Gone Too Soon: Ricky Hendrick

[@ZPaul_]

Hearing Mike choke up like that really hit me in the feels. You know a moment is special when he gets emotional like that.

[@Lucas_inTheLIGHT]

The only other time I’ve heard Mike joke up was when Kevin Harvick won in tribute to Dale Earnhardt, that’s a statement to the magnitude of that movie

[@dnasty312]

​@@Lucas_inTheLIGHT Also when he announced Bill France Jr.'s passing during the Dover race. Maybe not as choked up but Mike was certainly saddened

[@runrafarunthebestintheworld]

@@dnasty312 well when Dale Earnhardt died he was choked up too.

[@jesuschristislord6790]

@@Lucas_inTheLIGHT When Earnhardt sr won the 500 there was a lot of emotion in his voice, especially when the crews came out on to pit road to congratulate sr

[@johngancarcik5682]

​@@psychlops924 same

[@GoodOlRoll]

It hurts even more because not only did Rick lose the man he raised in the plane crash, he also lost the man he grew up with - his brother.

[@GoodOlRoll]

@@Rogue_FiveR5 them too! But I was just talking about his immediate family. However, his twin nieces are a tragic loss.

[@ryanjones4106]

and yet, Rick continues to push on because he knows that’s what they would’ve wanted. to keep racing

[@shaunstrasser1]

And his twin neices

[@BlueJimmie48Fan]

To those who are saying that Hendrick should change up Larson's primary scheme, *they won't.* Ricky Hendrick's livery will forever serve as a tribute to not only a great owner, but an even better person. 💙❤

[@xxJayKxx]

I can see why Larson is your driver

[@BlueJimmie48Fan]

@@xxJayKxx Jimmie will always be my #1 driver, but Larson was destined to be my driver once Jimmie retired even before 2020. It's basically the same car, same crew, and same crew chief that Jimmie had during his last season rebranded.

[@xxJayKxx]

​@@BlueJimmie48Fan How fitting

[@retroguyretail1976]

i like the scheme a throwback to the early 2000's except no gmac on the hood

[@DEIFAN]

​@@retroguyretail1976 it's ALLY now

[@davidpeters2625]

I can only speculate and imagine the wonderful things that he could have done for Hendrick Motorsports, and for NASCAR in general...... Rest In Peace Ricky and John Hendrick.... may God bless both of your souls

[@bradennetzly8291]

That weekend was rough. I was a 9 year old in Martinsville that weekend at my second ever race, and I vividly remember the fog on race morning as well as on Saturday morning. I was with my grandpa and he even mentioned how he thought teams might have a hard time getting in because they flew in. What hit me the most was when the news broke at the track that a HMS plane was missing, and seeing the solemn look on a lot of fans faces, I knew things were very bad for being such a young age. A few hours later on the way home, my grandpa and I stopped at a Wendy’s in West Virginia, where we ran into some other race fans who broke the news to us that the plane was found.

[@briangriffinfamilyguyfan81]

This Series feels even more complete with the addition of this video. I hope you are still resting well Ricky, we all miss you very much! Now I hope we can get a Gone Too Soon video on Dale Earnhardt and Neil Bonnett...

[@TanTan28245]

R.I.P Ricky. Was so cool to see Jimmie win the first race after his death

[@zachdoster1206]

Yeah HMS really needed that

[@channingchills]

Larson winning that race on Ricky’s birthday, with his paint scheme is eerily endearing. Borderline divine intervention.

[@xavierjuno4572]

That's Nascar for you

[@DennyDeliversYT]

cool to see the scheme of the 5 car end up in victory lane on Ricky’s birthday this past weekend

[@EJCatoz]

🙏 Ricky Hendrick was the future of Hendrick Motorsports until that awful day in 2004

[@InactiveChannel19272]

Miss Ricky. I wonder what Hendrick would be like with Ricky still with us. Fly high Ricky 🕊

[@Tyler_Evans0411]

Great video Darian, no father(or parent in general) should ever have to burry their child. I’ve watched my father struggle after my brother died and it just shows how strong Rick hendrick was just to keep going. And winning with that scheme on Ricky’s birthday was just icing on the cake

[@lbhms2074]

Lol Darian pulled a Mike Joy at 11:59. “Back in 2001, Larson won at Kansas”. Joy said during Phoenix “Larson last won at Phoenix in 2001”

[@gmnavarra]

I remember watching the race that day the plane crash happened when I was at a friend’s house, and then later that night learning about who all was on board. It was an incredibly sad day for sure. I’m glad to see Larson carry on Ricky’s legacy with his paint scheme and that he won on Ricky’s birthday.

[@trevorsports98]

Thank you Darian for doing this one it means a lot. Miss Ricky ❤️

[@SuperNASCARrocks]

I can only imagine what great things he could’ve done for Hendrick Motorsports. It was cool that Kyle Larson was able to get a win in his iconic paint scheme on Ricky’s birthday.

