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Ray Evernham
Ray Evernham
Ray Evernham
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Raymond Donald Evernham Jr. (born August 26, 1957) is an American consultant for Hendrick Companies, formerly an auto racing crew chief for Bill Davis Racing and Hendrick Motorsports, owner of his own team Evernham Motorsports from 2001 to 2010, and analyst for ESPN's NASCAR coverage. A three time Winston Cup Series Champion with driver Jeff Gordon, in 1999, Evernham won the NASCAR Winston Cup Illustrated "Person of the Year". Evernham was inducted to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Class of 2018. Evernham was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2023.

Key Information

Evernham is the co-founder of the racing series Superstar Racing Experience (SRX).

Racer

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Evernham was a modified racer. When he was 26 years old, he was hired by the International Race of Champions (IROC) as a chassis specialist. Drivers were impressed that he could translate what they were saying about the car's handling into technological adjustments.[1]

He crashed at Flemington Speedway in the middle of the 1991 season.[1] He damaged his brain stem, which left depth perception impairment.[1] He said, "When you wreck that bad, you don't remember anything about it."[1] As a driver, he added, "I couldn't meet my own expectations, and that frustrated the hell out of me." His accident prompted officials to put foam blocks in the corners to lessen impacts.[1]

Crew chief

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Evernham started working for NASCAR driver Alan Kulwicki at the end of 1991 after being the crew chief for Australian Touring car legend Dick Johnson in his team in 1989 and 1990. Their personalities clashed, and Evernham stayed with Kulwicki for six weeks before quitting at Daytona.[1] As he was walking out of the garage area and NASCAR, Ford engineers Lee Morse and Preston Miller stopped him.[1] They had worked directly with the Ford teams, including Kulwicki's, and they were impressed with Evernham.[1] They suggested that Ford might find Evernham another assignment outside of NASCAR's top division (Winston Cup). Jeff Gordon had just become a Ford driver and he had mentioned that he would like to work with Evernham again. The two had worked briefly together in 1990, when Evernham had worked on some chassis setups for Gordon's Pontiac team.[1] Evernham thought back to that brief time with Gordon, remembering, "From the first day we ever worked together, boom! We hit it off. We had fun, we did good, he was what I wanted, and I was what he wanted."[1] Gordon's owner, Bill Davis Racing, did not want to hire Evernham for their NASCAR Busch Series team. "Bill Davis didn't want me," Evernham later recalled. "But Ford paid my salary to go and work for Bill Davis, because Jeff wanted me there so bad."[1]

Evernham remained the crew chief for Gordon after he moved up into the Winston Cup Series for Hendrick Motorsports from the final race of the 1992 season to 1999. Gordon and Evernham won 47 Cup races, 3 Cup championships (1995, 1997, and 1998) and were the dominant team in NASCAR Cup competition at the time.

For his work as a crew chief, Evernham was voted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame's Class of 2018.[2]

Pit stops

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The DuPont "Rainbow Warriors" crew in 1997.

As the head of the "Rainbow Warriors" pit crew (referring to the rainbow paint schemes used on the car) Evernham is considered one of the innovators in improving the duration and efficiency of pit stops, the period where a driver receives new tires, fuel, repairs, and adjustments to the handling of the car. Instead of using the team's mechanics as the pit crew, Evernham created a group of specialists (often former athletes) who would train to perfect their assigned task (tire changing, tire carrying, jacking up the car, etc...). Much like professional sports teams Evernham incorporated choreography, put his crew members through strength and agility training, and analyzed pit stops on film between races to point out spots where his crew excelled or could improve. These methods led to the car spending less time in the pits, gaining spots on the race track. Evernham is credited with changing the expected duration of a 4-tire pit stop from over 20 seconds to less than 15.[3]

