Bio: John Hendrick

John Hendrick was the president of Hendrick Motorsports, teaming with his brother, Rick, to lead one of the world's premier stock-car racing organizations.

John Hendrick

Born in Richmond, Va., and raised near the tiny Virginia town of South Hill, Hendrick was active in sports as a young man, participating in baseball, basketball and track, while sharing his brother's interest in racing.

Following high school, he enrolled at the University of Cincinnati, earning a degree in science before moving to North Carolina.

Like his sibling, John Hendrick excelled in the business world. Rick, the elder of the two, quickly recognized John's potential and recruited him to join his ventures in Charlotte, N.C., where the younger Hendrick began his introduction to the automotive industry in 1978, working at City Chevrolet to experience the car business top-to-bottom, from parts to sales.

As he learned his way around the dealership, Hendrick's passion for motor sports was growing as he became increasingly fascinated with motor-boat racing, a sport in which his brother was heavily involved. John's success paralleled Rick's, as both men set world records in their respective classes.

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Hendrick quickly moved from City Chevrolet to Rick Hendrick Honda in West Columbia, S.C., where he was named general sales manger.

He soon took over the franchise, becoming a dealer himself while founding his own company -- JL Hendrick Management Corp. -- that operates car dealerships throughout the Carolinas.

In 1998, John Hendrick's profile in the world of motor sports increased as he took the reigns of Hendrick Motorsports while Rick battled leukemia.

Under his leadership, HMS earned a fourth NASCAR Winston Cup Series championship, its third with Jeff Gordon, and came within three points of a second NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series title with driver Jack Sprague.

One of Hendrick's personal interests was working with charities, especially those that support disadvantaged youth. He was currently chairman of the board of Nazareth Children's Home in Rockwell, N.C., and served on the board of directors for Elon Homes for Children in Charlotte.

Hendrick is survived by his wife Cathy and daughter Alesha. Two other daughters, twins Jennifer and Kimberly, died with him in a plane crash.