Walk down Murfreesboro Road in Franklin, Tennessee, and you’ll see the name "Darrell Waltrip" plastered across several massive dealerships. It’s hard to miss. For folks living in Middle Tennessee, these stores are just part of the landscape—like Hattie B’s or the Natchez Trace. But honestly, most people don’t realize that the Darrell Waltrip Automotive Group isn’t just a retired racer’s hobby project. It is a massive, multi-brand operation that has managed to survive and thrive through decades of industry shifts.
You’ve probably heard the voice on the TV during NASCAR broadcasts for years. "Boogity, boogity, boogity!" That same energy is essentially the DNA of this business, even though it operates under the sophisticated umbrella of the Hendrick Automotive Group. It’s a weird mix of local Franklin charm and high-octane corporate efficiency.
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What Actually Is the Darrell Waltrip Automotive Group?
Basically, it’s a cluster of high-volume dealerships located in Franklin, TN, specializing in several major brands. We aren’t talking about a small used car lot on a corner. They handle everything from rugged GMC Sierras to the family-favorite Subaru Outback.
Currently, the group consists of:
- Darrell Waltrip Honda: The original flagship.
- Darrell Waltrip Subaru: A massive player in the local market, especially with the "Share the Love" events.
- Darrell Waltrip Buick GMC: Where the heavy-duty trucks and luxury SUVs live.
Some people get confused thinking Darrell owns every bit of it himself. In reality, this group is a partnership between Waltrip and Rick Hendrick. If that name sounds familiar, it should. Hendrick is the titan behind Hendrick Motorsports and one of the largest private dealership groups in the country. They’ve been together since 1986. That’s a long time for any business partnership to last without someone getting annoyed.
The Rick Hendrick Connection
You can’t talk about the Darrell Waltrip Automotive Group without mentioning Rick Hendrick. It’s a "racing duo" thing. Back in the late 80s, Darrell was driving the No. 17 Tide car for Hendrick. They won ten races together, including the 1989 Daytona 500. While they were winning on the track, they were also building a retail empire.
The first store, Darrell Waltrip Honda, opened in 1986. Then came the Volvo and Subaru additions in 1994. By the time they added Buick GMC in 2014, the footprint in Franklin was massive. The relationship works because it combines Darrell’s "hometown hero" vibe with Hendrick’s "Fortune 500" level of management. When you walk into the Buick GMC showroom, you’re seeing 20-bay state-of-the-art service centers. It’s a long way from the dirt tracks of Owensboro where Darrell started.
Why Do People Actually Buy Here?
Honestly, car dealerships can be a headache. Most people dread the "negotiation room." The Darrell Waltrip team tries to circumvent that with something they call the Price Assurance Program. It’s a bold claim: if they can’t give you the best price on a new vehicle in stock, they’ll give you a $100 gift card.
It’s a smart marketing move, but they back it up with a few other "perks" that locals actually use:
- The 72-Hour Exchange: If you buy a car and realize you hate the seat color or it doesn't fit in your garage, you can swap it. No questions asked (within reason).
- Trade-In Boosts: They have this deal where if you do your regular maintenance with them, they’ll tack on an extra $500 to your trade-in value later.
- Roadside Assistance: They offer 24/7 roadside assistance for as long as you own the vehicle. That’s a big deal for families.
Is it the cheapest place on earth? Maybe not always. But in the Nashville/Franklin area, where the cost of living is skyrocketing, people value the "Confidence" factor. They want to know the person behind the name isn’t going to disappear next Tuesday.
Giving Back to Williamson County
This is where it gets interesting for the locals. The Darrell Waltrip Automotive Group isn't just selling cars; they are deeply embedded in the community. If you live in Williamson County, you’ve likely seen the "Drive Away Hunger Challenge."
Started in 2013, this program partners with local high schools to collect food for GraceWorks. We are talking about over 2 million pounds of food collected to date. That's a lot of peanut butter. They also run a "Hometown Heroes" program where they pick one local person every month and donate $500 to a charity of their choice. It keeps the brand feeling human in an era where most dealerships are being bought out by faceless national corporations.
Misconceptions About the Brand
People often think Darrell is hanging out in the service bay every morning. He’s not. He’s a busy man, a Hall of Famer, and a former broadcaster. While he is very much the face and a partner, the day-to-day operations are handled by professional dealer operators like Lawrence Martin, who has been with the Hendrick group for years.
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Another misconception is that they only sell new cars. Actually, their used and Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) inventory is massive. Because they are part of the Hendrick network, they can technically pull from over 17,000 vehicles across the country. If you want a specific Porsche from a lot in North Carolina, they can often get it for you.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The automotive world is changing fast. We’re seeing more EVs like the 2026 GMC Sierra EV and various Honda electric models hitting the floor. The Darrell Waltrip Automotive Group has had to renovate their facilities to handle this. You can't just fix a high-voltage battery in an old-school garage. They’ve invested millions in charging infrastructure and technician training to keep up.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
If you're thinking about heading down to one of the Murfreesboro Road locations, keep these things in mind to get the best deal:
- Check the Online Inventory First: Their websites (darrellwaltriphonda.com or darrellwaltripsubaru.com) often have "Unlock New Year's Sale Price" buttons that aren't visible on the window stickers.
- Ask About the Maintenance Trade-In: If you plan on keeping your car for 3–5 years, the $500 trade-in bonus is worth the slightly higher cost of dealership oil changes.
- Leverage the Exchange Policy: Don't be afraid to use the 72-hour window. It's there for a reason. If the car feels wrong after a day of driving, take it back.
- Nominate a Hero: If you know someone doing good work in Franklin, nominate them for the Hometown Hero award. It’s an easy way to get a local charity some extra cash.
The Darrell Waltrip name carries a lot of weight in the South. Whether you're a racing fan or just someone looking for a reliable SUV, understanding the connection between the "ol' DW" persona and the Hendrick business machine helps you navigate the car-buying process with a bit more clarity. It's a business built on speed, but they’ve found a way to make it last for the long haul.