Car owner

[edit]
Main article: Richard Petty Motorsports

Evernham left Hendrick Motorsports and Gordon/Evernham Motorsports in 1999 to form his own team, Evernham Motorsports. The team ran debuted in the Winston Cup Series in 2000 out of Bill Elliott's race shop in a limited schedule with Casey Atwood. Evernham was also tabbed by Daimler Chrysler to bring Dodge back into prominence in NASCAR's elite racing series, leading the development of the Intrepid R/T race car that debuted in 2001. The team operated with direct factory backing and sponsorship from the nearly 3,000 Dodge Dealers, the Mopar performance brand, and the UAW.[4][5] Evernham fielded cars in the Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series, and Craftsman Truck Series, as well as in the ARCA, USAC and Dodge Weekly Racing Series. Drivers for the team included Elliott, Atwood, Jeremy Mayfield, Kasey Kahne, Elliott Sadler, Erin Crocker, Patrick Carpentier, and Chase Miller. Bill Elliott gave the team its first win in 2001 at Homestead Miami Speedway.

On August 6, 2007, it was announced that George N. Gillett Jr. had purchased a majority share in the team, and that the name had been changed to Gillett Evernham Motorsports.[6] On January 9, 2009, GEM then completed a merger with Petty Enterprises and brought the team's famous No. 43 car into the fold, changing the name once again to Richard Petty Motorsports.[7] Late in the 2009 season, RPM announced that it was to merge with Yates Racing, leaving Dodge to run Ford Fusions.[8] In late 2010, the team was bought out by Richard Petty and several investment groups,[9] and Evernham sold his remaining share in the operation.

In May 2011 Evernham sued Gillett Jr., alleging that Gillett did not fulfill his responsibilities as co-owner, Gillett's management problems led to the demise of the team and that in the process, he lost $19 million. In 2012 the suit was settled under undisclosed terms.

Television career

[edit]

Evernham has dipped into television several times as an analyst. He has worked three separate stints for ESPN/ABC: in 2000, 2008–2010, and 2012–2013. He has worked both race coverage and studio coverage at various points.

Evernham is host of the show AmeriCARna on Velocity since 2013.

Evernham works on NBCSN since 2015 as a color analyst and is paired up with Ralph Sheheen on broadcasts of the Whelen Modified Tour and Whelen Southern Modified Tour.

Superstar Racing Experience

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Main article: Superstar Racing Experience

In July 2020, Evernham and former NASCAR driver Tony Stewart formed the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX), a stock car series that began in summer 2021.[10]

Controversies

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During the 2006 season, former Evernham driver Jeremy Mayfield was fired from the No. 19 car for 'lack of performance,' as stated by the Evernham team. Court documents reveal that Mayfield blames Evernham's personal life, included a claim that a "close personal relationship" had developed between the then-married Evernham and development driver Erin Crocker, and "sub-par" equipment as the reasons he had not won a race in 2006.[11] Evernham admitted that he had an ongoing relationship with Crocker. Furthermore, he said about Crocker, "The proper thing to do and something her and I would like to do is move her to another race team."[12] Evernham and Crocker eventually were married at a private ceremony in Las Vegas on August 26, 2009.[13]

Evernham is also known for a 1995 penalty which was then the largest fine in NASCAR history. The $60,000 fine ($123,800 today) was imposed for using unapproved suspension parts on Jeff Gordon's car in a May 1995 race.

Further reading

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ray Evernham

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Raymond Donald Evernham Jr. (born August 26, 1957, in ) is an American motorsports executive, former crew chief, team owner, and innovator who revolutionized pit crew operations and team management in . Best known for his partnership with driver at from 1992 to 1999, Evernham guided the No. 24 Chevrolet team to three Winston Cup Series championships in 1995, 1997, and 1998, along with 47 race victories, including two Daytona 500s (1997, 1999) and two Brickyard 400s (1994, 1998). Growing up on the Jersey Shore, Evernham pursued a racing career from age 18, competing successfully in Northeast modified short-track series before transitioning to a crew role after a crash derailed his driving ambitions in modified short-track racing. As crew chief, he pioneered the use of specialized athletic pit crews—known as the "Rainbow Warriors"—which reduced four-tire pit stop times from 20 seconds to 15 seconds through choreography and hiring former athletes, fundamentally changing NASCAR pit strategies. He also contributed to innovative car designs, such as the "T-Rex" Chevrolet that secured a 1997 victory before being banned. In 2001, Evernham founded , spearheading Dodge's return to NASCAR's top series and achieving 13 Cup wins and 23 poles with drivers like (including the 2002 ) before selling the team in 2007. Transitioning to , he served as a race analyst for networks including , ABC, , , and SPEED, and hosted the series AmeriCarna. In 2014, he joined as a , and in 2021, he co-founded the (SRX) short-track series with , which ran from 2021 to 2023. Evernham's accolades include induction into the in 2018 and recognition as one of NASCAR's most influential figures for his management innovations. As of 2025, he serves as co-founder of IROC Holdings LLC, pursuing the revival of the series, while focusing on mentoring, personal racing projects like his 850-hp "" modified car, and philanthropy through the Evernham Family Racing for a Reason Foundation, supporting families affected by autism and .

