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Rick Hendrick, Richard Childress thought they had to 'retire or die' to make Hall of Fame

CONCORD, N.C. — Since they're still involved in NASCAR, team owners Rick Hendrick and Richard Childress weren't expecting to hear their names called by NASCAR CEO Brian France on Wednesday when the 2017 Hall of Fame class was announced.

But as owners they needed at least 10 years in the industry, a feat Hendrick and Childress easily obtained. Despite being on the Hall of Fame ballot since its inception seven classes ago, the duo thought they'd eventually get inducted, just not this year.

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"We're still racing," Hendrick said at Charlotte Motor Speedway before Sunday night's Coca-Cola 600.