Wayne County Speedway
Passion and experience have Hensel on verge of fourth Wayne County Speedway title.
Written By: Randy Worrell (Ranger)
ORRVILLE – Doug Hensel has built a career resume that that would rival any during the last decade of any racer in any division at Wayne County Speedway.
The 16-year veteran and ambassador of the Joyride Transport Mini Stock class will be gunning for his fourth O’Reilly Auto Parts’ Chase for the Championship title on Saturday and his 30th victory in the last four seasons.
But what drives Hensel each week of each new season? According to the pilot of the familiar 18 it’s simple; Passion and experience.
“It takes more than just a fast car to run up front in this class, especially with the caliber of guys that seem to be all fast this year,” Hensel said. “We have a lot of passion for what we do, and that’s a huge part of it, but as l get older it’s also the experience, too. I’d say right now, its 98 percent experience, but we also enjoy and celebrate each win like it’s our last, because it is difficult to win races. I guess it’s a lot of factors all added in.”
Hensel has recorded five wins at WCS this season and has a chance to equal that with a victory on Saturday and at the season-ending Dirt Blowout. Victory on Saturday, however, will not be at the forefront – at least not early in the evening.
Mike Swanger’s title scenario tabulations has Hensel securing the title with a 20th or better finishing spot, regardless of what Anthony Collins – last week’s last lap winner over Hensel and runner-up in the standings – finishes in the feature event.
“I’ll be so nervous in the heat race, because we usually have enough cars that you have to at least qualify through the preliminaries,” said Hensel. “We’ve had three DNF’s this year, two to just dumb luck, so anything can happen. We’ve lost a few championships on the very last night, so we’ll be taking nothing for granted.”
If Hensel does indeed qualify for Saturday’s Season Championship and has the title in his sights, an early celebration, however, will not be on his radar.
“We’ll be racing to win, no question,” he added. “Track position means everything in our class and you can’t pace yourself. You really can’t get caught up in the A, B, or C scenarios of points racing.
“Our mentality will be that ‘if we win, it’s over.”
Season Championship activities on Southeastern Equipment night begins with warm-ups at 6 and first race slated for 7:15.
