Story By: RYAN DELPH / HUDSON O’NEAL RACING – MARTINSVILLE, IN – Following a sixteen-month-stint with Rocket1 Racing that began during the ‘World Finals’ at The Dirt Track at Charlotte in early November 2022, Hudson O’Neal has announced today that he has officially stepped away from Mark Richards Racing Inc.
The partnership with MRRI produced fifteen victories in 2023 – including the famed ‘World 100’ at Eldora Speedway and a $100,000 XR Kokomo win, along with a coveted Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Championship. The pairing then racked up four triumphs, ten Top Fives, and fifteen Top Tens in twenty races during “Speedweeks” to kick off the 2024 campaign, but Hudson made the difficult decision in recent days to exit the cockpit of the #1 machine.
“Without divulging any details, I have decided to part ways with Mark Richards Racing Inc. and Rocket1 Racing,” quoted the third generation driver from Martinsville, Indiana earlier this afternoon via telephone. “As hard of a decision as it was for me to make, I believe this was the best decision for myself. With everything I was able to accomplish within the last year or so with Rocket1, there is no possible way for me not to be thankful for Steve, Sherre, Mark, Danny, Austin, Joel, and everyone back at Rocket Chassis for everything they have done for me. Thank you for your dedication.”
“As for my future plans, I really don’t have any at this point in time,” O’Neal went on to say. “I am certain I will be back on the track again soon, but no concrete plans are in place moving forward. I also can’t thank all of my loyal fans enough for the continued support. Next weekend at Brownstown Speedway during the Indiana Icebreaker, I will be doing something huge to give back to all involved. We will keep everyone updated on any future racing plans on social media and our website!”