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[/media-credit]TALLADEGA, Alabama (May 1, 2012) – – Owensboro, Kentucky native Brett Hudson has shown speed at both Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway and Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway, both defined as restrictor plate races on the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards tour.
While Daytona has resulted in mixed feelings, Hudson’s last tango with the 2.66-mile track of Talladega was one that hasn’t forgotten and a race that he’s circled on his 2012 calendar.
“You can’t explain truly what restrictor plate racing is like, unless you’re doing it yourself,” said Hudson, who finished an impressive fourth last April at Talladega. “It’s like an extreme roller-coaster ride at 200 miles per hour adrenaline wise. They say, it’s a mental game and it really is. I think though that’s the thrill of plate racing and it comes with the territory. It can be mentally exhausting but when you’re in the moment, that’s not what’s on your mind – what’s on your mind is how to push yourself to the front or who do I hook up with or get away from. It’s a game that never ends until the checkered flag falls.”
Hudson will drive the same No. 11 Hudson Performance Drivelines Dodge Charger that he raced at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway where he took the checkered flag third but a penalty call from ARCA officials kicked the part-time competitor back to 21st in the final rundown. While the Kentuckian has put the Daytona fiasco behind him, he’s hoping that the penalty doesn’t come back to haunt him.
“Everyone has their own take on the outcome of Daytona. We’ve put it way behind us, but it’s definitely something that we don’t want to fool around with at Talladega, especially if it was to hurt a strong finish like we felt like we should have had. I don’t know what it is about our No. 11 Hudson Performance DrivelinesDodge Charger, but it just drafts awesome. When we get hooked up with the right car, I am able to maneuver it wherever I go and that’s a bonus to plate racing.”
The 24-year old was in attendance in the most recent ARCA Racing Series event but he wasn’t behind the wheel of a racecar instead, the father-to-be of baby girl Brystal was on-hand to support and coach fellow friend Blake Hillard who made his ARCA debut at Salem (Ind.) Speedway, a place where Hudson has enjoyed much success over the years.
“It was different not to be in the seat, but I enjoyed the “coaching” role at Salem,” Hudson offered. “We knew with Salem and Talladega back-to-back, it really wasn’t feasible for us to race, so we put all of our ducks into ‘Dega knowing that it’s a race where we definitely contend for the win.”
Again, in Talladega, the Hudson Motorsports team will bring awareness to a big fan of theirs, Harlie Bryant. Last year, the fellow Kentucky native was diagnosed with brain cancer and continues to fight her battle. The team will continue to spread her message of “hope and love.”
“Harlie’s a real trooper,” sounded Hudson. “She is one courageous little girl. We’re hoping she may be able to make the trip to Talladega to actually watch us in person, but if she can’t we know she will be with us in spirit and watching the race on television. Hopefully, we can have a good run for her and everyone at BHM.”
Another presence will be missed floating around the BHM garage area this year. Steve Ash, a longtime member of the organization underwent a medical procedure last fall that prohibits him from being at the racetrack. Still, Ash will work the team in a satellite role as race strategist from his home in Kentucky.
In addition to Hudson Performance Drivelines, D-N-J Auto Parts, Double H Hydraulics, Fischer’s Keystop Trucking & Towing, G&A Trucking, Gene Patient Fabrication (GPF), Miles Racing Fuel and Warricktubing.com join the team as associate marketing partners in the fourth race of the season.
Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available for this weekend’s activities. Interested parties are encouraged to contact Lisa Hudson of Brett Hudson Motorsports at 270.929.2160 or hudson00@adelphia.net.
In 27 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards starts, Hudson has produced three top-fives including acareer 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 International Motorsports Hall of Fame 250 (94 laps / 250 miles) is the fourth of 20 events on the 2012 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The 50th ever ARCA race at Talladega Superspeedway is a two-day show. Practice begins Thursday, May 3rd with a three hour practice session planned from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Menards pole qualifying presented by Ansell is set for later in the day slated to begin at 5:05 p.m. Coverage of time trials is available online through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com in collaboration with Alabama’s local WTDR Thunder 92.7 FM. A 45-minute final practice has been etched in on Friday, April 4th from 10:00 a.m. – 10:55 a.m. The event will take the green flag that afternoon shortly after 4:00 p.m. The race will be televised live on SPEED with additional live broadcasting available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com in collaboration with Alabama’s local WTDR Thunder 92.7 FM. All times are local (Central).