Early life and racing beginnings

Childhood and entry into racing

Ray Evernham was born on August 26, 1957, in , and raised there in a household steeped in automotive culture. Evernham was the son of a father who owned a local service station, exposing him from a young age to the intricacies of car repair and maintenance. This environment cultivated his innate curiosity about engines and vehicles, laying the groundwork for a lifelong affinity for motorsports. Evernham's early fascination with emerged prominently during his teenage years, influenced by family outings to regional dirt-track events, including Modified Stock Car races at the Flemington Fair Speedway in . At the age of 15, he began hands-on work with short-track modified in the Northeast, assisting local racers with fabrication and tuning in garages and pits. These experiences introduced him to the gritty, technical demands of grassroots , where he learned to troubleshoot mechanical issues under pressure and appreciate the engineering behind high-performance machinery. By his late teens, Evernham had progressed to building components for race cars, including constructing his own modified vehicle at age 17, which sharpened his fabrication skills through in informal shop settings. His immersion in New Jersey's vibrant short-track scene—frequenting venues like Wall Stadium and New Egypt Speedway—provided invaluable practical education, emphasizing resourcefulness and precision in a community-driven motorsports . Evernham's entry into professional racing came in 1983, when he began working as a chassis specialist for the (IROC) series with and Jay Signore. This role marked his transition from amateur enthusiast to paid contributor in the sport, where he focused on vehicle preparation and optimization.

Early racing career as a driver

Evernham began his competitive driving career in the modified racing circuits of the during the late , transitioning from street stocks to the more demanding modified class by age 21. He competed primarily in New Jersey-area tracks, including Wall Stadium and high-profile events at venues like , where he raced against established drivers such as and . His early successes included consistent top finishes in regional modified features, showcasing his skill in handling the powerful, open-wheel modified cars on both dirt and pavement surfaces. Throughout the , Evernham established himself as a competitive modified in the rugged short-track scene, securing wins and podium positions at local and regional events that highlighted his mechanical aptitude and racing instincts. A notable achievement came in his participation at Flemington Speedway, his home track in , where he demonstrated speed in the fiercely contested modified divisions. These races often featured intense battles on the 1/4-mile oval, with Evernham piloting cars like the No. 2P for owner Tom Park, emphasizing his role in the tight-knit community of East Coast modified racing. Evernham's driving career abruptly ended following a severe crash on May 18, 1991, at Flemington Speedway during a modified feature event. Hit by another car, he slammed into the turn-four wall at over 100 mph, suffering a brain stem injury and severe that caused lasting vision impairment and problems. Despite the setback, he made a brief return and claimed victory in a 30-lap modified feature at the same track on June 29, 1991, marking his final win as a driver. However, ongoing issues with his injuries prompted his retirement from driving later that year after another incident in the Flemington 200, shifting his focus to crew and mechanical roles where his expertise could still contribute without the physical demands of racing.

