mans 24-hour race and was used by motorsport icons like Jenson Button, Jimmie Johnson, and Mike Rockefeller.

Of course, we are talking about the famous Garage 56 car. The NASCAR‘s Garage 56 car is a modified version of the NASCAR Next-Gen Cup Series Vehicle. It is the collaborative efforts between Hendrick Motorsports and NASCAR that have transformed this into a beautiful 24-hour endurance sports car. After its groundbreaking debut in 2023, the car has again resurfaced.

This collaborative piece of excellence between NASCAR and Hendrick Motorsports has a two-seater version, as Jeff Gordon treated some fans to the ‘Garage 56’ experience.

Garage 56 graces the Ten-Tenths Motor Club 

After Le Mans last year, finally, there is a new place to shine for this beauty, and this time it is holding the hands of Jeff Gordon. At the newly launched Ten-Tenths Motor Club near Charlotte Motor Speedway, it was a lucky day for some of the fans. Jeff Gordon was out for a ride on the Garage 56 and extended a lifetime opportunity to some fans to be a part of the drive. This is when Alanis King, an Instagram influencer and car lover, hopped in the iconic car for a ride with the legend.

The ride was nothing short of an adventure and as the Garage 56 car roared into the track, one could understand why it captivates fans with such ease. The combination of the raw power along with the stunning looks is something that stands out for every car enthusiast. However, the ride was not devoid of any hiccups, staying true to the NASCAR spirits. A tall rear gear setting temporarily dropped the RPM, and it triggered an oil pressure protection mode as well. However, despite this minor setback, one could make out that the event was a success. However, a slight tension could be sensed in Gordon’s voice when he said, “I just had to reboot it. We gotta figure out why it is doing this”.

However, it seemed as though his co-passenger was having the experience of a lifetime and such minor hiccups did not take away the thrill at all. After all, the thrill of the car coupled with the charisma of riding beside four-time NASCAR Cup Series Champions seems to be an experience worth all troubles.

For those who witnessed the event, it was certainly the ultimate symbol of how innovative NASCAR is. For Rick Hendrick, the project was a culmination of years of vision and effort, culminating in a stellar vehicle. It also highlighted the collaborative spirit that defines motorsport, bringing together engineers, drivers, and sponsors to achieve a common goal, much like Jeff Gordon and Rick Hendrick did!

Jeff Gordon and Rick Hendrick – A relationship for the ages

The decision to have Jeff Gordon pilot the Garage 56 car wasn’t surprising to those familiar with his storied relationship with Rick Hendrick and Hendrick Motorsports (HMS). Gordon joined HMS in 1993, and their partnership quickly became one of the most successful in NASCAR history. Over his career, Gordon secured all four of his NASCAR Cup Series championships—1995, 1997, 1998, and 2001—while driving for Hendrick Motorsports.

After retiring as a driver, Gordon took on a leadership role as HMS’s Vice Chairman, ensuring the team’s continued success with his strategic vision. Reflecting on their enduring partnership, Rick Hendrick once recounted the serendipitous beginnings of their collaboration:

“I see you in Atlanta and find out that you don’t have a deal. I can’t hardly wait to try to put a deal together. I’m talking to Axalta, then DuPont, saying, ‘Would you like to be an associate sponsor on this car?‘ They said, ‘Well, why wouldn’t we want to be the primary?’” This highlights the fame and love Earnhardt Jr. always had on the tracks. Being a hard racer coming from a historically successful racing family, it’s no surprise sponsors were all in for him.

This partnership was transformative for Hendrick Motorsports, elevating the team to new heights. Rick Hendrick’s gratitude for Gordon’s contributions was heartfelt: “I want to thank you [Gordon] for building this place. You’re a big part of helping me, both on and off the track. You and Axalta, you’re a part of everything that’s happened around here, so I appreciate that.”

Axalta remained a primary sponsor throughout Gordon’s career, symbolizing the strength and longevity of the partnerships forged under HMS’s leadership. The collaboration between Jeff Gordon and Rick Hendrick stands as a cornerstone of NASCAR history, built on mutual respect, shared ambition, and unparalleled success. Together, they transformed Hendrick Motorsports into a powerhouse, setting a benchmark for excellence that continues to inspire the racing world.