IndyCar’s Will Power recognizes Rick Hendrick’s kindness during time of need with gift

At the Indy 500 rookie orientation program, Will Power met up with Rick Hendrick to present him with a gift of gratitude. This year, Power’s wife Liz fell ill, almost dying according to the IndyCar driver. The NASCAR team owner was there with a helping hand at the time.

According to Power, Rick Hendrick was one of the first phone calls he got when the news came out. Hendrick offered his support, put in a word with excellent medical professionals, and helped the Power family a ton during this difficult time.

Will Power is one of the most respected drivers in IndyCar. Mr. H is one of the biggest figures in American Motorsports. As a “thank you” for all he did, Power gave Hendrick a signed helmet at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Rick Hendrick is there with Kyle Larson as he tries to pass his orientation tests.

When @12WillPower's wife Liz was sick earlier this year, Rick Hendrick was there to help.⁰ ⁰Today, Power was able to give him a small gift of thanks. pic.twitter.com/ICmdTndZSN

— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) October 12, 2023

Oftentimes, people talk about how small the NASCAR community is. That is true. However, the American motorsports community is relatively small as well. The relations between IndyCar and NASCAR drivers and teams are strong and this is just an example of one of those relationships.

Will Power is a two-time IndyCar Series champion. He is also the winner of the 2018 Indy 500. In terms of drivers, he’s one of the most respected in America and his home country of Australia.

Rick Hendrick doesn’t have flash, but has the Double

There is a debate going on about how boring Hendrick Motorsports drivers are. Jeff Gordon and Denny Hamlin have traded verbal barbs about being interesting figures in the sport and being good ambassadors for sponsors and partners.

While we can talk about how much Hendrick may or may not hinder public statements from drivers, we know one thing – the talent is there. Look no further than the Indy 500 rookie orientation program today.

In many ways, Kyle Larson, even with the baggage, is one of the most exciting talents in the United States. He races multiple times a week, gives back to the grassroots racing in dirt, and has already achieved so much in so little time in NASCAR. The fact he’s attempting the Indy 500/Coca-Cola 600 double is cool and exciting.

No offense to Denny Hamlin, but I’m not sure there is a JGR or 23XI Racing driver that would even think about doing the double. Maybe Tyler Reddick one day. He’s also a dirt guy that has shown an unreal ability to control his car and run high on the wall better than most.

Christopher Bell? Joe Gibbs doesn’t even let him race for his own sprint car team in his own time. So, I doubt he’d let his driver do the Indy 500. Then again, Tony Stewart did it as a JGR talent.

Rick Hendrick might not have a driver with a podcast or one that makes headlines with wild statements, but he’s got talent. That speaks volumes.