Crew chief career

Partnership with Jeff Gordon

Ray Evernham first collaborated with in the NASCAR Busch Series during the 1992 season, serving as crew chief for Bill Davis Racing's No. 1 Ford. Their partnership began amid Gordon's transition from open-wheel racing, with Evernham providing crucial guidance that helped Gordon secure his first NASCAR victory at in March 1992. This early success in the Busch Series laid the foundation for their dynamic, as Evernham recognized Gordon's raw talent and adaptability, fostering a relationship built on mutual respect and innovative approaches to . Later that year, Evernham joined alongside Gordon for the final race of the 1992 season at , marking the start of their full-time tenure with the . From 1993 to 1999, Evernham as crew chief and Gordon as driver achieved remarkable dominance, amassing 47 Cup Series victories. Notable triumphs included Gordon's win in the inaugural at , where strategic tire management and precise handling setups allowed them to outpace rivals on the historic oval, and the 1997 at , secured through Evernham's tactical decisions during rain-interrupted conditions. Under Evernham's leadership, the No. 24 team clinched three Winston Cup Series championships in , , and , establishing an era of unparalleled consistency with 13 wins in 1995 alone and back-to-back titles in 1997-1998. The crew, affectionately known as the "Rainbow Warriors" for their vibrant pit crew uniforms and synchronized efficiency, exemplified a tight-knit team dynamic that emphasized preparation and execution. Evernham's strategic acumen shone in race-day tactics, such as the two-tire during Gordon's first Cup win at Charlotte in May 1994, where a bold call to change only the right-side tires allowed a quicker stop than competitors and preserved their lead. Additionally, Evernham's expertise in car setups—fine-tuning suspension and for diverse track types—enabled Gordon to excel in high-stakes scenarios, contributing to their status as the decade's most dominant duo.

Innovations in pit crew operations

Ray Evernham revolutionized pit crew operations in the 1990s by assembling the "Rainbow Warriors" for ' No. 24 team, shifting from using mechanics for pit duties to recruiting full-time athletes specialized in specific roles. He developed dedicated positions such as jackman, fueler, , and carrier, assigning crew members based on physical attributes like strength, speed, and coordination to optimize efficiency during over-the-wall service. Through rigorous training programs, Evernham reduced average four-tire times from over 20 seconds to under 15 seconds by treating the crew as a professional sports team, incorporating athletic conditioning, speed drills, and video analysis of performances. He hired coaches like Andy Papathanassiou to focus on , including vertical leap exercises, hand-eye coordination, and body fat monitoring, while emphasizing choreographed movements to minimize errors and maximize speed. Evernham's emphasis on precision drills, conducted weekly with overhead camera footage for review, ensured flawless execution under NASCAR's pit road speed limits, setting a new standard for consistency and reliability. His innovations influenced broader changes in NASCAR's approach to pit road safety and professionalism in the , such as the implementation of pit road speed limits following incidents in the early .

Team ownership

Founding Evernham Motorsports

After leaving his role as crew chief at , Ray Evernham founded in late 2000, launching the team as a two-car operation for the season. The team entered with manufacturer support from , which was returning to top-tier competition after a 24-year absence, and Evernham played a key role in developing the Intrepid chassis for the series. Bill drove the #9 Dodge Dealers/UAW entry, while rookie Casey piloted the #19 with backing from United Auto Workers, Dealers, and , marking a strong debut effort built on Evernham's prior expertise in efficient pit operations. The team ultimately achieved 13 Series wins and 23 poles under Evernham's ownership, including Elliott's 2002 victory. The team's inaugural season culminated in a significant milestone when Elliott secured ' first victory at the Freedom 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 11, 2001. Leading 59 laps in the #9 , Elliott ended a seven-year winless drought, simultaneously delivering 's first Cup Series triumph since its return and validating Evernham's vision for the operation. This success highlighted the team's competitive potential from the outset, with Elliott also earning the pole for the earlier that year. By 2002, expanded to a three-car lineup, fielding full-time entries for Elliott in the #9 and in the #19—replacing Atwood—while running a part-time #91 in select races, often with Elliott or other drivers for testing and development. The centered on in-house and close collaboration with for and performance innovations, supplemented by key sponsorships including Dealers and , which supported the team's growth and operational independence.

