Following a successful weekend at The Dirt Track at Charlotte (N.C.) that saw Justin Henderson put the Kreitz Racing No. 69k in the feature all three nights with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series, Henderson has been named the driver of the famed powder-blue sprint car for next season.
While a complete schedule is yet to be decided, the deal will see Henderson pilot the car for all events excluding Port Royal (Pa.) Speedway, where Logan Wagner will return to the car.
“I’ve been hoping and praying for an opportunity like this and when Donnie called me to say he was choosing me for 2024, I was extremely excited,” said Henderson. “I can’t speak with full certainty of what all races we’ll be doing next season, but it’s a great feeling knowing that this is taken care of, and I can focus on driving the car and winning races now.”
Henderson is excited to tackle the challenge and is confident in his ability to win races in the car.
“When I even talked about getting in the car to close out the season, I really only expected a handful of shows and we’d move on,” Henderson said. “When Donnie told me he wanted to ease my mind and tell me the ride was mine, I couldn’t be any more relieved.
“There’s some extra pressure when you are in a car like this and frankly, I’m getting towards to time of my driving career where I’m starting to think about what’s next,” he added. “With the people and resources they have, I’ve got the golden ticket and if I can’t make this deal work, maybe it’s time for me to start doing something else.”
The team most recently finished where they started – 18th – in Saturday night’s World Finals finale and has one more event together on the slate for the season. They’ll head to Pennsylvania’s BAPS Motor Speedway on Saturday to compete in the $25,000 to-win Les Stewart Showdown.
With his plans for next year taken care of, and a few races under his belt in the No. 69k, Henderson is feeling confident about his chances of taking home the big check and hoagie that will greet the winner in victory lane.
“Not that I particularly needed it, but I’ve been feeding myself big doses of confidence since I got in this car and I think it’s time that we maybe eat something different. I hear there is a hoagie on the line along with some money,” laughed Henderson. “I can go into this event without having to wonder if I’m still auditioning and hopefully, I can give Donnie, Davey, and all his partners the reassurance that they chose the right guy with a win here at BAPS.”