In what is expected to be his final start of the year behind the wheel of the No. 94 Hudson Performance Drivelines Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Hudson is still thriving on an incredible rebound from his most recent outing at Lucas Oil Raceway where he delivered his second top-10 finish of the season – finishing 10th after starting 20th.
If there is a track that Hudson is more familiar with on the ARCA tour, Salem Speedway is the place. The Owensboro, Kentucky native has competed at the half-mile oval nine times in the ARCA Racing Series alone. That’s not to mention his success and experience in a Street Stock at the bull-ring.
Saturday’s next-to-last short track race of the season offers an opportunity for Hudson to shine under the lights with a familiar face calling the shots. John Hayden, a former competitor in ARCA will resume the crew chief role on the team’s Brett Hudson Motorsports entry. Hayden, also a native of Kentucky was the mastermind behind 2010 ARCA Racing Series champion Patrick Sheltra’s first career win in 2008.
“I definitely think we have a winning combination,” offered Hudson who will make his 26th career ARCA start Saturday night. I can’t say enough about John (Hayden). He has really picked this team up and become a great asset to our organization. It stinks that we cannot run more races, but that’s the sponsorship fight that we’ve been tackling for years.
Thankfully though, we have a lot of great local support who help make this race possible. We had a good car in the race in the spring but we didn’t get the finish we wanted. It was typical Salem. One race you’re going to have a good effort, the next you could be in the fence. It’s just the nature of the beast.”
Not only does the team carry the spirit of the “Bluegrass” state, but the local Federated Auto Parts store in Owensboro, Kentucky brings nearly 150 fans and employees to the annual Salem fall tradition.
The team’s heart remains heavy as their thoughts and prayers continue to be with Harlie Bryant who is battling brain cancer. Since Talladega, the BHM team has decked out their car with support logos and apparel which has not only lifted the spirits of those surrounding the family, but created a drum line of support that appears endless.
“No doubt, it’s been a trying year not only for Harlie but her family as well,” sounded Hudson. “They are going to try and be at the race this weekend, but she has some treatment this week and her presence will just determine on how she is feeling. Whether she is at the track with us or cheering us on from home, we’re not only racing for ourselves, but we’re fighting to win for Harlie too!”
Additionally, the team’s thoughts and get well wishes are with several team members of the BHM family. Steve Ash, who normally serves as the fuel man for Hudson recently had surgery and will be unable to participate in Saturday night’s activities. Also, team member Ryan Koger was recently released from the hospital after suffering severe burns on his foot.
Not exactly knowing what 2012 consists of for Hudson and his family-owned organization at this point, Hudson plans to give it all or nothing and hopefully conclude 2011 in style.
“We’re definitely going to do everything we can to test and race at Daytona,” Hudson explained. “Of course a lot of it will depend on sponsorship and what not. We’re used to that though. The good thing is we have some time to put it all together, so I’m optimistic. I feel like Daytona bit us in February, so I’m seeking a little redemption, especially after proving how strong our superspeedway program is with our fourth at Talladega.”
In addition to Hudson Performance Drivelines, D-N-J Auto Parts, Double H Hydraulics, G&A Trucking and Warricktubing.com will join the team as associate marketing partners in the 17th of 19 ARCA races this season.
In 25 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards starts, Hudson has produced three top-fives including a career best of fourth at Salem (Ind.) Speedway in 2007 and Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway (April 2011) and 13 top-10 finishes overall. Hudson has one career ARCA pole also coming at Salem (Ind.) Speedway in 2005 driving the No. 62 Hudson Machine Shop Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
The Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA Fall Classic by Federated Car Care (200 laps / 111 miles) is the 17th of 19 events on the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 87th ARCA event held at Salem (Ind.) Speedway is a one-day show. Practice begins Saturday, September 17 with an hour and a half practice session planned from 1:05 p.m. – 2:35 p.m. Menards Pole by Ansell qualifying is slated to begin at 4:00 p.m. The field will take the green flag later in the evening at approximately 7:15 p.m. The event will not be televised but race coverage including live timing and scoring throughout the 1,329th race for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards since it was formed in 1953 will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com presented by ARCANation.com. All times are local.
