NASCAR News: Hettinger Racing expands into NASCAR with acquisition of Bret Holmes Racing assets
Hettinger Racing will field a CRAFTSMAN Truck Series entry for the remaining two races of the 2024 season. The team purchased assets from Bret Holmes Racing and will have Brett Moffitt behind the wheel of their truck.
Hettinger Racing is a Late Model team owned by Chris Hettinger. The organization has found success in Late Model and has decided to jump up to the NASCAR level. Bret Holmes Racing ceased operations after competing in the first 20 races of the season with the #32 Truck. The team's closure allowed Hettinger to buy their assets.
Moffitt, the 2018 Truck Series champion, will pilot the #4 Victory Custom Trailers Chevrolet this weekend at the Martinsville Speedway and in the season finale race at the Phoenix Raceway. Hettinger Racing's new driver has won 13 Truck Series races, last winning at the Talladega Superspeedway in October 2023.
Hettinger was quoted in Sports Illustrated on Tuesday as saying that now was the time to make the leap to the Truck Series:
"Between the investments I've made over the years in our Late Model program and the opportunity to purchase Bret Holmes Racing, the time was right to grow Hettinger Racing into a team that can further drivers' development by seamlessly transitioning them from Late Models to ARCA to Trucks."
Hettinger Racing plans to continue fielding entries in the zMAX CARS Tour as well as any ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series that best suits them, per a team release.
Hettinger is excited to work with Moffitt in the season's final two races, noting that he's an accomplished driver in the Truck Series and that his experience will help elevate the team ahead of 2025. He added:
"We've had a lot to do in a short period of time to get ready for these last two Truck Series races, and we're confident the effort we're putting in now will pay dividends next year."
Moffitt was quoted in Sports Illustrated, too, praising Hettinger's equipment quality and believes they're capable of great things. The 32-year-old added:
"With his purchase of Bret Holmes Racing, Chris’ operation is scaled up and ready to tackle the Truck Series. I feel like the potential is there, and I’m really looking forward to driving their Chevy and getting Hettinger Racing prepared for next year.”
Bret Holmes Racing announced its closure last week
Bret Holmes Racing issued a statement last week detailing their intentions to shut their doors for the remainder of the 2024 season and have no plans to return in 2025. The team has been fielding Truck Series entries since 2021.
"To all of our fans, sponsors, families – and most importantly our team – we thank you all for the support and commitment shows to BHR around every turn. We appreciate each and every one of you for the roles you plated in making each race day memorable. Following the closing of BHR, Bret Holmes looks to continue racing in the 2025 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series."
BHR featured drivers such as Brett Moffitt, Sam Mayer, and Ty Dillon in entries throughout the 2021 season. Owner Brett Holmes and Connor Mosack both made appearances in the #32 truck through the 2022 season. Holmes took over in 2023 and competed full-time up until the team's closure.