“RIP champ”: Fans react as veteran NASCAR driver Roy Hendrick passes away

The NASCAR community is grieving the loss of Roy Hendrick, a racing icon from Richmond and the son of the legendary "Mr. Modified" Ray Hendrick. He passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 71, according to his family.

Hendrick began his racing career in 1969 and quickly made a name for himself on Virginia's asphalt late-model circuits. He won his first track championship just three years later at Southside Speedway. Known for racing in his father’s iconic Flying 11 paint scheme, Roy accumulated 24 wins at the Chesterfield County track.

Frontstretch honored the celebrated driver with a tribute on X (formerly Twitter), stating:

"Rest in Peace to Roy Hendrick, son of the late NASCAR legend “Mr. Modified” Ray Hendrick. Earlier this year we sat Down[sic] with Roy to talk about his father’s case for induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame"

South Boston Speedway also paid homage to the legendary driver, expressing their respects through a post:

"Our hearts are heavy today as we join the entire racing community in mourning the passing of our friend, the legendary Roy Hendrick.

Hendrick, the son of late legendary racer Ray Hendrick, won South Boston Speedway’s first NASCAR Late Model Stock Car Division race in 1983 and won South Boston Speedway’s first NASCAR Late Model Stock Car Division championship that same year.

Our love and prayers go our [sic] to all his friends and family. His memory and legacy will live on here forever."

Fans added their respects for the ex-racing driver upon his passing, in the replies:

"RIP champ 🙏," said one fan.

Here are a few more fans' words on the passing away of Hendrick:

"My sincerest thoughts and prayers for the family and racing family," a fan wrote.

"Made many of my Saturday nights growing up memorable at South Boston. Miss you my friend," a fan remembered.

"Great memories of being in his pits before and after the races at Southside Speedway during that awesome run in 83 when he won the Late Model triple crown. He was just my friends uncle who raced. Didn’t really know I was a round[sic] short track greatness. Till we see you again Roy," another fan said.

"🙏🙏🙏" a fan added.

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Career trajectory of Roy Hendrick

Roy Hendrick first tasted victory in 1972 in the Limited Sportsman Division at Southside Speedway and later dominated the track's 300-lap event in 1990. His prowess in 1983 led him to clinch Late Model Stock Car track championships at three different venues: Southside Speedway, South Boston Speedway, and Orange County Speedway.

Although his NASCAR Cup debut at Dover Motor Speedway in 1986 ended prematurely due to mechanical issues, Hendrick competed at the Richmond Raceway and the Martinsville Speedway in lower divisions, including Late Model, and Pro Late Model racing Series.

Roy always held the number #11 dear, a nod to his father’s legacy.

As a child, he cherished turning 11 and was not looking forward to his 12th birthday, wishing he could stay 11 forever.

In a memorable tribute, the current #11 Toyota driver, Denny Hamlin, raced at Darlington Speedway in 2017 in the iconic Flying 11 paint scheme for the Southern 500, securing a victory. The win was not just a personal win but also a homage to Ray and Roy Hendrick and other local racing heroes. Celebrating in victory lane, Hamlin recognized the lasting influence of the Hendrick legacy on his career.