For more than four decades, Henderson Motorsports relied on Charlie Henderson’s steady guidance to compete in NASCAR’s toughest arenas. From part-time Truck Series efforts to underdog flashes at superspeedways, his hand shaped every move the Virginia-based No. 75 team made. After Henderson’s passing in June, questions swirled about whether the family-run operation could endure. Tributes filled the garage while uncertainty loomed, but weeks later a clear path forward emerged, driven by the same family determination that Charlie championed for years.
Key Highlights
- Charlie Henderson’s passing in June left Henderson Motorsports’ future uncertain.
- Children Don “Donnie” Henderson and Debbie Henderson-Creasy now lead team operations.
- Don handles competitive duties at the track while Debbie manages logistics and travel.
- Parker Kligerman delivered a 14th-place finish in the Bristol Truck Series race.
- Charlie’s name now appears above the No. 75 driver’s window as a lasting tribute.
Family Steps Forward
Henderson Motorsports briefly paused competition after Charlie Henderson’s death, a break that underscored the challenge of continuing without its founder. Yet the family quickly affirmed their commitment. Don Henderson, known as Donnie, took on the competitive side of operations, traveling with the team and helping at the track.
“I travel with the team, I go to the races, and I try to help as much as I can.” – Don Henderson
Debbie Henderson-Creasy assumed responsibility for behind-the-scenes logistics, managing everything from race credentials to travel. Her new role carries both practical and emotional weight.
“The first race at Bristol without him, I wore his jacket. It was really hard. He had always been there.” – Debbie Henderson-Creasy
The legacy of @HendersonTrucks continues on through the work of Charlie Henderson's daughter and son, Debbie and Don Henderson.https://t.co/rflSFaX3Q0
— Frontstretch (@Frontstretch) September 18, 2025
Honoring a Legacy
The siblings’ approach is rooted in their father’s perseverance and love for racing. Charlie’s name now sits above the driver’s window of the No. 75 Chevrolet, a quiet yet powerful reminder of his influence on the team’s identity. Deb voiced their shared motivation.
“My dad never quit … he never threw in the towel … we hope we make him proud.” – Debbie Henderson-Creasy
For a family-run outfit long viewed as an underdog, such symbolism reinforces the mission to keep Henderson Motorsports competing with grit and purpose.
Bristol Showdown
With leadership in place, the team focused on the demanding half-mile of Bristol Motor Speedway. Parker Kligerman returned to the No. 75 truck aiming for a clean night. Starting deep in the field, he methodically worked through traffic as cautions reshuffled positions. By the final stage, he secured a spot just outside the top ten and crossed the finish line in 14th place.
“We did the best we could with what we had.” – Parker Kligerman
The result was not the dramatic statement of a win, but for a small team managing change, it represented stability and proof of resilience.
Building for What’s Next
Looking ahead, Henderson Motorsports faces the dual challenge of maintaining financial health and finding speed against larger organizations. Don’s trackside involvement ensures competitive focus, while Deb’s management sustains day-to-day operations.
Their goal is to turn nights like Bristol into consistent top-ten performances, slowly rebuilding momentum that can carry the team into bigger opportunities. Every race now doubles as a tribute to their father’s vision and as a step toward future competitiveness.
News in Brief: Henderson Motorsports Carries On After Founder’s Passing
Weeks after Charlie Henderson’s June passing, Henderson Motorsports confirmed that his children Don and Debbie now guide the Virginia-based team. Don manages trackside operations while Debbie oversees logistics, honoring their father’s relentless spirit. Parker Kligerman’s 14th-place Bristol finish demonstrated stability as the team moves forward. Charlie’s name on the No. 75 Chevrolet serves as a constant reminder of his impact. Support the Henderson family’s journey and cheer for the No. 75 as it strives for stronger finishes and a lasting NASCAR presence.
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