Joe Henderson III is leaving Bobby Hamilton Racing and the weekly program at the Music City Motorplex to try to take his career to a higher level next season. For the past two years the 19-year-old Franklin driver has competed in the Late Model division at the Motorplex, driving cars built and maintained by BHR. Last week he traveled to North Carolina to meet with some potential new team owners in hope of landing a ride in the ARCA Series and, eventually, in Busch. Henderson’s father, Joe Jr., said no details could be revealed until negotiations are complete. He said his son’s sponsor, Kodak, has agreed to stay with him wherever he races next season. ”We appreciate all that Bobby Hamilton has done for us,” the senior Henderson said, ”but if there is an opportunity for Joe to move up and advance his career, we have to take it.” Hamilton, the reigning NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion, is reorganizing his Mt. Juliet racing operation for the upcoming season. He is searching for a replacement sponsor for his own, and is moving Chase Montgomery into the truck driven by Chad Chaffin. Chaffin lost his sponsor, but Hamilton hopes to be able to keep him at BHR. There is a chance that former Fairgrounds driver Deborah Renshaw will join BHR. Henderson said his son may be making some limited appearances at the Motorplex next season even if he takes on duties in other series. ”Right now, we don’t know for certain what all we’ll be doing,” he said. ”We’re listening to some offers and proposals, and then we’ll sit down and decide what’s best for Joe.”(Tennessean)(12-1-2004)
