NASCAR Darkest Day At Martinsville
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- The darkest day at Martinsville Speedway for Hendrick Motorsports was on October 24, 2004. During that race, a tragic accident occurred that took the lives of ten individuals. A Hendrick Motorsports plane, which was carrying family members, friends, and employees of the team, crashed en route to the race.
Among those lost were members of the Hendrick family, including Rick Hendrick's son Ricky Hendrick, brother John Hendrick, and nieces Jennifer and Kimberly Hendrick. Additionally, several other team members and friends were on board, resulting in a profound loss for the entire racing community and the Hendrick organization.
It was a heartbreaking and devastating event that deeply impacted not just Hendrick Motorsports but the NASCAR community as a whole. The tragedy is remembered and honored by fans and the racing world as a significant moment of loss and reflection.
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As a former Hendrick employee this brings tears. Even today. Just like Kulwickis crash I knew someone
I’m sure it was hard
Same goes for Davey Allison’s crash. He was in a helicopter, but still an air crash.
I was at Loudon when Adam Petty died.
That was a rough day, and weekend
I’m really sorry for your loss man. 💐
There’s something eerie about that day. Cloudy day, the lack of team celebrations, even the ticker on certain broadcasters said that a Hendrick plane went missing. Still gives me chills.
I'll never ever forget that tragic day at Martinsville. I watched that race in 2004, and I didn't know that tragedy had struck for Hendrick Motorsports team until Jim Hunter had some sad news on that tragic day. That's why I love HMS 100%!
Thank you. As I read along your comment i would forget how tragic that day was until you reminded me each time you Mentioned it
Air tragedies have really affected NASCAR. I grew up in the late 80s and 90s and it was Davey and Alan then. That changed the future of NASCAR big time.
And Curtis Turner, and we almost lost Junior. Scary stuff.
Thats ture
General aviation is scary stuff. They’d be better off flying commercial.
Seems like air tragedies have really affected the entertainment business as a whole. We've lost so many good artists, athlete's, actors and drivers from helicopter or plane crashes.
@@JustMamba Skynyrd
I remember watching this on TV. I was a young Gordon fan. I remember the burnout that Johnson did. I was downstairs in the basement with my dad when this race was going on. We had a TV in the basement. I remember telling my dad something felt wrong. Cause he and I were Gordon fans. My mom was a junior fan. I remember just hugging my dad and my mom tightly that night and then my mom asked me what was wrong. I remember saying the Hendrick plane crashed in the mountains near Martinsville... Killed everyone on board. She knew right then and there cause I was a Gordon fan. The next day at school I wore my Gordon shirt and my Gordon cap. I wore the hat backwards for Ricky Hendrick. I remember taking it off as soon as I got to school. One of my friends said to me I'm so sorry to hear about what happened. Are you okay? I just simply said. Yes. But I knew I wasn't.
I feel that. I grew up a Gordon fan too. I was only 12 when this all went down. My dad and I were Gordon fans, Mom was a fan of Jimmie, though we pulled for everyone in the HMS stables. I just remember feeling sick, like someone punched me in the gut. Brought back a lot of bad memories of 2001 and Dales crash, even though it wasn't an on-track accident. We somehow got the "Always in our hearts" memorial stickers, like the decals on the cars. I had one on my PS2 for the longest time... Every time I popped Nascar Thunder in, I would take a moment to remember. Even all these years later, it stings... That win the next week was the shot in the arm we all needed as HMS fans! I still feel for Kyle coming up short too... I may have not liked him years after he left, but you can see the real friendship he had with Ricky. I have a ton of respect what Rowdy tried to do that day!
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 you act as if you knew them personally
Wow as a kid that the deaths of background crew hit you that hard?
You are either very empathetic or were very invested at a very young age in the sport.
No matter which one it is, it’s very respectable!
@@rolux4853 I was invested as a fan since '99. I've seen a lot. Heard the stories too. I'm also very empathetic too. So yeah :)
back when Jeff still acknowledged God’s influence in his life.
Hard to believe that October of this year will mark 20 years since that plane crash.
Yeah
I actually remember that cup race at Atlanta. My dad recorded it on VHS and I still have the tape. I remember seeing those hood stickers on their cars, but I never knew what they were or the truth about them until now.
