jonhenryracing.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jon Henry Racing
May 16, 2012
Media Contact: Dustin Jarrett (dustinjarrett@yahoo.com)

Norada Lanes to Host Jon Henry & Danica Patrick Dirt Cars on Memorial Day May 28th

ADA, OH (5/14/12) – On Memorial Day, Monday, May 28th, Jon Henry Racing will have the Dirt Late Models of Danica Patrick and Jon Henry on display at Norada Lanes from 11:00am to 6:00pm. Henry will also be on hand to sign autographs, merchandise will be for sale, and a chicken dinner will be served from 11:00am to 2:00pm.

Jon Henry, of Ada, Ohio, has won three straight Dirt Late Model races at three different tracks with victories at Fremont (OH) Speedway, Attica (OH) Raceway Park, and Oakshade (OH) Raceway. He currently leads the points at Attica Raceway Park and has five straight UMP DirtCar Championships under his belt.

Henry and his team will prepare a car for international motorsports star Danica Patrick to race at Eldora (OH) Speedway’s Feed The Children “Prelude to the Dream”, a charity event featuring over 25 different stars from NASCAR, IndyCar, NHRA, and the World of Outlaws. The event will be held on Wednesday, June 6th and will also be televised live on pay-per-view.

On Monday, May 28th, Henry will have Patrick’s Prelude car as well as his own car on display at Norada Lanes, a sponsor on Henry’s No. 15, from 11:00am to 6:00pm. Merchandise for both Henry and Patrick will be on sale and Henry himself will be on hand for photo opportunities and to sign autographs for eager fans. Norada will also host a chicken dinner from 11:00am to 2:00pm for anyone wanting to come out and support the cause.

Norada Lanes is located one mile north of Ada, Ohio on State Route 235. For more information, you can contact Norada Lanes at (419) 634-8900.

For more information on Jon Henry, visit his website at www.jonhenryracing.com.

Attica Raceway Park, Attica, OH (05/11/2012) 25 Late Models.
By Brian Liskai

In the Summit Racing Equipment UMP Late Models, Ada , Ohio ’s Jon Henry is proving his 14-win season in 2011 was no fluke. The Steel Driver passed Cody Scott on lap five and survived a late race caution to take his second win of the season at Attica and second straight, as he posted a victory at Fremont last Saturday. It was Henry’s 11th career Attica super late model win.

“This car is awesome. I can basically put it any where I want to. We tried some stuff tonight…we were just experimenting a little bit. I have to get the slick program a little bit better and I think we did pretty good tonight. My Dad, Randy, John and Casey…these guys help me put this car together…it helps me a lot having them and all these Dirty Dozen members and Fultz Fabrications. I really appreciate everything they do for me. All these fans out here…it’s good to be back in victory lane. We have three wins now and a second…that’s pretty good. We parked that other car (last year’s) in the corner and got this one out…I think we’re going to stick with this one awhile,” said Henry adding thanks to sponsors JLH General Contractor, William H. Bass Trucking, Reproductive Assistance, Truman Quarter Horses, Re-Deck of Northwest Ohio, Home Savings and Loan, Mike and Sheila Keller, Ron Spencer Real Estate, Automated Transport, Lehman & Lehman, Norada Lanes and APC – the Dirty Dozen.

Oakshade Raceway, Wauseon, OH (05/12/2012) 34 Late Models.

Jon Henry’s narrow win in the UMP Late Model feature at Oakshade Raceway highlighted an incredible weekend of racing action with close finishes in racing events on both Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.

Things heated up quickly in heat race action on Saturday night when Josh Scott’s UMP Late Model got upside down in a multi-car wreck on the backstretch that involved last week’s feature winner Matt Miller. Scott was not injured, but his car was done for the night. Miller was able to make repairs and race his way into the feature through one of the two UMP Late Model consolation events.

Chris Keller led the first two laps of the UMP Late Model feature. After a caution on lap two, Jon Henry took command on the restart. One lap later, Dan Wallace spun on the backstretch and Matt Miller slowed to a stop at the same time. Both drivers went to the pits. Andrew Reaume from Blenheim, Ontario, Canada got by Keller on the restart to move into the second position.

Reaume, looking for his first ever Oakshade feature win after coming close on several occasions, stayed right with Henry as the two raced for the lead all the way to the finish. Brian Ruhlman closed in on the leaders to make it a great three-car battle for the lead late in the race. With all three drivers vying for position, Reaume made one last run off the outside of the final corner to get up alongside Henry. With the crowd on their feet, Henry edged out a narrow victory by just inches over a disappointed Andrew Reaume.

