"They're a lot less different than you'd think because the culture is very much aligned," Carlson says. "A lot of car dealers put the customers first. At Hendrick Automotive Group, the employee is No. 1, and they'll take care of the customers, because happy customers keep the manufacturers happy.

"It's same with the team. We feel if we have smart and talented people happy to be there, we'll run well. If we run well, the sponsors will be happy. Even in a sport where the technology is very important, the difference is the human capital."

Hendrick's testament to people power could be reflected in an unprecedented way in this year's Sprint Cup standings. Though Jimmie Johnson could become the first to win four consecutive titles, he also could make history with teammates Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon.

The trio occupies the top three spots in the points, and if they remain in those rankings over the final three races, Hendrick would own the first 1-2-3 finish in NASCAR's premier championship.

The team also supplies the engines and chassis used by fifth-ranked Tony Stewart and has a carbon fiber shop that builds seats for 75% of Cup drivers. But Carlson said its success is predicated on "talent, unity, speed and focus, and all four are about people not technology or widgets." The team views booking quality hotels and catering healthy meals as essential as top-notch equipment, and for race victories, Hendrick pays the same bonuses to its engine and chassis employees as the winning road crew.

"Anything that touches people takes precedent, whether it's food, travel, uniforms, working conditions, or health insurance," he said. "That's contrary to how some organizations work. We look at a guy assembling alternators in the engine shop and want him to feel he has a direct correlation to success on the track, so we spend a lot of money and energy celebrating that success. That's a fundamental tenet in all of Rick Hendrick's businesses."

It's still too early to celebrate for Johnson, who has a 184-point lead over Martin. But a solid result at Texas could position Johnson to seal the title at Phoenix.

"We're in as good of a position as we could have ever hoped," Johnson said.

		Teammates Jimmie Johnson (48), Mark Martin (not pictured) and Jeff Gordon (24) could help Hendrick Motorsports become the first organization with a 1-2-3 finish in the NASCAR Chase. By Bob Jordan, AP