Drivers and crew chief gathered Friday at Atlanta Motor Speedway to remember those killed in the Hendrick tragedy. Credit: Autostock

Dorton remembered as friend, technical wizard

HAMPTON, Ga. -- Smiles and laughter weren't much of a part of Friday's "remembrance" session with Hendrick Motorsports' drivers and crew chiefs.

But memories of Hendrick chief engine builder Randy Dorton, publicly a quiet and reserved man, brought a reprieve of light-heartedness in an otherwise emotional press conference at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Randy Dorton Credit: Autostock

Dorton had been with Hendrick Motorsports since the NASCAR team was born in 1984, helping power Hendrick to prominence in this competitive sport.

Veteran driver Terry Labonte, who won the 1996 Cup championship with Hendrick, fondly recalls a brief stint in 1997 when Dorton served as his crew chief. Labonte joked that Dorton helped deliver a little inside information.

"We went to Charlotte and I think we finished 10th or something, and then we went to Talladega and won the race," Labonte said. "I patted him on the back and said, 'It's pretty neat, you being the crew chief.' We won it because I knew I'd have the best motor when we got here."

Teammate Jimmie Johnson hasn't been at Hendrick quite as long, joining the team two years ago.

But Johnson knew of Dorton's influence on the team and his fatherly hold on Hendrick engines.

"When I won my first race in Fontana (in 2002), I was in the middle of a burnout," Johnson said. "I could hear somebody over the radio saying, 'Easy on that thing. Take it easy.'"

That was Dorton, hoping to save the expensive piece he helped build.

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"I kept going and threw all the rods out of the side of the engine," Johnson said. "(It) was dripping oil everywhere, and (I) just destroyed this engine. The first person I saw when I came in the victory lane was Randy, and this thing was dripping oil everywhere. I felt horrible. I destroyed that race-winning engine."

Dorton didn't mind too much, for trading an engine for a victory was an equal swap.

"I know everybody has got stories," Johnson said about Dorton. "Randy was just a very special person and left a mark personally at Hendrick and professionally as well."

Labonte agreed.

"I knew Randy for several years before I actually started driving with Hendrick Motorsports, and one of the things that has always been the strong point of Hendrick Motorsports was the engine program," Labonte said. "Randy was the guy that led that. Not only did he lead the engine program, he was a big part of our team and good friend, also.

"Didn't matter where you were, in the trailer or whatever, if you had a question about anything at Hendrick Motorsports, (you said), 'Let's call Randy.' He was definitely the guy.

"He was just an unbelievable guy and a real friend."