Eldora Speedway the legendary dirt track located near Rossburg, Ohio will host the “Feed the Children Prelude to the Dream” charity race on Wednesday, June 6. Adding her particular celebrity spotlight to the event will be popular female racer Danica Patrick. Patrick will be racing Jon Henry’s the 2011 Eldora Speedway Late Model Championship car. Jon Henry Racing and Patrick’s team worked diligently to put this deal into place. Patrick was looking for a top-notch ride and Henry was looking for a popular driver. When an agreement was reached, both sides were excited about having Patrick race for charity in one of the country’s premier Dirt Late Model events. Patrick is quoted saying that she hasn’t raced on dirt since she was 10, and that was once in a go-kart.

“I feel like the biggest challenge will be getting comfortable behind the wheel of a Dirt Late Model,” Patrick told K&N. “As someone who has raced my entire life, there are times when even I don’t feel as comfortable as I did the week before, or even the race before. Knowing the race is only for charity will most likely ease some of those concerns, but also knowing you’re racing a $40,000 Dirt Late Model that doesn’t belong to you brings about a few stresses. In addition, I think the above-mentioned car control and throttle control may prove to be big learning curves. I think any racer - no matter what type of car or surface - will tell you that controlling a 2300 pound, 900 horsepower race car on dirt is a challenge no matter how much or how little experience you have.”

Henry, a two-time Sunoco American Late Model Series Champion, last fielded a car in the Prelude to the Dream in 2010. The driver of his car that year was another worldwide motorsports star, Travis Pastrana. Pastrana finished 23rd in his dirt track debut, but stated the opportunity to race a Dirt Late Model was something he’d never forget. We talked with Henry to get his take on having Patrick pilot his championship car.

What does it mean to you and to the Prelude event to have Patrick sign on?

“It’s a huge honor for me to have Danica Patrick drive my car at the Feed the Children Prelude to the Dream at Eldora Speedway. She’s a worldwide superstar and well-known on so many different levels that the amount of exposure it brings to my team can only benefit us. As for the Prelude itself, I’m sure everyone associated with Eldora Speedway, and to that event, is just as proud to have her signed on as I am. She brings a following of fans that, most likely, will have never been to a dirt track stock car race before. Bringing new fans into our sport is great for the sport itself, as well as a prestigious venue like Eldora Speedway.”

Tell us a bit about the charity and your involvement with it.

“Although I’m not directly involved with Feed the Children in any way, I know they have signed on a sponsor at Eldora Speedway, not just for this event, but for the entire year. Their mission is to have served over 320,000 families by the end of the year. What I enjoy most about the organization is their desire to not just feed kids in the literal sense, but also on the education side of things. They’re big on nourishment for the mind as well, which I think is great for the underprivileged children of the world.”

How do you feel Patrick will do in the Late Model world, has she practiced in your car yet, and how did it go?

“As you probably know, Danica has been progressively getting more involved with the stock car type of racing the past few years. Racing Dirt Late Models will undoubtedly give her an experience she has probably never had before. Honestly, I feel as though racing Dirt Late Models can often benefit anyone racing on asphalt as it teaches you an unbelievable amount of both car control and throttle control. Although she has not yet practiced for the June 6th event, we’re currently working on getting her a test date in the near future.”

This may be a tough question to answer, but is she thinking of trying other dirt racing formats or is this a one-time thing?

“That’s a good question and, honestly, I’m not sure. I would imagine, for the time being, this is simply a one-shot deal. However, in the same sense, I doubt she would pass up the opportunity to race for charity again if the opportunity presented itself and the event fit into her busy schedule.”

http://www.knfilters.com/news/news.aspx?ID=3948

Henry takes Fremont ALMS win
Saturday, May 5, 2012
By Brian Liskai
FREMONT, Ohio – Jon Henry knew on a tight bullring like Fremont Speedway, lapped traffic would come into play. He and Curtis Roberts battled each other and heavy lapped traffic during the middle portion of the Sunoco American Late Model Series feature at “The Track That Action Built” before Henry used the high line in turn four to grab the lead on lap 16 and then survived several late race cautions to score his second career win at the track on Underground Utilities Inc. Night.
“You do what you have to do. The guys were telling me it seems like the high side was fastest. So I figured if I just calm down a little bit on the top and get through the bumps, I didn’t think anyone could pass me on the bottom. I have to thank all these fans for coming out here. This is a fun place to come race. We don’t get to race here that often. I really have to thank my Dad, John and Randy for all their help. I have to thank Rocket Chassis. This is a brand new orange front end Rocket and has two heat race wins and two wins,” said Henry beside his Fultz Fabrications backed machine.
“That’s one thing when you come to Fremont…you know it’s tight and you know you’re going to have to battle around traffic. I knew when I rolled up there pretty quick and got to Roberts…he was kind of dicing and I was able to hang with him and I knew I had to go back to the top shelf and see if I can get around him,” added Henry from the Engine Pro Victory Lane.
“I really have to thank the Dirty Dozen. They are the reason I’m able to do this this year…all 12 of them,” said Henry of the sponsors JLH General Contractor, William H. Bass Trucking, Reproductive Assistance, Truman Quarter Horses, Re-Deck of Northwest Ohio, Home Savings and Loan, Mike and Sheila Keller, Ron Spencer Real Estate, Automated Transport, Lehman & Lehman, Norada Lanes and Associated Plastic.

