Hendrick gifted helmet from IndyCar's Will Power for his help during challenging time
A meaningful moment took place on pit lane of Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Thursday. IndyCar driver Will Power presented Rick Hendrick, chairman and CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group, with a race-worn helmet from his 2023 Indianapolis 500.
Power, a two-time IndyCar Series champion and 2018 Indy 500 winner, was thankful for the assistance his wife received this past January. Power’s wife, Liz, suffered a severe staph infection in her back and needed immediate help.
Upon hearing of the situation, Mr. Hendrick, who also owns Hendrick Motorsports, called Will and arranged for the top specialists in Charlotte, North Carolina to oversee Liz’s care.
According to NBC Sports, Liz’s temperature reached 106 degrees one evening, high enough that doctors were fearful. However, the team of specialists were able to get the infection under control and save her life.
“That helmet is very special to me because when I look at that helmet, I think about life,” Mr. Hendrick told NBCSports.com. “I don’t just think about the helmet, I’ll think about life.”
Power also talked about a very scary moment for his family.
“He put me in touch with the best doctors and the best people to take care of her,” said Power, to NBCSports.com. “She was very close to dying. It was a very tough situation.
“He never stopped calling through the whole process. My wife and I will never forget. I couldn’t think of what to get him, to give Mr. Hendrick. It’s all I could think of that was close to what I should get him.”
“No. 1, I don’t need anything, but man, this is something I will treasure,” Mr. Hendrick went on to tell Will. “I’m a big fan, anyway. But boy I’m honored to have it. Thank you so much. I’m just so glad she’s okay.”
Hendrick was at the Speedway and on hand for driver Kyle Larson’s Indianapolis 500 Rookie Orientation Program.
Larson, driver of the No. 5 HendrickCars.com NASCAR Cup Series entry, passed the three RoP testing phases and cleared to participate in open practice for the 2024 Indianapolis 500.
Known as the Hendrick 1100, Larson, whose IndyCar ride is owned by both Mr. Hendrick and Arrow McLaren Racing, will attempt to run the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day.
"This is a big deal for us and the company, everyone involved," Hendrick said. "We want to do it right. We don't want to come up here and stub our toe. We know how hard it is. Thank goodness we are teamed with someone like Arrow McLaren, watching the professionalism out there, just the tools and techniques they use.
Fans can follow Larson’s journey as he prepares to run the “double” by following #Hendrick1100 on social media.
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