Poor man wants to be rich. Rich man wants to be king. And the king ain't satisfied until he rules everything.

This statement is ancient. The announcement that Kasey Kahne will be joining Hendrick Motorsports starting next year is another indication the statement's meaning and application are not.

King Hendrick the Great lives.

In recent years, Rick Hendrick has distanced himself from the pack, creating his own stratosphere. He has become the sport's power broker, NASCAR's George Steinbrenner. The difference? Simple. Everyone still loves Rick.

During an era when Hendrick was winning countless races and piling up championships with Jeff Gordon and Terry Labonte, the team grew another champion through its farm system with Jimmie Johnson, nurturing the first in history to capture the championship four consecutive seasons.

When the sport's biggest star was floundering inside the walls of an imploding family-run business, the only man who could have lured an Earnhardt from an Earnhardt was Rick.

When an aging Hall of Famer wanted just one more chance to win an elusive championship and bow out of the sport ala John Elway, only one man could make it happen in Mark Martin's eyes.

When Tony Stewart decided his last challenge was ownership, only one person could have given him the confidence and security to make such a bold move -- and now Stewart-Haas Racing is in its sophomore season as an affiliate team of the Hendrick Empire.

Now, with whispers of Gordon's retirement, Martin pushing 52 and Jr. searching for the right chemistry, Rick flexed his muscles again, collecting one of the sport's finest jewels and promising to polish and display it like the Hope Diamond.

Kahne's move to Hendrick was not a given. Many pursued him with fervor, current company among them. Every team and owner took their best shot. But let the record books record a six-way tie for runner-up in the sweepstakes.

Few have sacrificed as much as Rick to build his empire and few in the garage could possibly harbor ill feelings. It is out of great respect that he is recognized as the ruling king, a position he has never sought, it has been nothing less than earned.

So, tip of the hat to Mr. Hendrick. You give us all a sense of measurement, another galaxy in which to pursue. You inflame the competitive fire and eliminate complacency among your counterparts, while somehow stoking glowing admiration. You are very rare indeed.

Ty Norris is vice president and general manager of Michael Waltrip Racing. He has worked within the NASCAR industry with MWR, Speedway Motorsports Inc., Dale Earnhardt Inc. and RJ Reynolds since 1990.

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• Caraviello: Kahne provides Hendrick with bridge to future