If you’re a NASCAR fan, you’ve probably seen a commercial spoof Darrell Waltrip and Jeff Hammond did on the new #48 Lowe’s Chevrolet Car of Tomorrow during the broadcasts. Here are some shots from behind-the-scenes taken by my showcar driver on-site for the shoot. It is funny seeing DW and “Hollywood” Hammond dressed up for […]
*Quick Summary: The author waxes nostalgic while looking at his baby photo, and quickly recaps his family and childhood.* I once heard someone say you should keep a baby picture of yourself on your nightstand. It reminds you where you came from, simultaneously forces you to look at a more innocent version of yourself, and […]
In 2004, we had the opportunity to work on NASCAR 3D: The IMAX Experience. It is always fun to handle supplying the race cars, people, and logistics behind the scenes on a movie, then see the finished product on the big screen. I especially enjoy seeing the children and spouses of my employees in awe […]
Today was an emotional day for a lot of us as we were able to be part of the dedication for The Joe Hendrick Center For Automotive Technology at CPCC. “Papa Joe” was my boss, friend, and mentor. Since his passing in 2004, life has been very different for all of us, his former employees. […]
For the third time, I was on the crew for NC Governor Mike Easley as he drove a Hendrick Motorsports race car around Charlotte Motor Speedway. My department is in charge of preparing the cars he has driven (and sometimes wrecked), so I’ve been closely involved throughout. It is always an interesting experience to hang […]
After one of the guys found a classified ad for one of Ricky Hendrick’s old Late Model cars in a racing magazine, we made some calls. Three of us, all former team members of Ricky’s, then followed up in person. I’ll never forget my feeling opening the barn, and seeing this old friend just sitting […]
Two of the most inspirational people in my life are Linda Hendrick and her former sister-in-law Cathy Hendrick. They are each an amazing example of Christianity under trial. Here is a great Q&A session with them both regarding their faith in the midst of the Hendrick Motorsports plane crash in 2004.
We do TV commercials all the time, but rarely do we take behind-the-scenes photos because we are just too busy working. Also in some cases, they’re frowned upon as the sponsor understandably wants to be the one to premier the scene. In this case, my showcar driver had some time on his hands after getting […]
I’ve been around for so many Hendrick Motorsports Media Days that I’ve lost track. So many paint scheme and driver unveilings through the years, and so much hype and hoopla. I secretly LOVE it, but I try my best to act like it’s just another day. My department is responsible for working with the graphic […]
One of the more interesting things we’ve been a part of was the behind-the-scenes work involved with Darren Romeo‘s disappearing race car illusion. We were contracted to supply a slightly modified Jeff Gordon #24 DuPont car, and Darren’s folks in Branson did the rest. The show pitch as I remember it, was that Darren would […]