Saturday morning at the Daytona International Speedway, Motorsports Authentics joined team owner Rick Hendrick, former driver Darrell Waltrip and the four Hendrick Motorsports drivers to honor the 25th anniversary of Hendrick Motorsports. Started back in 1984, Hendrick Motorsports has become the dominant force in NASCAR racing and this year has one of the greatest teams ever assembled.

Gathering on the frontstretch at the end of pit road, Rick Hendrick, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Mark Martin, Darrell Waltrip, Don Hawk, president of Motorsports Authentics, and Robin Braig, president of Daytona International Speedway helped unveil the special silver anniversary cars honoring Hendrick Motorsports' first 25 years.

"In 1984 when I got down here I walked on pit road and saw Junior Johnson and the Pettys and the Wood Brothers and and I thought, 'Man, I don't need to be here.' We had no sponsor, so I'm amazed we made it through that year," Hendrick explained Saturday morning. "It's been a great ride."

What a ride it has been. Twelve championships in NASCAR's top three series, 175 wins in Cup Series, second on the all-time win list and the leader in the category in the modern era. The list of drivers that have competed for this elite team is a who's-who list of future hall of famers, such as Waltrip, Geoffrey  Bodine, Tim Richmond, Ricky Rudd, Terry Labonte, Ken Schrader and the list goes on. If that is not impressive enough, a Hendrick Motorsports car has won at least one race in each season since 1986.

"We started this organization back in 1984 with one team and five full-time employees, and it's amazing to me that we're here celebrating 25 years," Hendrick added. "I'm proud to look back at what our people have accomplished together, but I'm even more excited about what the future holds.

"I appreciate all of the support from everybody and the fans over the years," said Hendrick. "I don't think I'll do it for another 25 more years, but I hope the organization can go on and we can accomplish some more goals."

"This man loves a challenge and he proved that from 1984 to right now," Waltrip pointed out. "Probably two things he did for me that I never thought id be able to do, one was win the Daytona 500 and in the same year win the most popular driver award. That was two things that was not on my radar because I never thought they would happen, but thanks to Rick they happened."

Before unveiling the four special paint schemes, Don Hawk took the microphone to honor one of the sport's greatest team owners and personalities.

"Rick, congratulations for 25 years of doing this which is, a - expensive, and b - time consuming, but c - to have the success that you have had over this 25 years is something that this die-cast is just something we can commemorate," Hawk, president of Motorsports Authentics explained. "There is only 1004 of one model to 3488 of the other, when they're sold out they're gone. It's truly going to be a collectible."

Motorsports Authentics expect the limited edition die-casts to sell out fast, however there will also be t-shirts and hats also commemorating the special anniversary.

After pulling back the covers on the four cars, Gordon, Martin, Johnson and Earnhardt Jr. climbed inside and took the silver anniversary cars out for a spin on the high banks of Daytona. Running four-wide around the 2.5-mile track, the four teammates were able to honor the man that built their organization.

"It's really exciting to be a part of Hendrick Motorsports' 25th anniversary," four-time champion Jeff Gordon explained. "I can't believe I've been here for sixteen of those years. It's been an honor, it's been a real honor."

Gordon went on to point out that he would like to remain involved in the organization to help guide Hendrick Motorsports to another 25 years.

"It's something that gets talked about from time to time," Gordon admitted, "but until we get further down the road a few more years I don't think it's anything we talk about seriously. I would like to think I have something to offer the organization past driving and it's something I'd love to work out with Rick this organization has been so good to me and my life has changed because of Hendrick Motorsports and Sprint Cup Series, so I'd like to continue to be a part of that some way some how. I haven't really thought about it a whole lot, still trying to get it done here behind the wheel."

While the four silver anniversary cars hit the track Saturday morning, that will be the only time they will see action. The plan was to run the cars during preseason testing, however with the ban on testing, Saturday's event was scheduled instead.

Perhaps it is fitting that in its 25th year in existence, Hendrick Motorsports has one of the most impressive teams ever assembled. There are high expectations for this organization this year and they are not unwarranted. Jimmie Johnson has won three Cup Series titles in a row, Jeff Gordon is always a threat not only for the win but also the title, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is hoping for his break out season with the team and Mark Martin looks as eager and youthful as ever. This team will definitely make noise throughout the year and what better way to celebrate the 25th anniversary than by winning races and contending for the championship.