CHARLOTTE, N.C. -

For the third time, a former racing duo has teamed up to open an auto dealership in Tennessee.

Late last week, Hendrick Automotive Group officials announced that the company will manage the new Darrell Waltrip Buick GMC in Franklin, Tenn., the third dealership the duo has opened in this Nashville suburb.

Joining Chairman Rick Hendrick and Waltrip in opening the store is Lawrence Martin, as dealer operator.

Martin, 47, joined Hendrick Automotive Group in 2010 as retail operations manager at the Cary Auto Mall in Cary, N.C., and was most recently a sales manager at Darrell Waltrip Honda in Franklin.

“The development and now opening of this dealership has been a great experience,” Martin said. “Buick and GMC both have an exceptional lineup of vehicles and we have built a strong team of people here who are looking forward to serving the Franklin community.”

Hendrick and Waltrip worked together in racing when Waltrip drove in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for Hendrick Motorsports from 1987-1990. The duo had success on the track, winning 10 Cup races, including the 1989 Daytona 500.

Waltrip is a three-time Sprint Cup champion and member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Hendrick and Waltrip opened Darrell Waltrip Honda in 1986, and Darrell Waltrip Volvo Subaru in 1994. In 2012, the two dealerships reportedly sold more than 4,000 vehicles collectively and serviced more than 71,000.

“Rick and I have a couple of things in common: We both love cars, and we both love racing,” Waltrip said. “We first partnered on the automotive side in 1986, and the next year I went to drive in NASCAR for him. During those 27 years I’ve been very successful in the car business and the racing business, and much of it is due to our partnership.

“Two of the best years I ever had in my career were driving a Buick,” Waltrip added. “We're bringing that same winning attitude to the new Buick GMC. I couldn’t be more thrilled to be adding these two brands to our existing lineup in Franklin.”

“Darrell’s passion for his customers and Lawrence’s determination and drive will make this a first class dealership without a doubt,” Hendrick said. “This is a wonderful community and car market, and I’m happy to continue to be a part of what this group is achieving there.”

Darrell Waltrip Buick GMC features a 28,000-square-foot showroom and service center with 20 service bays, the company said, and employs 35 people.

More than 200 new and pre-owned cars will be available on site, and customers will have access to the Hendrickcars.com inventory of more than 6,000 pre-owned vehicles.