USAR: Holman, Henderson Motorsports join series

Holman, Henderson Motorsports find fun, future in Pro Cup

Abingdon, Va., team geared up for run at Miller Lite Rookie Title

Myrtle Beach, S.C.-The Hooters Pro Cup Series has long been tabbed as a throwback series. It's a place filled with short tracks, hard-nosed racers and fan interaction. The sights and sounds remind everyone of the roots of racing.

Over the years, the grassroots appeal has attracted a virtual "Who's Who" list of short-track greats. Each race pits Snowball Derby, ASA and Weekly Racing Champions, Busch Series winners and future Sunday racers against each other on bullrings across the country. The allure always brings new drivers to the fray each year, and Caleb Holman is happy to be the newest.

"[The Hooters Pro Cup Series] is like going to the Martinsville Late Model race, except you're doing it all year," said Holman, who will compete in the Southern Division in '07. "Sometimes I don't think people understand how tough the series is."

Holman does, but he's ready for the challenge.

Last season, Holman ran a handful of events and finished a season-high fifth at Hickory, picking up Miller Lite Rookie of the Race honors. Despite the early success, Holman remains cautiously optimistic about his rookie campaign.

"I think we're going to be better this year," said Holman. "Our car was really good on the long runs last year, but we need to qualify better. We've got a new Laughlin car ready, and I think that will help. I'm not going to say we're going to win races; I try not to think of it like that. We just need to work hard and see what happens. It's racing, and a lot of things can happen."

Not matter what the outcome, Holman and team owners Charlie and Don Henderson are just happy to return to their roots.

"When we ran Hickory last year, my team owners told me everything reminded them of the way racing used to be," said Holman. "It was fun again, and we're looking forward to a full season of that this year."

Holman's car will remind longtime race fans of years gone by as well. The Abingdon, Va., driver will pilot the always-popular No. 75s Food Country Chevrolet.

"I remember that car and the No. 4 (Morgan-McClure) being around when I was growing up," said Holman. "It's going to be great to drive the [No.] 75 Food Country car next year and be part of that history."

Holman is the latest driver to join the ever-growing Miller Lite Rookie of the Year class. To date, over 20 new rookies have registered for the upcoming season, including Holman's unofficial teammate, Wade Day. The competition is stout, but just the way he wants it.

"You've got guys like Bobby Gill and Gary St. Amant that have won in everything they've been in," said Holman. "If you can come in and run with those guys, you've done something."

-credit: usar