April 13th-Attica Win #1 : Finally got the first taste of victory for 2012! It was our first night in our all new 2012 orange front-end Rocket with a new set of Accu-Force Shocks. We struggled in practice and in the heat race with a vibration but we were able to solve the problem before the feature event. I started 6th and quickly made my move to the front taking the lead on lap 3. Lap traffic started to become an issue by lap 15 but thankfully a caution bunched the field back together. On lap 22 with only three laps to go I started to hear some pressure from hard charging Matt Miller on the high side. But Matt over drove the cushion which gave me some breathing room and I was able to hold on to the lead and pull off our first win of the season!

Jon

http://www.knfilters.com/news/news.aspx?ID=3886

Sometimes just knowing you’re ready to run with the big dogs is all you get, and often that’s plenty good enough to spark a highly success year. Third-generation racer Jon Henry and his Ada, Ohio team opened the 2012 season in promising style, even though their car may not have seen it that way.

The Jon Henry Racing LTD crew traveled to Florence Speedway in Union, Kentucky to be part of 33 Late Model field for the opening of their 2012 race schedule. Henry finished second in his heat race and started 4th in the feature. The racing surface was super fast, abusively demanding, and started rolling up quite a bit in the corners, which created a survival mode for racers. Henry moved up into 2nd in the feature before having to surrender on lap 17 after the vibration in his car got too severe.

“Well we were rolling really good until the vibration continued to get worse and worse forcing me to pull off before any major damage occurred,” explained Henry. “Come to find out we had a bad u-joint from our driveshaft and it was almost to the point of slipping out. But take the good with the bad in these situations- we weren’t able to finish, but we showed a lot of potential running in the top three with some heavy hitters.”

Henry has every intention of keeping the momentum train rolling down his tracks after a stellar 2011 season. “Last season was an awesome year!” adds Henry. “I became a two-time Sunoco American Late Model Series Champion, I was co-Late Model Champion at the famed Eldora Speedway, I finished 3rd in the UMP national points, and won the East region for UMP. It was a very successful year!”

During the off season the team sold their 2001 Rocket that won a lot of races for them last year, including making it into the 2011 World 100. “After that I bought a brand new 2012 Rocket,” said the K&N sponsored driver. “Thanks to everyone at Rocket we were able to spend three days down in Shinnston, West Virginia at Rocket Chassis to completely assembly the car from top to bottom. I also still have my 2003 Rocket that we just kicked off our 2012 season with, but I’m really looking forward to getting out that new Rocket soon.”

The highly motivated and thoroughly promising team made some other key changes during the off season by hiring some very experienced part-time help. “Scott Smith, also known as ‘Schoolboy,’ has been a big help to getting our program headed to the next level,” said Henry. “Another big change was me personally spending some time at Accu-Force Shock Service in Millersburg, Ohio with owner Keith Berner. Keith is very sharp with shocks and with these racecars; he taught me a lot in a short amount of time and it’s going to be a huge help to my performance in 2012.”

“Our goal is to run in the Summer Nationals this year, which is also called the ‘Hell Tour.’ It consists of 28 races in 31 days over seven different states. We will also be contending for another Eldora Speedway Championship, and hopefully we’re in the mix again for another run at the UMP national championship.”

Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jon Henry Racing
March 27, 2012
Media Contact: Dustin Jarrett (dustinjarrett@yahoo.com)

Danica Patrick to Drive for Jon Henry Racing at Eldora’s Prelude!

ADA, OH (3/27/12) – When Eldora Speedway announced that Danica Patrick would be racing in their Feed The Children Prelude to the Dream on Wednesday, June 6, many folks began asking which Dirt Late Model driver would be fielding a car for the popular female racer. The answer is 2011 Eldora Speedway Late Model Champion Jon Henry.
During the last several months, parties from Jon Henry Racing and Danica Patrick’s team have been working diligently to get the deal in place. Patrick was looking for a top notch ride and Henry was looking for a popular driver. When an agreement was reached, both sides were excited about having Patrick race for charity in one of the country’s premier Dirt Late Model events.

“What an awesome opportunity!” said Henry. “To have Danica drive my car at the Prelude is really special. My team and I are certainly looking forward to it and I know Danica is too.”

