The NASCAR community is mourning the loss of Charlie Henderson, the respected owner of Henderson Motorsports and a longtime presence in the sport. The team announced his passing on social media, reflecting on his decades-long contributions to stock car racing.
Henderson’s involvement in NASCAR began in 1982, and over the next four decades, his team became a staple in all three of NASCAR’s top national series—the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Craftsman Truck Series. In total, Henderson Motorsports entered 24 Cup Series races, 298 Xfinity events, and 108 Truck Series races.
Though often regarded as underdogs, Henderson and his team consistently outperformed expectations. They earned five wins across NASCAR’s national series—three in the Xfinity Series and two in the Truck Series—along with eight pole positions.
One of Henderson’s most notable partnerships was with driver and current CW commentator Parker Kligerman. Together, they found victory lane twice in the Truck Series, with wins at Talladega in 2017 and Mid-Ohio in 2022. Earlier in 2024, Kligerman crossed the finish line first in the season opener at Daytona, but the win was vacated after a post-race inspection resulted in a ride height disqualification—a ruling the team has since disputed.
“We are grateful for the many years of leadership, friendship, and memories that Charlie gave to Henderson Motorsports and the entire NASCAR community,” the team said in a statement. “We ask that you keep the Henderson family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
Henderson’s impact was not limited to the racetrack. He was also the owner of Food Country USA, a regional grocery chain that frequently adorned his team’s vehicles, creating a strong sense of identity and pride within the organization.
His team’s first foray into the NASCAR Cup Series came in 1982, with Brad Teague driving a mix of Chevrolet and Pontiac machinery. In 1983, the team qualified for its first Daytona 500 with Ronnie Hopkins, and Morgan Shepherd would later make the team’s final Cup start in 1984 at Martinsville.
The Henderson legacy truly gained traction in the Busch Series (now Xfinity) during the mid-1980s. In 1987, Brad Teague delivered the team’s first major victory at Martinsville, leading the most laps in a dominant performance. Two years later, Rick Wilson secured two more wins for the team—one at Bristol and another at Dover—after starting from the pole and controlling both races.
Charlie Henderson’s passion for racing, dedication to his team, and commitment to excellence made him a beloved figure in the NASCAR paddock. His humble, grassroots approach and perseverance against larger teams resonated with fans and competitors alike.
As NASCAR says goodbye to one of its most loyal independent team owners, Charlie Henderson leaves behind a legacy defined by heart, determination, and a relentless pursuit of speed. He will be deeply missed.
