Hendrick Moves From Victory Stand To Witness Stand

Rick Hendrick made his first public appearance since being hit with federal conspiracy charges and, surrounded by friends and stock-car industry associates, vowed victory in court.

Friends quickly gathered, supplying hugs and pats on the back, as a subdued and hesitant Hendrick took his seat at a NASCAR awards breakfast Friday in the Waldorf-Astoria’s Starlight Room.

Hendrick told The Charlotte Observer he could not discuss the government’s case against him, but hoped to explain his view of the charges as soon as next week.

“There’s nothing more I would like to do than lay out my side of the case … about how unjust and selective and untrue all of this is,” Hendrick said. “I promise you when you see it, you’ll be amazed.”

Hendrick, who owns the cars that won NASCAR’s Winston Cup championship in 1995 and 1996, was charged Wednesday with bribing corrupt executives of American Honda Motor Co. in return for favorable treatment in getting dealerships and hot-selling cars.

The Charlotte auto dealer is one of the nation’s largest auto retailers.

Hendrick’s attorney, Harold Bender, said in a prepared statement that Hendrick had cooperated in the government’s investigation of corruption within the Honda organization.

Hendrick was in extremely supportive territory Friday.

Photographers took dozens of publicity photos of him with his award, and friends repeatedly offered warm wishes.

Hendrick’s winning driver, Terry Labonte, received the largest amount of money in NASCAR history $3 million - for winning the 1996 Winston Cup championship.

Including prize money and contingency earnings, Labonte wound up winning just over $4 million this season.