“I raced on dirt once before in a go-kart when I was young, but that’s about it. It’s going to be a challenge for sure, but I know Tony has offered to help in any way possible. I’m excited about it, but I’m also nervous,” Patrick said in an Eldora Speedway press release. “It’s a totally different style of racing, so I’m not sure what to expect. But, it’s for a great cause with Feed The Children benefiting from the money raised this year, so I’m ready to give it a shot.”
Henry, a two-time Sunoco American Late Model Series Champion, last fielded a car in the Prelude to the Dream in 2010. The driver of his car that year was another worldwide motorsports star, Travis Pastrana. Pastrana finished 23rd in his dirt track debut, but stated the opportunity to race a Dirt Late Model was something he’d never forget.

For more information on Jon Henry, visit his website at www.jonhenryracing.com.

JON HENRY RACING 2012 “DIRTY DOZEN” MEMBERS:
Mike & Sheila Keller (Lima, OH)
Truman Quarterhorses (Kenton, OH)
Re-Deck of Northwest Ohio (Ada, OH) - www.redeckonwo.com
Norada Lanes (Ada, OH)
The JLH Company (Fremont, OH) www.jlhcompany.com
Home Savings & Loan (Kenton, OH) www.hslc-kenton.com
William H. Bass Trucking (Ada, OH)
Automated Transport (Kenton, OH)
Reproductive Assistance (Terrace Park, OH) www.reproassistinc.com
Ron Spencer Real Estate (Lima, OH) www.rsre.com
Lehman & Lehman (Milford Center, OH)
Associated Plastics (Ada, OH) www.associatedplasticscorp.com

Jon Henry Racing Affiliate Supporters: Fultz Fabrications & Speed Shop, Wide Open Graphics, Snyder Chiropractic, BOCO Machine, K&N Filters, Hooker Harness, Outerwears, Bell, Eibach Springs, Accu Force, Joe Gibbs Driven Racing Oil, Hawk Performance, VP race fuels, Wiles Drive Shaft, Team Peterson, Allstar Performance, Dyer Rods, Dargie Race Engines, Rocket Chassis, Sweet Mfg, Frankland Rear Ends, Micro-Armor

Florence Speedway, Union, KY (03/17/2012) 33 Late Models. Qualified 7th quick overall. Started 2nd in the first heat race finished 2nd. Started 4th in the feature and was up 2nd then fell back to 4th but then was forced to pull off on Lap 17 for a bad vibration. The racing surface was super fast and heavy and started rolling up quite a bit in the corners which created survival mode. There was a long red flag on lap two for an eight car pileup. Once we resumed I was able to take advantage of the inside lane on a double file restart and pass Don O’Neal and close in on leader Darrell Lanigan. My run to the lead didn’t last long as continued to struggle getting my car to turn on entry and fell back behind O’Neal in third. The track was very demanding and my racecar started to really feel the abuse. I was riding in fourth until a bad vibration caused me no choice but to pull off and end my night early. Not the way we wanted to start the season but we were in the hunt with the heavy hitters and showed a lot of potential. Looking forward to starting the racing season around home as I foresee another solid year upon us!

*Special thanks to the Snider family for purchasing us two new tires for the Spring 50!

Jon

JON HENRY RACING 2012 “DIRTY DOZEN” MEMBERS:
Mike & Sheila Keller (Lima, OH)
Truman Quarterhorses (Kenton, OH)
Re-Deck of Northwest Ohio (Ada, OH)
Norada Lanes (Ada, OH)
The JLH Company (Fremont, OH)
Home Savings & Loan (Kenton, OH)
William H. Bass Trucking (Ada, OH)
Automated Transport (Kenton, OH)
Reproductive Assistance (Terrace Park, OH)
Ron Spencer Real Estate (Lima, OH)
Lehman & Lehman (Milford Center, OH)
Associated Plastics (Ada, OH)

Jon Henry Racing Affiliate Supporters: Fultz Fabrications & Speed Shop, Wide Open Graphics, Snyder Chiropractic, BOCO Machine, K&N Filters, Hooker Harness, Outerwears, Bell, Eibach Springs, Accu Force, Joe Gibbs Driven Racing Oil, Hawk Performance, VP race fuels, Wiles Drive Shaft, Team Peterson, Allstar Performance, Dyer Rods, Dargie Race Engines, Rocket Chassis, Sweet Mfg, Frankland Rear Ends, Micro-Armor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jon Henry Racing

February 14, 2012
Media Contact: Dustin Jarrett (dustinjarrett@yahoo.com)

Jon Henry Readies for 2012 racing Season

ADA, OH (2/14/12) – In preparation for the 2012 racing season, Jon Henry is excited to announce he has locked in all twelve sponsors for his new “Dirty Dozen” program. In addition, Henry is pleased to announce that veteran wrench Scott “Schoolboy” Smith will join the team in a part-time role.

