|
|
|
|
|
Go back and vote on this image.
Showing page: 1 of 1
[ 1 ]
 |
| #2 |
9-05-2021 @ 11:08:56 AM |
Posted By : DiRF  |
Reply | Edit | Del |
One could say that the first-generation Acura Legend is the reason why Iconic NASCAR team-owner Rick Hendrick is a convicted felon (has since been pardoned).
When Acura was preparing to enter the US market, Rick owned/ran one of the largest, if not the largest, dealership empire in the Southeast. Unlike many of his compatriots, he didn't scoff at the Japanese entering the luxury car arena, and knew Acura would succeed. He already owned a smattering of Honda dealerships, but got it in his head he could corner the Acura market.
He was involved with a massive bribery scheme with Honda top management in an attempt to have exclusive rights to sell Acuras in the Southeast. He was arrested (but, being charged with a white-collar crime, he didn't spend any notable time behind bars prior to trial) and convicted after a trial that ran for over a decade. About the time he was convicted, he had contracted leukemia and courts allowed him to serve his time under house arrest while he received medical treatment. He got to see his team get a 1-2-3 finish in the 1997 Daytona 500 from the comfort of his home. Never served a day in an actual prison.
He was also a very active political donor to many Southern Democrats, and he was one of the people to receive a full pardon by Bill Clinton on his last day in office (part of a pardon-palooza which every outgoing President has had a habit of doing in recent decades).
|
Showing page: 1 of 1
[ 1 ]
Login to leave a comment
|
|
|
|
|
View Stats