Transport yourself back to the 1988 NASCAR Cup Series season, a time famously remembered for the first of two tire wars between Goodyear and Hoosier. Amidst the tire-centric buzz, however, another intriguing drama was unfolding in the NASCAR garage; drivers were being linked with rival teams, and rumors were as thrilling as the racing itself. One such fascinating narrative surrounded Neil Bonnett, part of the Alabama Gang, who was reportedly on the move to Hendrick Motorsports.
A prominent figure in NASCAR, Bonnett had enjoyed a successful stint with Junior Johnson & Associates and team Chevy before moving on to Rahmoc Enterprise and Pontiac camp. However, he began the year with a 29-race losing streak, sparking whispers of a possible switch to a Chevy team. Hendrick Motorsports, an emerging powerhouse, was the rumored destination. This isn’t hearsay; racing legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. himself verified the rumor, outlining an alternate reality where Rick Hendrick might have secured the Alabama native’s talents.
Imagine the scenario: Neil Bonnett, a star driver for Hendrick Motorsports. As Dale Jr., down with a fever and revisiting the 1988 NASCAR season, stumbled across this rumor, he couldn’t help but contemplate the ‘what ifs.’ “During the Martinsville broadcast, they mentioned that Neil Bonnett was rumored to be going to Hendrick Motorsports the next season,” Dale Jr. recalled. Even though Rick Hendrick didn’t remember such a proposition, and the lineup remained unchanged in 1989, it’s fascinating to consider the possibilities.
During the late 1980s, Hendrick Motorsports was on a quest to become a dominant force, bringing onboard talents like Darrell Waltrip. If the rumors had materialized, and Bonnett had landed a spot with Hendrick, the dynamics could have been exhilarating. With Geoff Bodine and Waltrip racing for Hendrick, a driver of Bonnett’s caliber would have added a new dimension to the underdog team.
In 1988, Bonnett, driving for RahMoc Enterprises, had a phenomenal year, winning two of the first three Cup points races. He also made history by becoming the first NASCAR driver to win a race outside North America at the Calder Park Thunderdome in Melbourne, Australia. Envision a world where Bonnett’s victories were part of Hendrick’s strategic masterplan; it’s an exciting prospect.
With 18 wins and 20 poles to his name, Bonnett was one of the finest competitors of his time. A partnership with Rick Hendrick could have been revolutionary. Moreover, Bonnett was a media darling and even had film appearances like in Days of Thunder. Regrettably, this dream collaboration didn’t materialize, and NASCAR lost the icon in 1994 due to the infamous tire war.
Despite the missed opportunity with Bonnett, Rick Hendrick’s strategic decisions have shaped the team’s trajectory. His recruitment of a relatively unknown Jeff Gordon in 1992 proved to be a masterstroke. Together, they won four Cup Series championships and a whopping 93 races, propelling Hendrick Motorsports to new heights. Similarly, bringing Darrell Waltrip on board in 1987 solidified their position in NASCAR’s elite.
Even in challenging times, like the slump after Jimmie Johnson’s departure, Hendrick’s strategic eye didn’t falter. He identified future stars like Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, and William Byron, who have since added to the team’s success stories. Most recently, 19-year-old Corey Day, a dirt track sensation, was signed to race in various series in 2025.
As we look ahead to 2025, all eyes are on Hendrick Motorsports. With Ford and Team Penske commanding the Next Gen era, the question is, who among Elliott, Larson, and Byron will help Hendrick Motorsports secure its 15th championship? Only time will tell, but the thrill of the race and the allure of ‘what ifs’ continues to captivate NASCAR fans worldwide.