During the offseason, Jon Henry announced that twelve sponsors would come on board at $1,200 each to become members of a fraternal marketing and partnering group known as the “Dirty Dozen”. The sponsorship package included benefits such as personal appearances, victory lane photos, t-shirts, autograph cards, and more. The members of the 2012 Dirty Dozen have officially been announced: Associated Plastics (Ada, OH), Lehman & Lehman (Milford Center, OH), Ron Spencer Real Estate (Lima, OH), Reproductive Assistance (Terrace Park, OH), Automated Transport (Kenton, OH), William H. Bass Trucking (Ada, OH), Home Savings & Loan (Kenton, OH), The JLH Company (Fremont, OH), Re-Deck of Northwest Ohio (Ada, OH), Truman Quarterhorses (Kenton, OH), and Mike & Sheila Keller (Lima, OH). In addition, Henry will welcome back associate sponsor Fultz Fabrications & Speed Shop.

“I’m very, very thankful for the support of everyone in this group,” Henry said of his twelve new marketing partners. “Without their help, we wouldn’t be in as strong of a position as we are to start the 2012 season.”

In addition, Henry has brought Scott “Schoolboy” Smith on board as a part-time wrench for the upcoming season. Smith most recently served as crew chief for Matt Miller at McCullough Motorsports, and helped guide Miller to a $100,000 win in the 2005 Dirt Late Model Dream at Eldora Speedway.

“Schoolboy is a great addition to our team,” the 2011 Eldora Speedway co-champion said. “His knowledge combined with the solid crew members we already have will just help our team tremendously. I looking forward to working with him throughout the season.”

Armed with a brand new Rocket Chassis and power from Dargie Racing Engines, Henry is tentatively planning to kick off his 2012 campaign sometime in mid-March. The defending UMP Sunoco ALMS Champion, Henry also finished third in the final 2012 national UMP Dirt Late Model points standings. The team is currently planning to compete on the UMP SummerNationals “Hell Tour” this summer.

For more information on Jon Henry, visit his website at www.jonhenryracing.com.

JON HENRY RACING 2012 “DIRTY DOZEN” MEMBERS:
Mike & Sheila Keller (Lima, OH)
Truman Quarterhorses (Kenton, OH)
Re-Deck of Northwest Ohio (Ada, OH) - www.redeckonwo.com
Norada Lanes (Ada, OH)
The JLH Company (Fremont, OH) www.jlhcompany.com
Home Savings & Loan (Kenton, OH) www.hslc-kenton.com
William H. Bass Trucking (Ada, OH)
Automated Transport (Kenton, OH)
Reproductive Assistance (Terrace Park, OH) www.reproassistinc.com
Ron Spencer Real Estate (Lima, OH) www.rsre.com
Lehman & Lehman (Milford Center, OH)
Associated Plastics (Ada, OH) www.associatedplasticscorp.com

Jon Henry Racing Affiliate Supporters: Fultz Fabrications & Speed Shop, Wide Open Graphics, Snyder Chiropractic, BOCO Machine, WFIN 1330 ‘Racing World’, K&N Filters, Ohlins, Hooker Harness, Outerwears, Bell, Eibach Springs, Accu Force, Joe Gibbs Driven Racing Oil, Hawk Performance, VP race fuels, Wiles Drive Shaft, Team Peterson, Allstar Performance, Dyer Rods, Dargie Race Engines, Rocket Chassis, Sweet Mfg, Frankland Rear Ends, Micro-Armor

Eldora Speedway, Rossburg, OH (10/07/2011) 50 Late Models. Qualified quick time with a 15.654! Started 4th in the sixth heat race finished 2nd. Started 12th in the feature finished 8th. The inversion really hurt us and by not winning the heat race we had to start 12th for the feature. Starting position is very crucial at the big half mile because it just takes so long to catch and then eventually pass the guys in front of you. All in all a solid top ten at a racetrack where seat time and experience is key. We continue to make baby steps at Eldora Speedway and with an 8th place finish not only did we clinch the 2011 Sunoco American Late Model Series Championship but we also tied for first and won the Eldora Speedway points Championship! Want an awesome way to end an already awesome season! Thanks for all your support throughout 2011, you guys are the reason I continue to be successful! Five straight championship, “Man oh man this is gettin’ good”
Jon

Eldora Speedway, Rossburg, OH (10/07/2011) 50 Late Models. Qualified quick time with a 15.654! Started 4th in the sixth heat race finished 2nd. Started 12th in the feature finished 8th. The inversion really hurt us and by not winning the heat race we had to start 12th for the feature. Starting position is very crucial at the big half mile because it just takes so long to catch and then eventually pass the guys in front of you. All in all a solid top ten at a racetrack where seat time and experience is key. We continue to make baby steps at Eldora Speedway and with an 8th place finish not only did we clinch the 2011 Sunoco American Late Model Series Championship but we also tied for first and won the Eldora Speedway points Championship! Want an awesome way to end an already awesome season! Thanks for all your support throughout 2011, you guys are the reason I continue to be successful! Five straight championship, “Man oh man this is gettin’ good”
Jon