To anyone wondering, the pilot was doing a good job around due to poor weather, and did the missed approach procedure wrong. Most likely losing his situational awareness
It seemed on the wiki the pilot made a pretty massive mistake that could've been corrected easily
The pilots did not do a good job. ATC told them to climb to 2600 feet and instead the pilots descended to 1800 feet.
Pilots veered off course after missing the first landing.
Pilots failed to execute an instrument approach procedure.
Pilots failed to use all navigational aids to confirm the planes position during its approach.
Steve Park did It for DEI in 2001 and Jimmie did it for Hendrick in 2004
My dad was a DJ in the Charlotte area for a long time and had known the pilot flying the plane that crashed. He would always tell me he talked to her just days before it happened. He said she was a great person and really pretty. Awful what happened to her and everyone else on the plane.
Clearly being pretty doesn't help you avoid mountains
Just terrible
@@MMCS07 go look up tnflygirl. Her instructors passed her cuz she was "pretty" and killed herself and her father because she had that snob attitude. I didn't read the ntsb results on what the cause of the incident was but it most circumstances when you.. lose power or whatever you avoid mountains.
I'd rather a fat 4 than an 8 flying me somewhere... just sayin
I remember this day. Pure excitement and joy turned sour. It felt like we were experiencing Earnhardt’s death all over again. The next week felt surreal as we all just sat silently in front of the TV as we watched the tribute cars. We cried for Kyle that Saturday and that Sunday we watched Johnson cruise to victory lane. We all cried. My dad doesn’t cry. My dad has 3 different piece from that day. A piece of sheet metal from Jimmys car and an autographed version of his car.
Nice
So he doesnt cry....unless a celeb who drives dies?
"Little did they know they were about to hear the phrase "little did they know" over and over and over"
Yeah
I was about to make that comment. Repeating that phrase gets annoying quick.
@@MMCS07little did u know that little we would know that little did they know
But little did he know that we knew that this he did know…this changes everything
NASCAR had 2 sad tragic dark days:
February 18, 2001:
The death of NASCAR Legend Dale Earnhardt
October 24, 2004:
Hendrick Motorsports plane crash that killed 10 people on board including John Hendrick and Ricky Hendrick
Awful days 😢
I grew up on the backside of the mountain from this unfortunate accident. Its crazy and sad to think about all the lives lost due to crashes on bull mtn throughout the years.
Yes, it was certainly a horrible accident, but it's also brought up every time the series races there. Had it not involved NASCAR's house team, there would have been decals run on cars the next week and it would never be referenced again.
Yeah
Truly a dark day in NASCAR history, and one that isn't talked about that much. The fact that Jimmie Johnson was able to win the very next race after this and almost win the championship that year before going on to win 7 championships cements him as potentially the GOAT of NASCAR as far as I am concerned as well...Ricky Hendrick and the other 9 passengers would certainly be proud of him.
Johnson is far from being the greatest driver in NASCAR history. If it wasn’t for the rule changes for the “Chase” he would only have one or two championships. Just look how horrible he has been since trying to come back, he can’t even qualify for races.
@@TheCrazyMoparDude68 But there is a catch to that, you see the 48 team built its strategy around the chase for the cup during the seasons Johnson won the championship, just like how in the pre-chase era NASCAR teams would start points-racing (driving more conservatively and settling for Top 10s) around August or September if they had at least a one race points lead by that part of the season. Johnson and Knaus were smart enough to recognize that with the Chase, the ideal time to peak would be late October. That and Johnson almost won the championship in his rookie season (2002), which is considered THE MOST competitive season in NASCAR history (he was only done in by mechanical failures). Of course, the 48 team was helped by the fact that the Johnson/Knaus pairing was the only one to remain intact from 2004 to 2010, whereas other driver/crew chiefs combinations that could have taken at least 10 wins and/or 1-2 championships away imploded (most notably the #12 team of Ryan Newman and Matt Borland, the #20 team of Tony Stewart and Greg Zippadeli, and the #97 team of Kurt Busch and Jimmy Fennig). This was of course also the case for Richard Petty (who frequently had a car with 100 hp more than rivals in the 60s), Dale Earnhardt (who mastered the art of psychological warfare in racing), and Jeff Gordon (whose main POTENTIAL rivals in the late 90s either died in 1993 (Davey Allison and Alan Kulwicki), were hampered by injuries (Ernie Irvan in 1994 and Dale Earnhardt in 1996), or became owner drivers and experienced a major downturn in performance (Ricky Rudd, Bill Elliott, and Geoff Bodine)). That and Johnson himself hasn’t been the same since his crash at Pocono in 2017.
