In a remarkable act of philanthropy, NASCAR team owner and automotive magnate Rick Hendrick has announced a $15 million personal investment to transform his home in Concord, North Carolina into a state-of-the-art shelter for homeless youth in the Carolinas. The decision comes after a serious health scare earlier this year, which Hendrick says gave him renewed clarity about his purpose and the legacy he wants to leave.
Best known as the founder of Hendrick Motorsports, one of the most successful teams in NASCAR history, Hendrick has long been a supporter of charitable causes. This latest initiative, however, marks his most personal and ambitious undertaking to date.
“I’ve been blessed beyond anything I could have imagined,” Hendrick said in a heartfelt statement. “After going through some tough moments this year, I realized I needed to do more—especially for the young people in our community who don’t have a place to call home. This shelter is about giving them not just a roof, but a reason to believe in their future.”
The facility, to be named The Victory Lane Youth Center, will offer housing, healthcare access, educational support, life skills training, and mental health resources to homeless and at-risk youth aged 13 to 22. Renovations on Hendrick’s Concord property are set to begin this summer, with a projected opening date in late 2025.
The expansive home will be redesigned to accommodate up to 40 young people at a time, with dedicated spaces for study, counseling, recreation, and job training. Hendrick is working closely with local nonprofits and social service agencies across North and South Carolina to ensure the center offers comprehensive, trauma-informed care.
Youth homelessness continues to be a growing issue across the Carolinas, with recent data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development showing a 21% increase in unaccompanied minors experiencing homelessness in the region since 2022. Advocates say Hendrick’s involvement is not only generous—it’s catalytic.
“This project could completely shift how we address youth homelessness in our state,” said Angela Bowman, Director of the Carolina Youth Initiative. “Rick Hendrick is showing what true leadership looks like—not just in business, but in humanity.”
Hendrick, who plans to remain involved with the shelter even after it opens, says he’s already spoken with several of his NASCAR drivers and sponsors about joining the effort. “We’re going to build more than just a home—we’re going to build a movement.”
As Hendrick Motorsports continues to chase trophies on the track, its founder is now racing toward something even more meaningful: a future where every young person has a safe place to start again.
Would you like this turned into a press release or shared as a video script?