Kankakee County Speedway, Kankakee, IL (09/29/2011) 23 Late Models. Qualified 2nd quick overall with a time of 14.417. Started 7th in the third heat race finished 6th. Started 6th in the feature finished 4th. The top 8 fastest qualifiers were locked into the feature but were inverted for the heat race to determine their starting position for the feature. Having qualified 2nd quick and starting 7th in the heat race really hurt us. We probably had a second place car in the feature but unfortunately lap traffic became an issues and just wasn’t able to complete the passes and settled with a 4th place finish.

Jon

Kankakee County Speedway, Kankakee, IL (10/01/2011) 22 Late Models. Tagged the wall in qualified which killed my time. Started 7th in the second heat race finished 4th. Started 16th in the feature finished 9th. The entire night we were just trying to play catch-up after the incident in qualifying. I feel like we’re still struggling with our racecar on slick racing conditions which is making things difficult to pass. All in all a top 5 and top 10 at Kankakee was a good effort.

Jon

Hartford Motor Speedway, Hartford, MI (10/02/2011) 23 Late Models. Started 7th in the first heat race finished 3rd. Started 3rd in the feature finished 2nd. The inversion was a nine and that definitely played into our favor. The racing surface for the big half mile was pretty slick and slow. Really tough to get an edge on anybody and getting out front early was crucial. My racecar was really good in turns three and four but I really struggled in turns one and two. We were still able to pull off a solid 2nd place finish with some tough competition. Hopefully we can carry some of this momentum into the UMP Nationals at Eldora Speedway this weekend, really looking forward to it!

Jon

Tri City Speedway, Granite City, IL (09/22/2011) 40 Late Models. Qualified fast time overall with at 15.243. Started 1st in the second heat race finished 2nd. Started 6th in the feature was running 5th till my nose folded under halfway thru the race resulting in a DNF. Really had a top five car but unfortunate circumstances ended our night early.

Jon

Tri City Speedway, Granite City, IL (09/23/2011) 31 Late Models. Qualified 5th quick in group two. Started 5th in the second heat race finished 5th. Started 2nd in the B-main finished 3rd. Started 19th in the feature and pulled off halfway thru the race due to an ill handling racecar.

Jon

Tri City Speedway, Granite City, IL (09/24/2011) 28 Late Models. Qualified 4th quick in group one. Started 4th in the first heat race finished 5th. Started 15th in the feature finished 11th. Still really struggled with the racecar. Not our best weekend by far, but we’ll go home and learn from this experience.

Jon

Kankakee County Speedway, Kankakee, IL (09/16/2011) 17 Late Models. Qualified 4th quick overall. Started 5th in the first heat race finished 3rd. Started 3rd in the feature finished 4th. We struggled with the racecar most of the night and just really never had the car good enough for race trim. I ran second to Ryan Unzicker the entire race until fading back to 4th on the final lap.

Jon

Lasalle Speedway, Lasalle, IL (09/17/2011) 18 Late Models. Qualified 4th quick overall with a time of 13.1. Started 2nd in the second heat race finished 2nd. Started 4th in the feature finished 3rd. Heavy wet track conditions made for an interesting event. A lot of fast pace bumpin’ and bangin’ as I tried maintain a good finish. Still seemed to struggle with the handling of the racecar but for our first time at Lasalle a 3rd place finish was great.

Jon

Eldora Speedway, Rossburg, OH (09/09/2011, 09/10/2011) 112 Late Models. Qualified a time of 15.79 which put me starting 7th in the sixth heat race. I had my work cut out for me but I knew being in the sixth heat race had the best odds for some good passing. I was optimistic with the racecar as we made a lot of changes after qualifying and I really wasn’t sure what to expect. We went green in the 15 lap heat race and right out the gun I knew we had a good racecar! I quickly jumped up to 4th after a few cautions and maintain that position for several laps. With only five laps to go I made a hard charge for the third and final transfer position. With heated pressure from Eddie Carrier Jr. and trying to work under the “Million Dollar Man” Donnie Moran, it was no easy task. With only two laps to go, Moran got up into the wall but Carrier slipped past me down the back stretch and stole that critical third spot. White flag waved and I was side by side with Carrier. Chris Madden first, Dustin Neat second, both quickly faded back to us in lap traffic. I did a big slide job in turn two and was able I clear Neat and Carrier for second. Carrier once again drove around the outside of me. With only turn three and four left do I block the slide job from Neat or take the momentum at the top? I hauled into turn three hard at the top and there was no sign of Neat. Checkered flag waved! We did it! we finished third and just made our first WORLD 100!

