Fastrak: Hendren Wins One For Dad in "Bill Hendren Memorial" at Cleveland County

Series report

LAWNDALE, N.C. – Sept. 16. Steve Hendren spent many hours working the phones over the last three weeks, building the cash and prize list for his father Bill’s Memorial race. On Friday night Hendren spent most of his time leading the very race he worked so hard to organize, and in what can only be described as a “storybook” ending, Hendren proceeded to lead all 40 laps en route to a $4000 payday.

However, as Hendren told the crowd of 45 other drivers in the pre-race drivers meeting, he left the track without any cash and none of the many accumulated contingency prizes.

“My goal is to leave here with a race car and a huge sense of pride.” Hendren said before pledging his cash winnings to Hospice of Rutherford County (NC), who had taken care of his late father before his death.

Hendren drew first blood when he dominated the four-lap Dash for Cash, giving him the pole position for the 40-lap A-Main.

At the drop of the green flag it was apparent that Hendren was a man on a mission. He jumped out to the early lead and pulled away, leaving fellow front row starter David Watts and Brandon Umberger to battle in his wake. Hendren’s progress in the A-Main was only hampered by the five  yellow flags that slowed the race.

The most serious incident involved Union Mills, N.C. driver Furman Parton when he slammed the right side of his new race car into a utility tire in turn one. All four tires came off the ground, but landed back on all fours. Parton’s car was completely destroyed, but he was able to walk away unscathed.

Hendren absolutely decimated the field as he lapped up to the eighth position by the end of the 40 laps.

“We had a really good car tonight and it was just meant to be. I think my Dad would have been really proud of this race and all the people that had a part in it. I am very proud to be the winner," said the winner. 

Veteran racer Ricky Weeks was scheduled to roll off from the fourth starting position, but was unable to answer the call after suffering engine problems in the Dash for Cash. Brandon Umberger finished in the runner-up position and took over the lead of the FASTRAK Southeast / Mid-East Touring points. David Smith, who entered the event as the point leader, ran as high as ninth, but struggled with an ill handling racecar and slid backwards over the last 20 laps.