Rick Hendrick’s Bold Promise to Dale Jr.: “We’ll Keep Changing Until We Get It Right!”

The NASCAR world is built on competition, adaptation, and the relentless pursuit of victory. One of the most iconic figures in the sport, Rick Hendrick, has once again made headlines with a powerful statement directed at Dale Earnhardt Jr. The legendary team owner assured his former driver and NASCAR icon, “We’ll keep changing until we get it right!”

But what exactly does Hendrick’s bold promise mean?

Is this a reference to Hendrick Motorsports’ (HMS) continuous evolution? Could it be about adjustments within the team’s leadership, driver lineup, or overall approach to NASCAR’s changing landscape? And most importantly—how does this impact the future of HMS and Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s connection to the organization?

Let’s take a deep dive into what this powerful declaration means, why it matters, and how it could shape the future of NASCAR’s most dominant team.

Hendrick Motorsports: A Legacy of Change and Adaptation

Few organizations in NASCAR history can match the success of Hendrick Motorsports. With 296+ Cup Series wins, 14 championships, and a reputation for producing legendary drivers, HMS has long been the gold standard in stock car racing.

However, that success hasn’t come without constant change and adaptation. NASCAR is a sport of evolution—new regulations, cars, competition, and technology mean that even the greatest teams must stay ahead of the curve.

Rick Hendrick has never been afraid to shake things up. Whether it’s:

Altering the team’s driver lineup
Investing in advanced technology
Shuffling crew chiefs to improve chemistry
Adapting to NASCAR’s rule changes and Next Gen cars

Hendrick understands that success isn’t about standing still—it’s about always moving forward.

So when Rick Hendrick tells Dale Earnhardt Jr., “We’ll keep changing until we get it right,” he’s reinforcing the very philosophy that has made HMS a powerhouse in NASCAR.

The Deep Connection Between Rick Hendrick & Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is a NASCAR Hall of Famer, a fan-favorite, and one of the most beloved drivers in the sport’s history. But beyond his personal success, his connection to Rick Hendrick is one of the most fascinating partnerships in NASCAR history.

2008: Dale Jr. Joins Hendrick Motorsports

After leaving Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI)—the team his father founded—Dale Earnhardt Jr. made a career-defining move to Hendrick Motorsports in 2008.

At the time, many believed that pairing Junior with HMS would lead to immediate dominance. After all, HMS already had Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, and Casey Mears in its driver lineup. But things didn’t go as smoothly as expected.

Dale Jr. faced several challenges in his early years with HMS:

• Struggled with car setups and handling
• Crew chief changes disrupted team chemistry
• Only one win in his first three seasons (2008-2010)

Despite the struggles, Rick Hendrick never gave up on Dale Jr.. Instead, he did exactly what he promised: kept changing things until they got it right.

The Turning Point: Dale Jr.’s Resurgence at Hendrick Motorsports

Hendrick’s philosophy of adapting and improving finally paid off when he made a crucial move—pairing Dale Jr. with crew chief Steve Letarte in 2011.

This change revitalized Earnhardt’s career and led to:

Four wins in 2014—his best season in a decade
Multiple top-10 finishes & consistent championship runs
A second Daytona 500 victory in 2014

By 2015, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was back among NASCAR’s elite, proving that Hendrick’s approach of constant change and improvement had worked once again.

Why Is Hendrick’s Promise to Dale Jr. Relevant Today?

With Dale Earnhardt Jr. retired from full-time racing, some may wonder why Rick Hendrick’s words still carry so much weight.

The truth is, Hendrick’s promise of “We’ll keep changing until we get it right” is more than just about one driver—it’s a blueprint for success in NASCAR today.

Here’s why it matters in 2025 and beyond:

1. NASCAR’s Next Gen Car Has Forced Every Team to Adapt

The introduction of the Next Gen car has completely changed the landscape of NASCAR. Even powerhouse teams like HMS have had to rethink strategies, experiment with setups, and make bold adjustments to stay competitive.

2. HMS Faces Intense Competition

Hendrick Motorsports isn’t just battling Team Penske, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Stewart-Haas Racing—they’re also fighting against a new wave of young talent.

Drivers like:

• Ty Gibbs (JGR)
• Ross Chastain (Trackhouse)
• Noah Gragson (Legacy Motor Club)

…are hungry for victories, making it more crucial than ever for HMS to stay ahead through constant evolution.

3. Could Dale Earnhardt Jr. Play a Bigger Role at HMS?

Dale Jr. may have retired from full-time racing, but his influence in NASCAR is stronger than ever. As a team owner (JR Motorsports) and a key NASCAR analyst, his relationship with Hendrick Motorsports remains intact.

Could HMS and JR Motorsports form an even stronger partnership in the future?
Could Dale Jr. take on a larger leadership role within HMS?

Rick Hendrick’s commitment to change suggests that nothing is off the table.

The Future of HMS: What Changes Could Be Coming?

If history has taught us anything, Rick Hendrick is never satisfied with the status quo. If HMS wants to continue dominating NASCAR, expect more bold moves, big changes, and fresh strategies.

Here are a few possible adjustments that could define HMS’s future:

🔹 Driver Lineup Tweaks – With Alex Bowman, William Byron, Kyle Larson, and Chase Elliott, HMS has an incredible roster, but could another young star be on the radar?

🔹 Expanding JR Motorsports into Cup Series – Dale Jr. has flirted with the idea of moving JR Motorsports to Cup racing. Could a deeper HMS-JRM alliance be next?

🔹 New Crew Chief Pairings – Hendrick is known for shaking up crew chief-driver duos to improve performance. Will we see another major shift?

🔹 Adapting to Future NASCAR Rule Changes – The sport continues to evolve, and HMS will need to stay ahead of the game in technology, pit strategies, and aerodynamics.

Final Thoughts: Hendrick’s Promise Will Shape NASCAR’s Future

Rick Hendrick’s words to Dale Earnhardt Jr.—“We’ll keep changing until we get it right”—aren’t just motivational; they’re a reminder of how championship teams operate.

HMS has always been willing to innovate
Dale Earnhardt Jr. remains a key part of NASCAR’s future
The NASCAR landscape is evolving, and only the strongest will survive

With new challenges ahead, bold changes will define the next era of HMS, and one thing is certain: Rick Hendrick will never settle for anything less than excellence.

What do you think about Rick Hendrick’s promise? Will HMS continue to dominate? Will Dale Jr. play a bigger role in the future? Let us know in the comments!