Mission Accomplished! Started 18th in the 100 lap feature. Battling with some the best in the business. I worked my way up to 14th until folding my nose under on lap 48. Was racing hard with Josh Richards when I caught the cushion wrong coming out of turn two causing my car to push to the wall. I was unable to continue and the result was a 22nd DNF. Although no signs of disappointment as we just made the greatest dirt race in the country!

Jon

Hartford Motor Speedway Hartford, MI (09/02/2011) 15 Late Models. Started 2nd in the first heat race finished 1st. Started 2nd in the feature finished 2nd. Lead up to lap 16 and was passed with four laps to go in lap traffic by JR Hotovy. My racecar started to get really tight entering the corners and hard to get traction off the corners. When I got into lap traffic it made things even more difficult. I was running the top most of the race and I could tell it was starting to slow down but I just didn’t get down to the bottom quick enough. We’ll definitely take 2nd. We have a lot of racing ahead of us this weekend so this is a great start!

Jon

Attica Raceway Park, Attica, OH (09/03/2011) 34 Late Models. Oakshade Raceway cancelled around 5:30 pm so we had just enough time to catch the heat race at Attica. Started 7th in the heat race and by lap three I took the lead and was rolling down the backstretch when my oil pump bolt broke causing my motor to loss oil pressure. We were unable to get the pump fixed in time for the b-main and didn’t want rush it just in case the motor was hurt.

Jon

Eldora Speedway, Rossburg, OH (09/04/2011) American Late Model Series Event. 30 Late Models. After last night we were able to fix the pump and everything checked out ok with the motor. Qualified fast time in group four with a 16.0 and that put me starting 4th in the fourth heat race. When the heat race went green I quickly made my way to the front taking the lead on lap two. I rolled into turn three on lap five when the water pump decided to snap in two destroying my radiator and fan causing me to come to a stop. One thing after another but we were able to get everything fixed and would start 30th in the 3 wide starting event. A long battle to the front but with only five laps to go I had worked my way up to 8th all to fall apart after I packed my right rear tire full of mud from the brutal cushion. The vibration was to bad to continue but while trying to get off the track I was catch up in a tangle tearing the car up more creating another awful Eldora experience.

A long week ahead as were trying to get a new motor and car together for the World 100.

Jon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jon Henry Racing

August 30, 2011
Media Contact: Dustin Jarrett (dustinjarrett@yahoo.com)

Jon Henry Nabs Wins #13 and #14, Sets Sights on UMP National Championship

ADA, OH (8/30/11) – Another successful weekend is in the books for Jon Henry as he picked up two more victories, tying him with two other drivers for the most UMP-sanctioned victories in Dirt Late Model racing. With his 14 wins, Henry finds himself in the middle of the UMP National Championship hunt.

Henry’s most recent wins came at Hartford Motor Speedway in Hartford, Mich. on Friday night. It was his second win of the year at the half-mile oval. On Saturday, Henry ventured to nearby Attica Raceway Park in Attica, Ohio and rallied from his tenth starting spot to claim the win, his eighth of the season at Attica.

To compliment his 14 victories in 2011, Henry has an astounding 27 top fives and 36 top tens. The strong finishes and season-long consistency has landed Henry in the middle of the UMP National Championship picture. When the new standings are released later this weekend, Henry is expected to be within 30 points of first place.

“To even be in this situation is amazing,” Henry said of his chance at a UMP National Championship. “We didn’t start the season off to run for national points, but here we are. It’s a true testament to this team, our sponsors, and all the supporters we have.”

Henry continued, “Even though we’re in third (in the UMP National points) and just a few points out of first, our game plan isn’t changing. We’re still running the World 100 and we’re still gunning for an ALMS title. We can’t be worrying about what the guys ahead of us are doing. We’ll do what we we’ve done all year, and that’s just stay consistent and run as strong as we can wherever we go.”

This weekend, the “Steel Driver” will be in action at Hartford Motor Speedway on Friday, Oakshade Raceway on Saturday, and Eldora Speedway on Sunday. The latter two events are Sunoco ALMS sanctioned races.

For more information on Jon Henry, visit his website at www.jonhenryracing.com. Fans can also “Share The Experience” with Henry throughout the course of his 2011 racing season at www.jonhenryracing.com.

