CONCORD, N.C. — Hendrick Motorsports is in the midst of playoff season and enjoying the success of three of its drivers who are competing in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. And although one of NASCAR’s most successful racing teams is focused on finishing off the 2015 season with another championship, they are also working on building a brighter future for years to come.
The Hendrick organization hosted its first Signing Day for its developmental pit crew program Wednesday at its lavish No. 48 and 88 shop. Their introduction came against the backdrop of the shop’s banners and trophies, honoring achievements set by the teams of Terry Labonte, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and more.
The seven men who participated in Signing Day are all former collegiate athletes and were chosen out of over 150 candidates for the annual recruitment process. The newcomers hope to pursue awards of their own, similar to the ones they are constantly surrounded by and to become a part of the company’s lucrative 31-year history.
Andy Papathanassiou, Director of Human Performance at Hendrick, opened the ceremony saying, “It’s the people (here) that make the difference. And if you treat your people well they’re going to want to perform not only for themselves but for you and for the company and for the team, and not only is that the best solution, it’s the only solution to truly become a champion and to keep that championship mentality going.”
Another thing Papathanassiou highlighted was that the seven chosen are “not just here because they are big, strong guys … they’re here for the way they think.” And they all come from diverse backgrounds, most of which have little to do with NASCAR.
Mike McClure, a former WWE prospect, was an All-American wrestler at Michigan State University and, too, an All-American in academics. McClure was at Michigan International Speedway for a race where he was recruited for the program.
After receiving debilitating injuries in his journey to become a professional wrestler, McClure pursued the opportunity with Hendrick and is now working on honing his craft as a fueler and jackman.
“Even on day one, I could tell they were genuine and they cared about the people here,” explained McClure.
Another recruit, Rod Cox, too, had “briefly seen NASCAR on TV,” but knew he found his passion during his training at Hendrick.
Cox, who played football at North Carolina State University and earned a degree in civil engineering, was convinced to join the organization after Coach Keith Flynn, Developmental Pit Crew Director, spoke to his football coach.
“I met Coach Flynn and he was the greatest guy I had ever met,” said Cox, an aspiring tire changer. “Everyone around here loves their job. I wake up in the morning like ‘Man, I can’t wait to go practice and do my drills and lift weights and just enjoy everyone here.’ “
At the end of the event, Papathanassiou told NASCAR.com about how he is excited about the future and looking forward to the next chapter at Hendrick, with a new driver joining its Sprint Cup roster in Chase Elliott.
“I think what’s next for us is … we will have to redefine ourselves as a company. It’s very exciting, especially with a guy like Chase Elliott. We could be on another 20-year run … another 20-year dominance.”