Surprised it hasn’t been talked about more.
Just a very emotional week for nascar. There is no doubt in my mind that there were 10 angels looking down on the Hendrick drivers and the whole organization. Lots of prayers go out to the entire Hendrick and NASCAR families🙏🙏🙏
Yeah
Yeah I remember watching this when it premiered on TV my mouth dropped😢😢😢
I grew up around the Martinsville area and I was 8 when this happened. Remember the whole situation
I bet everyone knew
I've been a nascar fan for many years and witnessed triumphs and tragedies alike. The expression that time heals all wounds, but I struggle to believe that to be truth even today. Loss is a tough hurdle to get past
Was at this race. We thought it was weird no victory lane but heard about it after the face. RIP. Imagine the butterfly effect this had though. No way Busch or Vickers ever would have been booted with Ricky Still alive. Jr probably joins Gibbs. Then where does Edwards, Kenneth end up. Wild
Yea agree bud
I remember watching this live
Love your videos
"In loving memory, all the way!"
There never will be another driver like Jimmie.
I was at this race as a young kid, about 11ish, i still go to this day actually. I remember the weather being really nasty and a little foggy that day. The race went on as usual, then on the radio, while sitting in traffic, we heard MRN make the announcement. I didn't really get the gravity of the situation until i got a little older
I remember that whole situation taking place, still seems crazy to think about. The way the whole organization rallied from it though- was inspirational.
Yeah
Jimmie Johnson has always been my hero since I was a kid. I had family that worked with him, we had friends in Hendrick that got me into his and Dale Jr’s cars when I was a kid, and he inspired me to start racing myself. However growing up in these times I’ve found my dreams of racing like him to have stalled out so far, hoping it will come to fruition eventually, especially will all I had to sacrifice for it…
Rickys gf was pregnant when this happened,but didn't yet know it.she stayed home that weekend because ahe didn't feel good.she a little girl.later,she was on the bachelorette reality show and talked about losing the father of her daughter,though she didn't say who he was.but I figured it out thru the details she shared.she also talked about how the father of her lost lover was helping her financially since his loss,and had even bought her a house.I wonder where she is today
That’s true
@@MMCS07 her daughter is J
Named Josephine Riddick hendrick after her father
Well made. Great video.
Glad you enjoyed it!
October 31 2004 One Week After The Hendrick Motorsports Plane Crash 6:13
I remember this, I was like 8 at the time. 20 years later, how different would things be? A real butterfly here, RIP to those folks
I watched that race live when it happened. I was 14
Wow, what was it like
Is it me or does it seem like Atlanta is always the track that host the next race after anything tragic in nascar
Hmm
This was a very sad day for Hendrick Motorsports
Man, i remember this race as a kid. I was always a huge Dale fan, but when things like this happen, it really takes a community to come together and remember that its just a game and we have to be there for each other. Growing up, i always wanted Hendricks team to lose lol that day was dreary.
"A Beechcraft 200 Super King Air, N501RH, operated by Hendrick Motorsports, Inc., crashed into mountainous terrain in Stuart, Virginia, during a missed approach to Martinsville/Blue Ridge Airport (MTV), Martinsville, Virginia. The flight was transporting Hendrick Motorsports employees and others to an automobile race in Martinsville, Virginia. The two flight crewmembers and eight passengers were killed, and the airplane was destroyed by impact forces and post crash fire. Instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) prevailed at the time of the accident"
Yeah
Considered pilot error by NTSB
What was the darkest day on that?
I Like Hendrick Motorsports Best NASCAR Team From The 80s And Early 90s Thanks For Uploading
Glad you enjoyed it
R.I.P
Martinsville also lost Modified legend Richie Evans in a race crash.
