O’Neal is now looking for a new ride
SSI Motorsports shut down their operation at the end of the 2019 racing season. Hudson O’Neal was left without a ride and he went on a search for a new seat to start the 2020 season.
The now 19-year-old picked up five wins in the course of the 2019 season.
At the same time, his father, Don O’Neal was also on the search for a new ride. He began discussing a partnership with MasterSbilt Race Cars, who operate out of the same state, Indiana.
MasterSbilt was ready to start up their house car program and head out on the national tour.
The deal turned into a part time ride for Don O’Neal. Hudson O’Neal would pilot a full time ride for the manufacture on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series.
In February, Hudson O’Neal was injured in a crash at East Bay Raceway Park. He returned to the seat in late April of this year.
Together, the team has run 25 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series events in 2020. Their best effort was a 5th place run at Muskingum County Speedway in July.
Recently, O’Neal finished 12th at Farley (300 Raceway) and 13th at Granite City (Tri-City Speedway).
Over the weekend, Hudson O’Neal failed to transfer into the Show-Me 100 at Lucas Oil Speedway, a race paying $20,000. He was then absent from the race at the same track on Sunday.
Rumors began to fly as the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series is set to head north for Nebraska’s I-80 Speedway.
Those rumors are true. Hudson O’Neal has confirmed that he and MasterSbilt Race Cars have parted ways, effective immediately.
Hudson O’Neal statement on MasterSbilt
“As it is already out that mastersbilt and I have decided to part ways I just wanted to give everyone an update! Mastersbilt race cars is ran by an awesome family with the best of intentions for myself and their business,” Hudson O’Neal said in a statement via social media.
“We have had an awesome time running up and down the road this year! Our finishes have showed none of the dedication the masters family has to the sport!”
“I have nothing lined up as to where I will be racing in the coming weeks but will hopefully have something to race to keep me busy for the next couple weeks to keep me going until we can find something more permanent!”
Hudson concluded, “I thank all the fans and sponsors that have supported this year of racing thus far! We will be back soon better than ever! Make sure to visit our website for updates and remaining apparel at a discounted rate!”
O’Neal is the 2017 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Year winner.
Links
Hudson O’Neal | MasterSbilt Race Cars | Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