Jon Henry Racing would like to thank our 2011 Affiliates: Wide Open Graphics, Ron Spencer Real Estate, JLH Company, Fultz Fabrications, William H. Bass Trucking, Reproductive Assistance, Snyder Chiropractic, BOCO Machine, WFIN 1330 ‘Racing World’, K&N Filters, Ohlins, Hooker Harness, Outerwears, Bell, Eibach Springs, Accu Force, Joe Gibbs Driven Racing Oil, Hawk Performance, VP Race Fuels, Wiles Drive Shaft

Hartford Motor Speedway Hartford, MI (08/26/2011) 14 Late Models. Started 6th in the first heat race finished 1st. Started 3rd in the feature finished 1st! Pretty fast tacky race track created a lot more speed and made passing fairly difficult. Once we took the green flag I got up to second entering turn one on the first lap but could only get about 4 cars lengths to leader Phil Ausra. By lap ten we started to catch the tail end of the field and lap traffic started to become a factor. I closed the gap on Phil as we entered turn three, he took the high side to get around a lap car as I shot low. The lap car push up blocking Phil and I was able to steal the lead! I continued to focus on hitting my marks and went on to lead the rest of the race and claimed win #13 on the season!

Jon

Attica Raceway Park, Attica, OH (08/27/2011) 20 Late Models. Started 6th in the second heat race finished 2nd. Started 10th in the feature finished 1st! Probably one of the most challenging wins of the year. Starting 10th after the redrew made for a very long way to the front. A lot more variables and more opportunity for something to go wrong which almost did. I started my charge from the first lap passing one car at a time. By lap eleven I was already up to fourth place passing for third until I got tangled up with a lap car and half way spinning out my car to avoid a wreck. I regained my composer and kept my car rolling forward pushing one of the infield tractor tires out of my way so I could continue on. At this point I fell all the way back to 8th and had to try and pass the all same cars again. It wasn’t as easy this time as the track started to slick off and it became more difficult to get that edge. On lap 20 I had worked myself back up to 3rd and we had a caution with five laps to go. First and second was running the same line on the track as I was so I knew I needed to try sometime different to pull off this win. I worked too hard to get back to this point so with only five laps to go I was going to give it everything I had. When we went back green I shot to the top outside line not really sure how good the top was going to be. After the first corner I carried by momentum past the second place car and set sight on the leader. The top was working well and on lap 23 I was able to overtake the lead! We had a caution with one lap to go but I had no worries because I was right where I needed to be. Clean air and just me hitting my mark was all it took to win #14 on the season and win #8 at Attica Raceway Park!

Jon

Hartford Motor Speedway Hartford, MI (08/19/2011) Only 11 Late Models. Unfortunately we had a lot of problems before we even started the race. The track was pretty muddy and it took a long time to get it ran in. When we went out to hotlap I really didn’t think the track was in to bad of shape. We got the green flag and I got on the gas down the long Hartford straightaway’s. As soon as I tried to enter turn one my car went into a four wheel slide slamming hard into the wall. We were unable to make the call for the heat race. Thankfully a local racer Jeremy Ferguson and his crew stepped in to help us get our wrinkled up car capable of racing again. We had to started 9th in the feature, after six laps I was up to 5th until I got a flat left rear. The crew went back to work and got the tire changed. When I went back on the speedway the race was already green and I was a half a lap down. I spun the car out in turn two bring out the caution and bunching back the field back together. We went back green and I was able to race my tore up ill handling car to a surprising second place finish.

Jon

Attica Raceway Park, Attica, OH (08/20/2011) 24 Late Models. Started 1st in the second heat race finished 2nd. Started 1st in the feature finished 2nd. Starting up front really helped but after last night’s mayhem I’ll definitely take a second place finish. The racecar was very uncomfortable and I really had to change my driving style. I lead about fifteen laps in the feature, lost the lead for a couple laps until I charged back into the lead, then losing the lead again with only five laps to go. Still a solid effort for what we had to work with. Our ‘01 Rocket is currently at Fultz Fabrication in Mansfield, OH getting the front and rear clip straightened. We will have our backup car out for the next couple weeks.

Jon

Kankakee County Speedway, Kankakee, IL (08/12/2011) ALMS 34 Late Models. Qualified 3rd quick in group three. Started 2nd in the third heat race finished 2nd. Started 5th in the feature and finished 4th. Starting position was critical and by luck of the draw I had to start 5th. The top was pretty dominate which made passing very difficult. I tried to search all around track but was unable to find any line that would work any better. After 40 laps of searching we’ll definitely take a 4th place finish with some tough competition.

Jon

Oakshade Raceway, Wauseon, OH (08/13/2011) ALMS 31 Late Models. Dual features. Started 5th in the first heat race finished 2nd. Started 3rd in the first feature finished 2nd. Started 9th in the second feature finished 6th. Our first goal was to make the redrew for the heat race, which was a success. That locked us in to both features. A caution free first feature really didn’t play into my favor. When I took over second place the leader had a straightaway lead on me and there just wasn’t enough laps to be a threat. The second feature was a little more interesting. I had to start 9th after the field was inverted. Multiple cautions, was up to 6th then was docked two spots for jumping a start that didn’t even count, then was intentionally taken out and had to go to the tail, but was still able to race my way back up to a 6th place finish.

Jon