ADA, OHIO (7/30/12) – Two time and defending Sunoco American Late Model Series champion Jon Henry has made a tough decision to sit out the remainder of the 2012 racing season. Citing the loss of financial backing, Henry will not be behind the wheel of his own race car for rest of the year.
“It’s a tough decision,” Henry admitted. “But I need to take the time to save my money and do things right in order to continue my success. I recently reached one of my goals by completing the UMP Summer Nationals Hell Tour. As most folks know, the grueling schedule can take its toll on a car and motor. At this point in the game, after losing one of my main financial backers and with two motors that need freshened, I simply do not have the funds to continue competing this year.”
Henry grabbed a highly-publicized win on the “Hell Tour” with his victory at Spoon River (IL) Speedway, where he competed and won without any crew members. In addition to his win, Henry netted six UMP Summer Nationals heat race victories which he parlayed into nine top ten finishes. Aside from his Summer Nationals success, Henry has five UMP DirtCar sanctioned wins this year and currently sits 13th in the UMP DirtCar National Late Model points standings.
For the rest of 2012, Henry plans to stay active in the sport assuming various roles. This weekend, he will travel to Cedar Lake (WI) Speedway to turn wrenches for Frank Heckenast Jr. at the $50,000-to-win USA Nationals.
“While I may be on the sidelines, I won’t be idle,” Henry said. “I want to continue to learn, study and grow so that I can come back stronger than ever when the time is right. I’m disappointed to be letting down my sponsors and my fans, but hopefully they understand the tough decision I had to make.”
Becoming arguable the hottest “free agent” in the sport, Henry would be open to racing for a team if the situation was right. Aside from holding five consecutive UMP DirtCar titles, including the honor of being co-Late Model champion at Eldora Speedway, Henry netted an impressive 14 Late Model wins last season with 32 top fives and 41 top ten finishes along with making the World 100. His consistent finishes and strong runs garnered him a third place finish in last season’s final UMP DirtCar National Late Model points tally.
Those interested in contacting Henry can do so by emailing him at jon@jonhenryracing.com or by calling him at (419) 235-2675.