|
David Hesmer – The Return to Knoxville!
(Bill W) March 18, 2013 – The big news around Knoxville Raceway this winter has centered around the return of a Hall of Famer. David Hesmer, Knoxville Raceway Hall of Fame inductee will be back behind the wheel of a sprint car in the BDS Motorsports #1. The Marshalltown, Iowa driver is the all-time leader in 360 wins with 65, and won the 360 Nationals twice. David will be competing in the 410 class in 2013.
Bryan Sundby, owner of BDS Motorsports, met up with David for some advice over the winter. "Bryan called me from Newton and said he was coming to Menards in Marshalltown," says David. "I told him I'd take him to lunch. We came back to Action Auto Parts and he told me what he was looking for as far as a team to run Knoxville. He was looking for someone young to bring along, and he wanted my help."
Sundby's search for a driver took a different twist. "I told him if he didn't find someone young, I'd like to throw my hat in the ring, though I'm not young!" says David. "It sounded like something I'd like to do. The plan was to run Knoxville only, and that's the best for me with my work schedule. My dad (Ken) came out and we all talked about it, and got excited."
David was familiar with Sundby's work. "I got to know Bryan when he worked on the #10 team (Tom Rolfe Trucking) for Sammy (Swindell)," he says. "I liked his work ethic and his attitude."
A familiar source for both parties will be under the hood. "Al Parker, who was instrumental in my success, had already worked with Bryan on the ASCS tour with Wayne Johnson," says David. "We looked at the numbers as far as the 360 and the 410 class. Al has a driver in the 360 class in Clint Garner, so we're going 410 racing. I think that's what Bryan was looking forward to as well."
Was Hesmer looking to come out of retirement? "I have always said with the proper deal, I'd come back," he says. "But I wasn't really looking for one. The circumstances kind of dictated it. Knoxville is 'The Sprint Car Capital of the World' and it's an hour south of Marshalltown, so this is the proper deal for me. Racing is a very serious hobby for me, but not how I make my living. Bryan can work on the cars. That's his full-time job. Had we hired someone like Bryan before I retired, maybe I never would have?"
Something always bothered David about retiring. "I'm proud of all our accomplishments with the wins and the Nationals, but I never liked the way we went out…hanging upside down in turn two," he says. "I never liked quitting that way. I'd have liked to finish out on top."
David can't wait for April. "I'm just excited to be back," he says. "It wouldn't matter if it was 305, 360 or 410. I'm a little nervous about the 410 class…more horsepower and more torque. If I didn't think I could do it though, I wouldn't. I'm certainly excited, while being cautious and optimistic. I was nervous before any race in the past no matter what night it was. I certainly think I get around Knoxville pretty well, and I'm looking forward to doing it again."
He acknowledges there will be some rust at first. "Hopefully, it comes back to me pretty quick," says David. "I don't want to think it's as easy as riding a bicycle, but I hope to get back into that form, quicker rather than later. I'm also smart enough to know I don't have to set the world on fire the very first lap I'm out there. We'll be aggressive, but cautious at the same time. To me it's about being consistent for 25 laps and not spectacular for two or three laps."
The Knoxville Raceway season opener is April 20.
David and the BDS Motorsports team would like to thank: Action Auto Parts, JaFar Lawn Service, Parker Engines, Maxim Chassis, Super Shox, Champion Brands, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, Astro Titanium, Speedway Motors, Sign Pro of Newton, HRP, KSE Racing Products, FK Rod Ends, Kustom Sprintcar Supply, Fuel Safe, Hoosier Tire Midwest, Simpson Race Products, Sebastian Sandblasting & Powdercoating, Butlerbuilt, Schoenfeld Headers and Red Devil Brakes.
(Dave Hill Photo)
Bill W Media
[email protected]
Twitter: @BillWMedia
Monroe, IA USA
If this post isn't results, stories or something c
constructive, it isn't me!
@BillWMedia
www.OpenWheel101.com
|
