Brett Hudson’s Daytona Dream Short Lived

Topics:  Brett Hudson, Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona

Chris Knight
Knight Motorsports Management
Brett Hudson Motorsports
February 17, 2011

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida (February 17, 2011) - Owensboro, Kentucky has breed some NASCAR greats including Darrell and Michael Waltrip and Jeremy Mayfield. This past Saturday, ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards driver Brett Hudson was hoping to revive the city’s name in the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 but an early race incident temporarily sidetracked his mission.

Hudson, a rookie at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway returned to the 2.5-mile superspeedway following a solid three-day test session in January. Loaded with just one superspeedway Dodge Charger and a veteran crew chief, Hudson was vying to prove that the “little dogs” can fight with the wolves.

After practicing solidly on Thursday and placing their No. 94 Hudson Performance Drivelines Dodge Charger 21st in qualifying on Friday afternoon, the Brett Hudson Motorsports (BHM) team was openly optimistic about the 80-lap season opener.

When the green flag was thrown on the 59th season for the ARCA Racing Series, Hudson quickly found a hole and fell into the comfort zone hovering solidly in the top-25.

Inching closer to the lead pack and with drafting help from the No. 63 of Milka Duno as Hudson entered turn three on lap four, the left-rear tire deflated immediately throwing the No. 94 Dodge Charger into a spin and hard into the outside retaining wall.

Hudson was able to limp his mangled automobile back to the garage where upon further diagnosis by the team led by crew chief John Hayden determined the damage was too massive forcing an early exit to the team’s “World Center of Racing” debut.

“I really had no warning,” said Hudson, who was credited with a 43rd place finish. “I really don’t know what to say. I know we had a good car, I was just settling in and preparing a plan and then the next thing I knew, I was around and into the wall.”

Hudson, who made his 22nd career ARCA start continued, “I know the finish was far from what we were looking for but I want to thank everyone on the BHM team for helping make this dream come true. John (Hayden), Jared (Bartlett), Gene (Patient) all these guys really busted their tail for me and I’ll never forget it.”

“I also cannot forget about the people who helped us get to Daytona. Hudson Performance Drivelines, Racing Engines Plus (REP), G&A Trucking, Gene Patient Fabrication (GPF) and Warricktubing.com all allowed us to make this deal a reality and I’m forever grateful to them.”

When asked if his BHM team will attempt to compete in the next ARCA event from Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway, Hudson couldn’t give a firm answer.

“The car is pretty hurt, but we’ll get back home and take a look and see what we’re up against,” offered Hudson. “If we came out of Daytona without a scratch, I would say our chances would be better, but it’s still too soon to tell.”

The ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards will take nearly an eight week pause before action resumes at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway on Friday, April 15th, 2011 live on SPEED.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
NAME: Chris Knight, Knight Motorsports Management
PHONE: 239.834.9797
EMAIL: chris@chrisknightpr.com