[@millennialchicken]

One of the great NASCAR what ifs. May he and all those lost in the crash rest in peace.

[@jonp5090]

Great tribute BFM, hit me in the feels. This was the era I got into NASCAR when this happened. Bravo.

[@bobby.simpson30]

A lot of emotional moments, from Ricky Hendrick's first Truck Series Win to Jimmie Johnson's win at Atlanta. Just an idea, but what if Kyle Larson could run the Ricky Hendrick paint scheme, with the number 17 in the North Wilkesboro All-Star race. That would be awesome!!!

[@dmoran1093]

Rfk would have to sign off on that idea

[@andrewwinslow9315]

​@@dmoran1093 No Way that happens unless RFK switches to 97, which may not happen

[@TheRocketMan39]

Oh god whenever mike joy gets alittle choked up like that it gets me too 😂. Brought a tear to my eye

[@MegaMr46]

This death had impact on Dale Jr where he signed with Rick at 07 and the two had a strong connection after losing a father and Rick losing a son.

[@MrDelta509]

Kyle Busch has gone on the record as saying that Ricky was the go between between himself and Rick. Ricky got along with and understood Kyle better than anyone else there. Ricky would often smooth things over between Kyle and Rick. He thinks that had Ricky not passed so early that he could have likely spent more time at Hendrick. Can you imagine that? He was on the verge of winning a championship when he left. How many more might he have? Also where might Dale Jr. land after he left DEI? Could have completely changed the sport.

[@DEIFAN]

I've also heard that Vickers wanted out of his contract mainly cuz Ricky wasn't part of the team anymore.

[@joseNunez-yh5ro]

Dale Jr might be off wind up with Gibbs driving the 18 that might been a seismic rift.

[@jaxonjaxoff3291]

Ricky Hendrick would’ve been an amazing cup owner from what I’ve gathered. Remember he gave Kyle Busch his first shot.

[@hourlardnsaver362]

IIRC, Kyle said that Ricky’s death influenced his decision to leave HMS.

[@KingC-way425]

The fact that had Ricky Hendrick had still been alive, HMS could’ve been EVEN MORE DOMINANT than they already have been… Sheesh…

[@retroguyretail1976]

highly so would they still gotten dale jr in 07?? maybe so

[@needsmetal]

@@retroguyretail1976 most likely, a lot connection between Rick and JR before that

[@renoultrenoulli2322]

@@retroguyretail1976 They wouldn't get Jr but because Busch seem close with Ricky it more likely KFB will be a Hendrick driver for live and the current roster would more likely be Larson with the 5, Chase with 9, Byron 24, and Busch 25

[@joshsparks1489]

Crazy to think 75000 people used to go to truck races. The stands were full……now you’re lucky to see 100 people in one camera shot

[@xavierjuno4572]

Sadly the middle class is slowly but surely disappearing

[@jefferyrobertson7520]

Hendrick Motorsports Best NASCAR Team From The 80s And Early 90s Thanks For Uploading

[@mybad12290]

I have his paint scheme diecast. Sooo sad he's gone😢. Also a good gone to soon would be ken block.

[@austindoran9746]

I always find it amusing how similar his climb up the ranks was to William Byron

[@xavierjuno4572]

How so?

[@Greg1_c]

@@xavierjuno4572 they booth started raining at 15

[@xavierjuno4572]

@@Greg1_c let me guess auto correct?

[@brandonn6837]

I have another gone to soon episode you should do in the future, and that’s Indy car driver Gordon Smiley

[@TomLehockySVK]

Thank you sir that you keep making these videos. Everyone who was part of the motorsport deserves to be remembered and the loss will be fetl forever.

[@jinglebell61]

Another Gone Too Soon video that I always dreamed about.

[@austinemms9772]

Ricky Hendrick’s story is a bit of a What If…? situation. Yeah, Hendrick became a dynasty in the coming years but I wonder what would’ve happened in the Mid-2010s if Ricky lived.

[@JumbosTravelingCamera]

I teared up this was great video.

[@ollieminecraft]

As an owner, he could've made HMS different. RIP Ricky Hendrick, you will live on in NASCAR fans hearts.