Mergers, challenges, and closure

In 2007, Ray Evernham sold a majority stake in his team to George Gillett Jr., the owner of the NHL franchise, forming Gillett (GEM) as a that combined Evernham's operations with Gillett's resources to enhance competitiveness in the Series. This merger, announced on August 6, 2007, provided additional financial backing and infrastructure but introduced greater organizational complexity, as Gillett's leveraged investment strained decision-making and long-term stability. Evernham retained a minority ownership interest of up to 16 percent while transitioning to a reduced operational role. By early 2009, amid ongoing challenges in securing sponsorships and manufacturer support, entered an alliance with the historic , merging to create and fielding four entries for the Sprint Cup season. The January 8, 2009, agreement rebranded the combined entity under the name, with shared operations including engine programs and technical resources to cut costs and improve performance, though Evernham's direct involvement had already diminished. This partnership aimed to leverage Petty's legacy and GEM's assets but was complicated by 's impending exit from and broader economic pressures. The global economic downturn of 2008-2009 exacerbated financial struggles for , including sponsorship losses from key partners like GE and significant debt obligations exceeding $70 million to banks such as , alongside ongoing payments to Evernham from the 2007 sale. These issues led to operational cutbacks, such as layoffs in late 2010 and a reduction from four to two cars for the 2011 season, amid Gillett's personal financial woes tied to his ownership of . In November 2010, Evernham finalized the sale of his remaining stake, severing ties after claiming contract breaches, while the team was ultimately sold in December 2010 to an investment group led by for less than $50 million, marking the effective end of Evernham's ownership era. Despite these mounting challenges, the team achieved notable successes earlier in the decade, such as Kasey Kahne's victory in the 2006 at , highlighting the operational strengths that initially defined before the mergers amplified external pressures.

Media and entertainment ventures

Broadcasting roles in NASCAR

Ray Evernham began his broadcasting career in 2000 with an initial stint as an analyst for and ABC's coverage, providing insights on the IROC Series and select Cup Series events. He also served as a NASCAR analyst for SPEED and during this period. After selling his team in 2007, he returned to the role full-time from 2008 to 2010, offering expert commentary on race strategies and team operations during 's broadcasts. Evernham briefly stepped away in 2011 for a consulting position with but rejoined /ABC as an analyst from 2012 to 2013, contributing to coverage of key races and enhancing viewer understanding through his on-track experience. In 2014, Evernham left to focus on his Hendrick role, but he soon joined NBC Sports Group in 2015 as a and analyst, primarily for the network's coverage on (later rebranded as ). Starting that year, he appeared in pre-race shows for Cup Series events, such as the analysis alongside host and ahead of races like the one at , breaking down potential race dynamics and crew decisions. Evernham also provided occasional in-booth commentary for select races, including Series events, drawing on his crew chief background to explain pit strategies and car setups in real time. Throughout his NBC tenure, Evernham emphasized educational content, using his expertise to demystify complex elements of for audiences, particularly during high-stakes playoff rounds. His breakdowns of playoff strategies, such as tire management and fuel mileage gambles, became notable for their depth, helping viewers appreciate the tactical layers of championship contention without overwhelming technical jargon. This approach solidified his reputation as a bridge between the garage and the grandstands in .

Hosting AmeriCARna and other projects

In 2014, Ray Evernham began hosting AmeriCARna on the Velocity network (later rebranded as MotorTrend), serving as both host and of the series that delves into American car culture through restoration projects and . The show premiered on January 28, 2014, and ran for four seasons, featuring episodes centered on custom vehicle builds, such as restoring a 1958 Chevrolet from the film and reviving historical stock cars like a . Evernham often collaborated with mentor , known as "Mr. H," to highlight craftsmanship and passion in automotive projects, including interviews with racing legends and mechanics who share insights into vehicle histories. The production of AmeriCARna emphasized educational elements, educating viewers on hot rodding techniques, the of American motorsports, and the cultural significance of iconic vehicles, such as a race-winning engine or untouched classic machines. Episodes typically followed Evernham on cross-country journeys to uncover and restore cars with profound impacts on automotive heritage, blending hands-on restoration with narratives on and in car building. This approach distinguished the series from competitive coverage, focusing instead on the lifestyle and historical aspects of American automobiles. Beyond AmeriCARna, Evernham hosted on starting in 2018, a series that explored motorsports history through in-depth discussions and archival footage, often touching on the roots of car culture and racing innovations. He has also made guest appearances on automotive television programs, including an episode of in 2018, where he discussed bootlegging history and its ties to early while showcasing custom hot rods. These projects underscore Evernham's role in promoting educational content about hot rodding and the broader legacy of motorsports beyond the track.

