Forty-two years ago this week, NASCAR fans witnessed a significant milestone in racing history when Dale Earnhardt captured a victory at Charlotte Motor Speedway in what is now recognized as the NASCAR Xfinity Series. This particular win stands out not only because it added to Earnhardt’s impressive resume but also because it marked a critical moment in the early stages of Rick Hendrick’s legendary career in stock car ownership. The car Earnhardt drove to victory in that race was co-owned by Hendrick, making it the very first time a vehicle under his name claimed a win in professional stock car racing.
This triumph in 1983 occurred before the official formation of Hendrick Motorsports, which would make its debut in NASCAR the following year, in 1984. Interestingly, Earnhardt had a hand in helping lay the groundwork for what would become one of the most successful organizations in NASCAR history. That same year, he also had the opportunity to test the now-iconic No. 5 car, a number that would later become synonymous with Hendrick’s team. While the partnership between Earnhardt and Hendrick didn’t continue into the peak years of Earnhardt’s racing dominance, that single race and the early collaboration remain a defining piece of both their legacies.
The story of Earnhardt’s early connection to Rick Hendrick and the historic victory at Charlotte is just one chapter in the broader tale of Dale Earnhardt’s impact on the sport. For those wanting a deeper look into his life and legacy, the full Earnhardt documentary is now available to stream on Prime Video.
