LUCAMA, NC – 2005 Southern National Motorsports Park track champion Brandon Head is heading back to the high banks for the first time since 2007. Head will compete in the Howell Racing Products Charger feature in Saturday’s Whelen Spring Fling presented by Thrifty Tire Service Center.
The 40-year-old from Goldsboro was brought back to the track by fellow Goldsboro resident and former racer Jack Newsome. Newsome got in touch with Head about having him run a Charger car this weekend in hopes of getting it shaken down for his son, Dylan, to eventually compete in.
“We’ve always been friends,” Head said. “I drove his car before one time and he’s got a son, Dylan, that’s in the Mini-Stocks that’s going to be moving up to the Charger division. He talked to me about putting a car together and getting it dialed in for him. We’ve got some things in the works in the future, hopefully, on my end. Jack Newsome gave me an opportunity and I’m very thankful for it.”
While conventional wisdom says Head should be the guy to beat with all his success and experience at Southern National, conventional wisdom does not always fit. It has been just a little over a decade since Head last competed in a full-size car at Southern National and the competition in the Charger division will be tough.
“Very good talent in this division,” Head explained. “My nephew, Michael O’Brien, he’s on top of his game. There are a lot of good guys and good cars. It is tough when you’ve been out for a long time. Things have changed so much with the track. None of it’s the same. People expect you to do well because we always ran well in the past but, that was then and this is now.”
While it has been a long time, Head still has the same goal any other racer has – winning.
“We’re just looking to come out here, have fun, make laps and play the cards dealt to us,” Head continued. “It would be awesome to get a win, no doubt. But, if we run top-five, I’d be pleased. It ain’t going to be easy, that’s for sure.”
Since his last appearance at Southern National, Head has been competing in kart racing off-and-on.
“We travel all around the Southeast,” Head remarked. “I have guys running for me. My little boy started and I’m thinking about getting him a Bandolero or Legend or Mini-Cup. With my business and everything, it took me away from it for a little while and, now, it’s something that doesn’t ever go away. Once you do it, you love it. All the guys that have always helped me, they missed it and love it. We all got to talking and that persuaded me to come do it again and it’s been fun.”
Head will compete in the 35 lap Charger feature of the Whelen Spring Fling presented by Thrifty Tire Service Center. Late Model Stock Cars, Mini-Stocks, Legends, Bandoleros and Any Cars will also be in action. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for kids ages 6-12 and kids five and under admitted free. Green flag drops at 7pm.
For more information about Southern National Motorsports Park, check out SNMP’s website at www.snmpark.com, “like” Southern National Motorsports Park on Facebook or “follow” @SNM_Park on Twitter.