Superstar Racing Experience

Co-founding and launch

In 2020, amid the disruptions caused by the to traditional motorsport schedules, Ray Evernham co-founded the (SRX) with , Sandy Montag of The Montag Group, and George Pyne, a former COO and investor. The initiative aimed to revive the spirit of all-star racing series like the (IROC) by focusing on short-track venues and featuring prominent drivers from diverse racing disciplines in a fresh format. Evernham's extensive background in modified racing informed the series' design, drawing on his early career experiences to emphasize grassroots accessibility. The core concept of SRX blended elements of pavement short-track racing with a celebrity-driven spectacle, utilizing a six-race season on historic tracks across the . All competitors raced in identical winged supermodified cars prepared to Evernham's specifications, ensuring that outcomes highlighted driver skill over equipment differences, with fields limited to 12 participants per event to promote intense, head-to-head competition. Races featured shorter durations without pit stops, fostering excitement and direct rivalries among stars from , , and other series, while honoring the short-track roots that Evernham and Stewart sought to elevate nationally. SRX launched in 2021 with a broadcast alongside , airing live on the network and Paramount+ to maximize viewer reach and fan engagement through affordable, family-oriented events at community tracks. The inaugural race took place on June 12 at in , where co-founder competed among a lineup of luminaries, setting the tone for the series' emphasis on entertainment and broad appeal. This structure, backed by strategic investments, positioned SRX as a platform to showcase short-track heritage while adapting to modern media demands for concise, high-stakes content.

Key events and ongoing developments

The inaugural 2021 season of the (SRX) featured a mix of high-profile victories that showcased the series' all-star format, drawing strong television viewership on . Marco Andretti secured a win at in Round 5, outdueling local talent Luke Fenhaus on a late restart to claim the 100-lap main event. Other notable triumphs included Tony Stewart's multiple victories, such as at and , while triumphed at in the finale. The season averaged over 1.2 million viewers per race, with peaks like 1.38 million for the event on dirt, highlighting the appeal of cross-discipline stars from and competing on short tracks. Building on this momentum, the 2022 season expanded to six events across new venues like Five Flags Speedway and , incorporating all-star lineups with NASCAR veterans such as and alongside IndyCar drivers like . claimed two main event wins, including at Five Flags, but Marco Andretti clinched the championship by a narrow two-point margin over Ryan Newman without a feature victory, finishing ninth in the finale at Sharon Speedway despite a late-race wrist injury. The series maintained robust participation from cross-series talent, including and as full-time drivers, fostering rivalries that boosted engagement. Broadcast innovations, such as extended 100-lap features on pavement and integrated heat races, enhanced production quality, with races airing live on . The 2023 campaign further diversified lineups with debuts from NASCAR's and , alongside returning figures like Andretti, emphasizing the series' role in uniting disciplines. Ryan Newman dominated, winning the championship with 212 points—45 ahead of both Andretti and Keselowski—highlighted by victories at , where he capitalized on mechanical failures by leaders like . Challenges emerged, including the cancellation of the Thunder Road International Speedway event due to logistical issues, though the proceeded with five races on varied surfaces. impacts were minimal, but adaptations like brake failure protocols in longer features addressed reliability concerns, while broadcast enhancements via included multi-angle coverage to capture intense on-track battles. No international venues materialized by 2025, with events remaining U.S.-focused on short tracks to preserve the appeal. The 2024 season was postponed indefinitely due to unfavorable market factors, including sponsorship and economic pressures, halting operations after three successful years. In late 2024, Racing announced an acquisition of SRX assets, though this was disputed by SRX leading to a . In September 2025, GMS Race Cars acquired 16 SRX race cars, pit equipment, and infrastructure from Ray Evernham Enterprises for repurposing in track-day experiences and specialty events, excluding the SRX brand and broadcast rights. As of November 2025, SRX has not announced a return or new expansions.