[@josh_2724]

Great video and great explanation. Very happy Larson won with that scheme on that day

[@lawsonmurphree2416]

The plane accident took place literally on my 4th birthday and my dad who is an airplane mechanic and I asked him what Jim Hunter said by the FAA losing contact means he said that it would mean it crashed and seeing that Atlanta race still gives me goosebumps because Ricky was in that car in spirit and that 5 car is his honor and miss what could’ve been with Jeff and Ricky running HMS

[@SiVlog1989]

It was interesting listening to Kyle Busch talk about why he left Hendrick in 2007 to join JGR in 2008. He explained that Ricky Hendrick was the person in the team he got on with best, his go between between himself and Rick Hendrick himself. It turned out that Rick Hendrick wasn't really his guy and not at all the same generation and thought process. As such, after Ricky was killed in that plane crash, it had an unforeseen consequence of Rick Hendrick misreading/misunderstanding, whatever it was, Kyle Busch. The way Kyle Busch described it, it implied that after Ricky died, coupled with Kyle being a bit rough around the edges emotionally at first, made him feel unwanted at Hendrick. So when he left in 2007, he thought his career was over, but Joe Gibbs kept calling him, "Courting him," as Gibbs put it, and this feeling of being wanted and appreciated played a part in him joining Joe Gibbs from the following year, leading to the most successful part of his career (8 wins in 2008 alone and later the 2015 and 2019 Cup Series Championships)

[@kelsimorrison5386]

RIP Ricky

[@justonsullivan3807]

R.I.P Ricky, u will never be forgotten. 🙏🇺🇲🗽🇺🇲🙏

[@duaneoldfield]

Great video! Thank you for your time and effort

[@christianjames12]

We will miss you ricky. 😭😢

[@smokeymchaggis73]

Always in our hearts

[@eoincassin4265]

Some of your best work. I had no idea he was listed as the owner of the car.

[@joeshelton1077]

I felt really bad for Rick Hendrick after he had lost his son Ricky and his brother John in that plane crash on October 24th 2004. I'll never forget that horrible day.

[@richieosborn2639]

I knew this was coming as soon as Kyle Larson’s win at Richmond began to spread.

[@Nathan_4573]

I’ve been wondering when this video was gonna come out for about 3 months now, and it’s finally here!! 😁

[@MrWaifuTaker]

Always in our hearts.

[@slysupersonic]

If he had lived, Hendrick Motorsports' history between 2005 and 2023 would've looked way different. It would be a lot happier.

[@fordenginebuildersv8power184]

Yeah! Way to soon!

[@johngancarcik5682]

Makes you wonder what if? Probly one of the biggest what ifs in nascar history But seeing the 5 using his scheme is such an amazing tribute then larson winning on rickys birthday was so awesome

[@bradleybiggers1926]

Great video had no idea he had a daughter

[@frogbg661]

Good video

[@JamesJohnson-sl6zc]

This is the role Jr. has with Hendrick now. Find the future stars and cut their teeth with him before moving up. I still contend Vickers wins much more than his four races and Busch wins title if Ricky lives. Mr. H didn't know how to connect with Vickers nor Kyle but Ricky did.

[@SillyTillyClips]

Recently found out that one of the older 1/64 diecasts I have is one from a driver named Andy Kirby. When I got this car I thought it was from a different series than the Busch series and I didn’t realize that he passed away. Can you please do a video like this on him so I can learn more?

[@TexasNightmare24]

Fun fact: Rick hendrick didn’t know if he wanted to go on as a owner after the plane crash but Jeff Gordon said “we must go on for them”

[@DC322]

RIP Ricky. He would have taken over the family business from dad Rick.

[@seanparksgaming]

I actually have the 2004 Jimmie Johnson Atlanta diecast, 2000 Ricky Hendrick diecast and the 2003 Brian Vickers 1st victory car in my collection

[@g_men2121]

At COTA hearin kurt get choked up then mike joy last sunday get choked up, it shows these people care about this sport as ic it’s their own child. I can for sure say Ricky is smiling down on us fron above. Im sure if he was here today, he would have picked larson to drive the 5. Larson is carrying on a legacy!

[@sezniteowl5398]

What if Ricky Hendrick didn't retire after suffering that shoulder injury at Las Vegas and what if he didn't die in that 2004 Hendrick Motorsports Plane crash. His timeline remodeled Truck Series: 2001-2002 Hendrick Motorsports Busch Series: 2003-2005 Hendrick Motorsports Cup Series: 2006-2023 Hendrick Motorsports In 2006, he would still become a car owner for Hendrick Motorsports #5 car in the Busch Series now the Xfinity Series then he would own the Hendrick Motorsports #5 car in Cup Series in 2024 and finally, he would become the owner of Hendrick Motorsports once his dad retires.

