Niece's transplant surgery takes priority for team owner
Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009
AP
Rick Hendrick, owner of the top NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team, talks to the media at the Homestead-Miami International Speedway in Homestead, Fla. Friday, Nov. 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
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CORAL GABLES, FL - NOVEMBER 19: Team owner Rick Hendrick speaks to the media during the NASCAR Championship Contenders Press Conference on November 19, 2009 in Coral Gables, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images for NASCAR)
Getty Images for NASCAR
AVONDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 15: Jimmie Johnson (L), driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane with team owner Rick Hendrick (R) after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway on November 15, 2009 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR)
HOMESTEAD, Fla. – Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick wasn't on hand for Sunday's Sprint Cup season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
He remained in North Carolina while his niece awaited a liver transplant.
Alesha Gainey, 29, is the daughter of the team owner's late brother, John Hendrick, who was among those killed in a 2004 plane crash near Martinsville, Va.
"Rick's niece is in critical condition and right now being prepared for an emergency liver transplant this afternoon," Hendrick general manager Marshall Carlson told reporters at the track Sunday.
"Rick obviously wishes he could be here. He is incredibly proud of the accomplishments of the teams and he has asked me to personally express to the teams his total confidence in their capabilities.
"Rick's priority at this point is supporting his family at this critical time."
One of Hendrick's drivers, Jimmie Johnson, won the Cup championship this season for a NASCAR-record fourth consecutive time.
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