Later career and consulting

Role with Hendrick Companies

In 2011, Ray Evernham was appointed as a consultant for Hendrick Companies, the management group overseeing strategic initiatives for owner , with an initial focus on developing special projects related to the organization's core businesses. Through his firm, Ray Evernham Enterprises, he contributed to the expansion of the retail brand, which specializes in high-performance parts, vehicles, and related services, leveraging his extensive background to enhance product innovation and market positioning. This role allowed Evernham to apply his expertise in team operations and strategy, drawing briefly on his earlier innovations in pit crew efficiency during his time as crew chief for at . By 2014, Evernham's consulting responsibilities expanded to include advisory work on competition operations at , where he provided insights into engineering and performance optimization for the team's racing programs. His contributions to the performance shop involved guiding advancements in vehicle engineering and parts development, helping maintain Hendrick's competitive edge in through targeted strategic input rather than day-to-day management. This phase of his involvement emphasized low-profile advisory support, focusing on long-term improvements in operational efficiency and technical capabilities. Evernham has also participated in special projects at , such as driver development initiatives and historical commemorations, including appearances at team events like the 2024 Fall Fest and celebrations to share expertise and engage with the community. Throughout his ongoing tenure, which continues as of 2025, he has balanced this role with other ventures in media and motorsports entertainment, maintaining a selective, behind-the-scenes presence that prioritizes Hendrick's strategic goals without overshadowing his broader professional activities.

Recent contributions and reflections

In 2024, Evernham published his memoir Trophies and Scars, a personal account detailing his journey, including the strategies behind three championships with and insights into team management challenges such as balancing innovation with team dynamics. The book emphasizes lessons from high-stakes races, like adapting to technical setbacks during the dominance era, and reflects on the emotional toll of success, drawing from his experiences as crew chief and owner. Throughout 2025, Evernham has actively critiqued modern in interviews, advocating for a return to personality-driven narratives reminiscent of the and . In a September 2025 discussion, he highlighted the need for more stories, criticizing the influx of "spoiled drivers" from affluent backgrounds who lack appreciation for the sport's roots, stating, "I'm not a big fan of a kid that doesn't appreciate stuff because his dad or mom paid a gazillion dollars for him to get in the car." He praised drivers like for their passion-fueled rises and urged series changes to promote ethical, hardworking talents over those reliant on financial backing, arguing that such shifts have diminished the sport's relatable appeal. Evernham appeared on the Dirt Track Confessions podcast in April 2025, where he shared reflections on his 50-year career, from Jersey Shore dirt tracks to NASCAR dynasties, underscoring leadership lessons like resilience in team management and the value of learning from industry pioneers. He offered advice to aspiring racers on balancing family with professional demands and highlighted the importance of grassroots involvement for sustained passion in motorsports. A July 2025 Hot Rod magazine feature captured Evernham's ongoing reflections, where he discussed over-reliance on modern data simulations diminishing drivers' intuitive feel for cars and expressed hope that projects like his restored IROC vehicles inspire youth engagement in racing culture. In October 2025, IROC Holdings LLC, co-founded by Evernham, announced Chevrolet as its presenting sponsor, supporting efforts to revive the International Race of Champions series. Earlier, in September 2025, GMS Race Cars acquired the assets of the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) from Evernham Enterprises following the series' conclusion in 2024. Additionally, as of September 2025, Evernham was in advanced negotiations to purchase East Lincoln Speedway, a dirt track in Stanley, North Carolina, with plans for upgrades focused on safety and facilities. Through such media and projects, Evernham has taken on informal mentorship roles, providing guidance on career longevity and encouraging young enthusiasts via hands-on restoration efforts that promote automotive education and the sport's foundational values.

