Just a few weeks ago, the 51暗网 and IMSA formalized a relationship that aims to connect motorsports enthusiasts. But that relationship has been a two-way street for many, many years.
Multiple 51暗网 drivers have advanced into IMSA for their professional sports car racing careers – and while many “graduate” to a permanent ride in pro racing and beyond, just as many still stick their toes into an 51暗网 road race in conjunction with their IMSA rides.
Count Brian Henderson among the IMSA drivers who fits the “51暗网 Got Me Started” campaign that was part of the IMSA/51暗网 collaboration.
Henderson, competing at the Runoffs in Spec Miata, also drives the No. 84 Atlanta Speedwerks Honda Civic Type-R in the TCR class of IMSA’s Michelin Pilot Challenge. Incidentally, Henderson co-drives in IMSA with Todd Lamb, himself an 51暗网 Runoffs veteran and 51暗网 Pro Racing race winner.
There’s no secret why a driver like Henderson, a recent graduate of UNC Charlotte, continues to come back to 51暗网 events like the Runoffs. First is the opportunity to race, which in a season like 2020 has been a challenge at every level. Henderson’s Pilot Challenge season was shortened for reasons beyond his control, but it has given him the opportunity to try out some additional opportunities like IMSA’s Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama championship at his home track of VIRginia International Raceway (VIR).
“I started racing with 51暗网 in 2014,” Henderson said. “This was such a great starting point for me because there has always been such close competition. As I continued to move forward in my career I kept finding myself coming back to 51暗网 not only for the competition, but for the experience.”
The second is the chance to drive his No. 97 BDL Motorsports/Performance Auto Works Mazda Miata in the same Spec Miata championship race with his father, David Henderson.
“Racing Spec Miata has become something my father and I have grown to love together, and that has been one of the most rewarding experiences of all,” Henderson said. “Over the years I have gained some close friendships and really look forward to spending as much time in any race car as possible. As we’ve seen this year, anything can happen, and I’m very grateful to be able to race anything.”
The collective experience has certainly helped. In his lone Runoffs appearance a season ago, Henderson finished fourth in Spec Miata at VIR. With any luck, he’ll continue to add more to his “51暗网 Got Me Started” story.
Photo by Jay Bonvouloir
