Automotive News, the leading news source for the global automotive industry, annually recognizes 40 outstanding professionals under the age of 40 for their remarkable achievements and significant contributions to automotive retail.
A full crowd gathered at the Hendrick Motorsports Campus witnessed a thrilling finish to the 2025 Randy Dorton Hendrick Engine Builder Showdown presented by Valvoline. The annual competition, now in its 24th year, pairs 12 master-certified technicians from Hendrick Automotive Group dealerships with 12 Hendrick Motorsports engine builders. Their goal? Work as two-person teams to construct a 358 cubic-inch NASCAR-inspired engine consisting of 243 parts in the quickest amount of time.
On February 2, a 1987 Porsche 959 rolled into the service bay at Hendrick Porsche in Charlotte, North Carolina. The delivery of this iconic vehicle marked the beginning of a bold, months-long journey as Hendrick Porsche entered the 2025 Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge. What followed is a story of passion, craftsmanship, and the power of teamwork in pursuit of a shared vision.
Each year, Automotive News, the industry’s leading news source, recognizes a select group of talented auto retail leaders who are making a mark in the industry. The publication’s annual 40 Under 40 class features rising industry professionals for their achievements, contributions, and impact on the future of automotive retail.
“There’s something different every day.” For Kristen Bowen, General Manager of Audi Northlake in Charlotte, N.C., the ever-changing nature of the automotive industry is just one reason she loves what she does. While she now has a deep affinity for the business, there was a time when it wasn’t even on her radar. Her journey was shaped by a willingness to explore new opportunities and the people who believed in her along the way. 
Not many people can say their first experience working on cars involved a 1965 Ford Mustang. For Audra Thelen, a service technician and shop foreman at Hendrick BMW in Charlotte, N.C., that’s exactly how her journey in the automotive industry began.
Scott Ennis, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for Hendrick Automotive Group, was named the Charlotte Business Journal’s “CFO of the Year” award winner for the large, private company category.
Team members throughout the United States participated in Hendrick Automotive Group’s annual “Week of Service,” starting in Northern California, July 8 and culminating July 12 in Atlanta – which is also Chairman & CEO Rick Hendrick’s birthday.
Automotive News recognized Hendrick Automotive Group’s Anna McFadden as part of the 40 Under 40 class for 2024. The company’s director of marketing operations was among a group of “young and dedicated leaders blazing paths in automotive retail.”
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