Brady Bacon Racing is thrilled to announce that Billy Lawhead has joined the team for the 2024 season. Lawhead will be a key component in Bacon’s quest for a 5th USAC National Sprint Car title in the Dynamics Inc. Hoffman Auto Racing 69 and lend support as the squad pursues an ambitious wing schedule in the TKH Motorsports 21H.
Billy and Brady have a long history dating back nearly 30 years. They both grew up watching their fathers, Ronnie Lawhead and Leon Bacon, race in the Tulsa area. They traveled and raced together in their early teens and also competed against each other in micro sprints.
Simply put, both men have enjoyed a successful motorsports career. Dubbed “The Kingmaker” Lawhead has played pivotal roles in the development of both Christopher Bell and, most recently, Ryan Timms. Make no mistake about it, Bacon is convinced that Lawhead can be the key ingredient in what he hopes is a record setting year. “I am the most excited that I have ever been,” Bacon says. “Billy Lawhead is my childhood best friend, and he was the best man in my wedding. We both learned under my dad.”
When Lawhead reflects on his time with fellow Oklahoman Ryan Timms he notes, “Eight years together in motorsports is a long go, and I loved it, and it was successful. I am so happy for Ryan and his family given where he is at and what is to come.” Yet it was time to make a change, and he is eager to take on a new challenge. Transitions can be hard, but he has landed in familiar circumstances. “This makes me feel comfortable because it is family,” Lawhead says, “Brady and I grew up together and our families are still close. Our personalities are a lot alike so it will be an easy fit. I’m pumped. It has never aligned where he needed someone, and I needed something to do.”
For Bacon there is unfinished business at hand, and by the end of the 2023 campaign he knew his team needed a spark. He feels he has found it. Lawhead will join a solid group that includes veteran Matt Hummel who returns as crew chief. Also on board is Jamey Neeley, a former firefighter with past racing and automotive experience. Bacon knows he is fortunate to have a veteran and seasoned team behind him.
Lawhead is also convinced that all the pieces are in place for Brady to get back to the top step on the podium. He realizes that Bacon’s talent and temperament explain why he already has four USAC titles on his resume and he is poised to help his friend add to that record. “We are obviously capable,” Billy says, “We have everything we need to do it. We just need to put everything together. It’s not easy but it is easier than starting from scratch.”
One thing is for certain. Bacon and Lawhead are ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work.
- Xia Xianna Baker on Feb 07, 2024
- Article Date: 2/7/2024 by Patrick Sullivan, PhD