[@NASCARFAN93100]

RIP Ricky Hendrick 🙏

[@randallreid424]

I was at that race it was a somber day after the race we didn’t learn of until later on our way back to our campground

[@jZ0357]

I remember that plane crash I’m a huge Hendrick motorsports from that’s day there was no victory celebration as kid. I didn’t know why. Until the when i want to school saw on my desk a note to see the principal or the guidance counselor

[@QSRSimulations]

Dude that commercial just gave me such nostalgia

[@MadMikeSportsYT]

Who knows how dominant Hendrick Motorsports could've been had Ricky Hendrick escaped that plane crash? You take a look at the young drivers of today that Ricky could've scouted and developed... Zane Smith Kyle Larson (currently in Ricky's 5 car) Ryan Blaney Christopher Bell Erik Jones Ross Chastain Tyler Reddick Joey Logano John Hunter Nemechek ...the list goes on and on. Ricky still could've scouted out the current trio of Elliott, Bowman and Byron, but Hendrick would've had Larson ready to take over the 24 (later taking the wheel of the 5) after Gordon retired, Elliott would come next after Khane leaves (he'd take over the 5 first, then swap with Larson), then take your pick of Bowman, Byron, John Hunter, Chastain, Reddick for the 88 after Junior with anyone else out of that group to take over the 48 after Johnson retired. Imagine this driver lineup: 5 - Larson 9 - Elliott 24 - Byron/Bowman/JHN/Chastain/Reddick/Blaney (leaning toward Bowman) 48 - Again, take your pick of Byron/JHN/Chastain/Reddick

[@HappyKarl095]

I will always be a Hendrick fan even if Ricky passed away so early in his life.

[@wevertonjarrel3978]

Gone to soon: Federico Gutierrez 2006-2023 Nascar mexico

[@jeffreyrussell8165]

This one really stung. What a great young talent. R.I.P

[@evanwallace4510]

I was 16 at the time of the crash and was watching it live. I still remember how upset I was because I've always been a huge fan of HMS,more specifically Terry Labonte

[@danielolive8838]

I’m pretty sure him and Jeff Gordon convinced Rick to sign Jimmie to the 48

[@bearmarsh6579]

A sad day in racing...RIP Ricky and those who were on the plane as well.

[@JonathanZoerlein]

"In loving memory all the way" still gives me chills

[@anncase8673]

Even if Ricky didn't make it as a driver for HMS he definitely had the brain to run the team and seize talent

[@SuzukiRacer055]

This was such a tragedy. Ricky was such a humble and sweet man. If he had lived he would've been one hell of a car owner. Still stings today 20 years later.

[@cito1101]

RIP Ricky Hendrick The #5 driven by Larson will continue to live in the history of Hendrick Motorsports

[@iiNasa_20]

You mean 2021?

[@BlackFlagsMatter]

Yes

[@FlamesEnjoyer]

I think if ricky was still alive busch wouldve stayed in the 5 longer. Or maybe vickers in the 25 longer. He was their connection yo yhe team more so than rick himself

[@howellsretailexplorationra8774]

It Crazy To Think That It’s Almost Been 20 Years Since Its Happened

[@frankisfunny2007]

Fitting win Sunday..... Larson won for Hendrick. While driving Ricky's scheme, on the 43rd birthday for Ricky Hendrick.

[@oscarjimenezsr.560]

Gone Too Soon: Antoine Hubert

[@STTP69]

The 3 names listed at 2:13 is crazy they thought that

[@brianmiller3227]

I just bought the Team Caliber diecast of his 24 car

[@11ICE]

Shame Brian Vickers didn't really work out on his behalf.

[@cameronrigel5924]

Finally he did it

[@shaynejenkins446]

Larson has been running that paint scheme for 3 years now.

[@nfaz18]

😢rip ricky hendrick

[@needsmetal]

Vickers would have been a much driver if Ricky lived

[@TDDDDDDDO]

Gone too soon: Frederico Gutierrez

[@ryanjones4106]

rest in peace ricky

[@JeremyLeech]

I remember watching that Martinsville race on tv and hearing them make that announcement.

[@runrafarunthebestintheworld]

Yep same. It was sad.

[@SuperkittiesYesChuecoNo]

Next episode gone too soon:Eric Mcclure

[@briantaylor9285]

Requiem eternam. 🙏

[@adambuzzeo]

75000 fans at a truck race in Kansas.....the days.

[@704Racing]

Willy B kinda looks like young Ricky

[@BLJF101]

I Know What Happened. Know I Heard About The Story… About The Plane Crash in 2004. In Love In Memory Of All.. The Way.❤

[@nascarsteve]

Larson won that race in 2021 and not 2001.

[@nascarfan05]

Gone Too Soon: Justin Owen

[@jaylagaskins5049]

❤❤❤❤❤ for loving the video and RIP to Rick Hendrick

[@silvy3047]

I had no idea that's where Larson's car design came from, I thought they just whipped up something so ugly for no reason

[@xavierjuno4572]

How exactly is it ugly iyo?

[@Greg1_c]

Byron run that scheme before Larson

[@dawsonbedwell8206]

If Ty Gibbs was killed in a plane crash he would get immediate respect and be called the best up and coming driver ricky hendrick wasn't all that great at driving as fans say he was

[@Noskywyd]

Ty Gibbs is still doing good

[@jacasoasheland6815]

Reminds me of William Byron