Wheatland, Missouri (March 24, 2016) – The old racing term “checkers or wreckers” applied to David Hendrix’s 2015 season at Lucas Oil Speedway.
Hendrix celebrated in victory lane twice in his Street Stock, a seemingly sure way to wind up in championship contention. But instead, the veteran competitor from Laquey wound up a distant fifth in Carson’s Corner NAPA Auto Parts points behind champ Kenny Carroll.
“If we finished the feature, we hardly ever finished out of the top three,” Hendrix said. “We were either right up front, contending for the win, or we broke something and dropped out.
“We really struggled last year with a new car and had a lot of mechanical issues. It definitely wasn’t the year we were hoping for.”
With another new car and a fresh slate, Hendrix is optimistic the 2016 season that begins next month will produce more consistency. The 39-year-old is eager for his 11th full season of racing in a division that he clearly enjoys.
Hendrix has dabbled in driving Modifieds, including a memorable win in one at the 2009 Diamond Nationals at the Wheatland oval.
“It takes everything we have financially and the Modified is just too much for us,” Hendrix said. “We’re comfortable in the Street Stocks and have a lot more fun there. It’s where we have the most fun and, at this point in my career, that’s what it need to be about. We’re out there to have fun.”
With the help of his dad and crew chief, Eugene, the final touches are being applies to a new car from Rippen Race Cars. Hendrix looks to debut it at the Lucas Oil Speedway practice day on April 2.
“I absolutely couldn’t do it without him,” Hendrix said of his dad. “He’s the crew chief and just loves it.
“We fired the motor up the other night for the first time,” Hendrix added. “We’re just waiting for the wrap to get here. We’re real close. I’m very, very pleased with how this car has come together. I have really, really, high hopes for this season.”
Hendrix said his goal is to contend for a track championship, though he could be lured away a time or two for big-money races down south.
“We’re planning on running Lucas weekly,” Hendrix said. “I’d like to run for the points there again. But I have a guy out of Arkansas wanting me to drive his car in some big Street Stock races. I’m not sure what will happen.”
Hendrix’s sponsor lineup includes 1800NameTape.com, SCP Race Parts, Security Bank of Pulaski County, Bales Construction and Schutt Performance.
Lucas Oil Speedway’s season fires up April 8-9 with the Lucas Oil MLRA Spring Nationals with the Budweiser Weekly Championship Series starting April 16.
Please visit www.LucasOilSpeedway.com for the most up to date information about “America’s New Motorsports Destination,” Lucas Oil Speedway.
| David Hendrix (54) is seeking more consistency in his Street Stock in 2016 after several DNFs offset good runs last season. (Chris Bork photo) |
Lucas Oil Speedway is located at Highways 83 and 54 in Wheatland, Missouri. A campground with shower and bathroom facilities is also available. With it’s entrance located just outside the pit gate this sprawling scenic camping facility will continue to enhance the racing experience at the Diamond of Dirt Tracks.
Click www.LucasOilSpeedway.com for more information and detailed directions to the speedway or call the Track Hotline at (417) 282-5984.
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