8/4/2012
Dakota Hendrickson
New Paint - Mixed Luck
Knoxville, IA – Dakota Hendrickson’s new paint scheme brought a mixed bag of luck to the Omaha Teenager who is a rookie in the 305 Sprint Car class. Hendrickson’s father and car owner, Tony Hendrickson said the team changed their paint scheme for the Nationals in recognition of the team’s primary sponsor, Dead Down Wind.
The new scheme brought initial luck as the 16-year-old from Omaha timed in second quick in the 305 Sprint Cars. Hendrickson ran 4th in his heat and started in the 8th starting spot (fourth row, outside) in the Feature when fellow Omahan and fast qualifier, Matthew Stelzer tangled with Wes Wofford from Alamogordo, NM in the first 305 heat race.
Then Hendrickson’s luck changed. On the first lap of the feature the race was red flagged for a flip in turn three by Esterville, IA’s Derek Anderson. As the cars were slowing in turns one and two for the red, Josh Baughman from Odessa, TX either didn’t see the red or experienced a stuck throttle. Baughman careened into the slowing pack jumping the turn one berm, flipping his car and landing on the Dead Down Wind #4 of Hendrickson.
After replacing the left rear tire, Hendrickson was forced to restart the 12-lap Feature at the tail of the 24 car field. On the green flag of the restart, Hendrickson was on a mission using both the high and low groove to pass cars. At the Checkers the youngster had worked his way to 10th place in 12 laps, passing 14 cars.
After the race, Hendrickson said, “The car was fast the first lap, but after we replaced the left rear tire, I had a bit too much stagger and the car was a hand full. The car was too loose on the bottom of the track and the cushion had a bit of a ledge, so I just tried to keep her straight and between the fences. It is a shame, because our sponsors, Dead Down Wind Owner Monte McDowell, his wife Beth, and accountant Kevin Accord were all here to watch us and check out the new paint scheme. We wanted to put on a better show than a 10th place finish, but I think we did make it exciting.”
Submitted By: Anthony Hendrickson
