Justin Henderson Wins Season Finale at Williams Grove Speedway in the 410 Sprint Class
- Nov 30, 2011
"We had been running well the past few races at the Grove, including a fourth place finish with the "World of Outlaws" recently at the National Open. I knew it would be a tough race, starting behind Brian Leppo and Daryn Pittman," he continued. "We had a car that could maneuver in lap traffic. Even in dirty air, I had full control of it and could race the entire track." As Leppo took the lead at the waving of the green flag in the 25-lap event, Henderson went to work early, muscling his way into to a heated battle with Pittman for the second place position. Once taking the spot, Henderson, then set his sights on Leppo, the only driver standing in the way of a victory at the season finale. By the sixth lap, Justin Henderson had managed to catch, and took the first place position from Leppo in the fourth turn. As the drivers continued to go toe-to-toe, they eventually encountered lapped traffic. Using the slower cars to his advantage, Henderson was able to gain a substantial lead.
Upon a lap twenty caution, the driver lost his twelve-length edge, but had no intentions of finishing the race with anything less than a victory. That said, following the restart, Justin quickly pulled away from the field, earning his second checkered flag in his Sorokach # 35 car with Daryn Pittman finishing second and Steve Buckwalter, Fred Rahmer and Greg Hodnett trailing. "The key to victory was all of the hard work the crew did," explained Justin Henderson. "The car was so good, and I could run anywhere on the race track and gain speed. In the victory lane interview, I told the crowd I could drive that car all the way to Indy and back. It was that good, and a joy to drive. On the late race restart, I just ran my line, and they told me afterward that I won by over one-half a straightaway." When asked the key to success throughout the remainder of this season and into 2012, Henderson said, "Just to take advantage of the momentum that we have going for us. We need to qualify well. I have had some good runs at Charlotte when I was a regular with the outlaws a few years ago. The key to a good 2012 season will just build upon what we have started here," he continued. "To keep our momentum going and cut down on the DNF's we fought this year. We are a small team, but everyone gets along well, and we all have the same goals, which make it even more fun when we do well." Although as the driver, Henderson stands in the limelight while at the podium, he is eager to credit his team as a huge component of his success. "Racing is a team sport," explained Justin. "Without all of the hard work of the crew on the car during the week and during race night, I couldn't have the success on the track. Some people just don't know how much work goes into a race car during the days we're not at the track, and we have a bunch of great guys who help out on the car." Acutely aware that maintenance is essential, the driver said, "In order to finish first, you must first finish. Nothing will take you out of a race quicker than an ill prepared car. After a race we do full maintenance on the car and engine. We use KN filters on all of our motors to keep them clean and running strong. We also use the filter oil to keep our filters oiled up to prevent dust and dirt from getting into our engines. I have been using their products since I started racing over fifteen years ago, and my father used them in his race cars as well. We need to get air into the 900 horsepower engine, and KN helps us keep all of our motors running to their full potential." When asked what he enjoyed most about racing, Justin Henderson said, "I love the competition. There is nothing better than racing with the best in the world in your sport and running well. I also love being able to meet new fans. I remember growing up around the race track, and how great it was to meet my favorite drivers as a kid." Referring to his supporters, Henderson continued," I can't thank the sponsors enough. If not for them, we wouldn't be able to race the way we do. Every name on the car helps make sure we keep it on the track, and they are just as much a part of the race team as I am. Fans are the key to keeping the sport of racing alive," he continued. "Without them, I'd just be out driving in a circle. I welcome anyone to stop by if they get a chance to attend a race where the Sorokach Motorsports #35 is racing and say hello. I will always have time to chat with you." Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world. |
