Rick Hendrick: Owner of the Year

There are few owners with the perseverance or accomplishments of Rick Hendrick. That's why it's no surprise Hendrick was chosen the top owner for 2004.

In 25 years in NASCAR, Hendrick Motorsports has won five Cup titles, and it is the only organization to win four consecutive championships. With Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon still in the hunt for the title, Rick Hendrick mustered the strength to rally his troops for the season finale at Homestead while still mourning the 10 who died in the Hendrick plane crash.

Johnson and Gordon finished second and third in the race--and for the season. But Hendrick finished ahead of all other teams with 13 victories and 10 poles.

Citing the tragedy, HMS declined comment on the award.

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