Such a sad day
Yep
So many celebrities deaths are caused by aerial crashes 😢
Given that Rick was supposed 2 have been on that doomed flight (but had backed out 4 health reasons at the last moment I recall),the aftermath of that would left dealing with the consequences of his decision 4 as long as he lives!!!!!
Yeah
20 years after that tragic October Sunday, Hendrick Motorsports went on into racing dynasty with additional race wins and cup championships.
As a Hendrick Motorsports employee...I think of him and all the ones on that where on that plane that day.
Can't believe it's been almost twenty years
A little more info on this story needs to be fully explored. I was in the business side of NASCAR for almost 20 years..........there are many NASCAR stories that need a book to do a deep dive into them. thx
Please tell more
20 Years Ago From Now
Wow
October 24 2004 Never Forget
Yu
Yup
7th birthday watching the race
6:38 that wasn’t my first time i see Kyle Emotional though y’all did, but I did see him being emotional after finishing the Top 5 or 10 at his final race with JGR at Frontstretch.
I felt bad for him losing a friend.
I was at that race.
I was at that race such a sad day
I was at this race, my first of many I was around 10 years old
I'm about 20 minutes away from where the accident happened
Really?
My parents were at this race before I was born
So sad
God bless
They should have landed in Danville Va. I know but they would still be here. I live in Danville.
The darkest day there was when I had 36 oz if shine and I had to get carrier back to my car 😂
Lol
Rip
That was around the time when all winners burned there tires out until they blew there rear end off the car to hide whatever illegal mods they ran at the time
For future videos, using the cliché "little did they know" one time is cheesy enough, but saying it multiple times makes the video nearly unbearable. Your videos will sound better and more professional without it.
This and earnhardt Srs death were for nascar fans what the 1994 imola gran prix was for f1 fans of that era.
And 4 years later, it was a start of something incredible when Dale Jr signed with Rick…made it a most memorable bond the two had after one lost a father and one lost a son.
o mi gosh
Thought 2001 Daytona was dark? 2004 CFTC Martinsville followed the same fate… but 10X the curse… And focuses on the plane… And it’s Hendrick’s turn.
Didn’t Gordon have 11 in one season?
Rick positive person
A little did they know, huh? Maybe you could reiterate that point a few more times.
Jimmie Johnson Wins Once Again 8:30
Woooo
NASCAR Darkest Day at Martinsville
NASCAR Darkest Day at Martinsville
interesting
Get that deviated septum fixed
This is the race that cost jr the title ....got greedy and edwards didnt lift 😢
Yep
Exactly Release Game Before Ace Combat 5 Playstation 2 October 24 2004 During Happen Hendrick Motorsports Plane Crash
Ok
Nascars darkest day was 2 18 01 not this
Darkest day at martinsville
20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS PLANE CRASH
20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS PLANE CRASH
@@anandguruji83 Are you saying that in a happy way or not?
@@nontoxicchaseelliottfan9 It’s a bot lol. People need to understand that
@@RailenThePlaneNerd Okay
@@nontoxicchaseelliottfan9 Yeah, and sorry if I sounded rude
How dirty and disrespectful of them to cancel the victory lane celebration and announce the disappearance of a missing plane instead. They were not even sure yet of a crash. They should have waited.
Complete BS. I'd lost all faith and respect for NASCAR management years earlier, but to say NASCAR did the "race must go on, no matter the cost" thing is completely unfair to NASCAR. They had no way to know the extent of what had happened until the race was well underway, which put them in an impossible situation.
The remaining 8 minutes of the video are just tap dancing about emotions and subsequent races. This may have been NASCAR's most tragic day (who scores these things anyway?), but the "Darkest" day implies some nefarious and fatal plot by NASCAR.
Clickbait
Not gonna say the crash was on purpose, but Atlanta was rigged for Hendrick, just like Jr. driving the 3 at Daytona, most rigged in history next to the 98 500. Two cars spun at Daytona on purpose to give Dale the win
Sure, Jan.
Yeah, all of our thoughts and prayers are with the..... whatever. Prayers? Really?`Give me a break.
Boo-hoo
This was nuts x10!
Nothing suspicious here! Go about your business NASCAR