Personal life and honors

Family and personal milestones

Ray Evernham married race car driver Erin Crocker on August 26, 2009, in a private ceremony in . The couple, both deeply involved in motorsports, share a passion for racing that has influenced their personal and professional lives. Evernham has two children: a son, Raymond John "Ray J" Evernham, from a previous relationship, and a daughter, Cate, born to him and Crocker on July 25, 2015. In 1991, Evernham suffered a severe crash at Flemington Speedway, where he hit the wall in turn four, resulting in a and lingering issues with vision and . Despite these injuries, he made a comeback to that season but ultimately transitioned to a crew chief role. The incident prompted Flemington Speedway to install foam barriers in the turns, a development that pioneered the SAFER barriers now standard at tracks nationwide and contributed to broader safety advancements in motorsports. Evernham and his family founded the Evernham Family Racing for a Reason Foundation in 1997 to raise awareness and support for autism and research and families affected by these conditions. As of 2025, the foundation remains active, partnering with organizations for events and to promote early intervention and treatment. Beyond racing, Evernham pursues hobbies centered on automotive craftsmanship, including building and restoration through his Garage in , where he resides.

Awards and hall of fame inductions

Ray Evernham was inducted into the in 2018, recognized for his pioneering role in team management and his leadership of the "Rainbow Warriors" pit crew that contributed to three Series championships with between 1995 and 1998. This induction highlighted his 47 Series victories as a crew chief and his innovations in crew organization, which set standards for efficiency and performance in the sport. In 2023, Evernham was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in the Stock Cars category, celebrated for his transformative approaches to race team management that influenced modern operations, including specialized crew roles and strategic execution. His enshrinement underscored how his methods elevated team dynamics, fostering a professionalized structure that remains integral to competitive today. Among other accolades, Evernham was named Winston Cup Illustrated's in 1999 for his overall impact on the series, and in 2006, he received a special award as the best crew chief of all time, as voted by members. These honors, alongside his three Winston championships, affirm his legacy in reshaping 's technical and managerial landscape.

Controversies

1995 technical violation fine

During the post-race inspection following the 1995 at , officials discovered that Jeff Gordon's No. 24 Chevrolet featured unapproved suspension parts, specifically altered wheel hubs that violated technical regulations. As a result, imposed a record $60,000 fine on crew chief Ray Evernham and placed the team on for the remainder of the season. The Hendrick team accepted the penalty without appeal, with spokesperson Jim Lohwasser stating that Evernham would never compromise driver safety. The infraction occurred early in the season but had no lasting repercussions on the team's performance, as Gordon and Evernham went on to secure the NASCAR Winston Cup Series championship later that year.

2006 team management disputes

In August 2006, Ray Evernham fired Jeremy Mayfield from Evernham Motorsports amid ongoing performance struggles, with the No. 19 team ranked 36th in points and outside the top 35, which affected provisional qualifying spots and sponsor representation. Evernham stated that the decision was "purely performance"-based, citing the team's failure to meet expectations despite Mayfield's prior successes, including a 2005 win at Michigan. The firing occurred just before the Watkins Glen race, leading to Mayfield being replaced temporarily by Bill Elliott. The dismissal sparked a public fallout when Mayfield filed a on August 11, 2006, seeking to block the termination and alleging , including claims that Evernham had sabotaged his equipment and diverted resources. Central to Mayfield's accusations was Evernham's alleged close personal relationship with development driver Erin Crocker, which Mayfield claimed created distractions and favoritism, stating in the suit that it became "a subject of considerable discussion and distraction" within the team. In response, Evernham filed an asserting that Mayfield had breached his contract by not exerting full effort and making disparaging public comments about the team. The dispute escalated tensions but was resolved through an out-of-court settlement on August 18, 2006, with providing compensation to Mayfield for the contract termination, allowing both parties to part ways without further litigation. This episode highlighted broader team dynamics issues, including professional boundaries, as Evernham later emphasized focusing on operational improvements. Years afterward, in 2009, Mayfield faced an unrelated suspension for failing a —initially positive for but contested by him as resulting from over-the-counter medications—leading to an indefinite ban after further positive results; 's rulings in that case had no direct involvement from Evernham but underscored lingering perceptions of Mayfield's past conflicts. Evernham and Crocker married in 2009.

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