Luke Fenhaus, the talented driver from Wausau, Wisconsin, will make his highly anticipated NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series debut on February 14 at the United Rentals 300, hosted at the iconic Daytona International Speedway. This marks a significant milestone in his career and for Hettinger Racing, which is also making its first appearance in the series at this renowned Florida venue. Fenhaus’s journey to the start line is a showcase of determination and progression, and his presence in Daytona brings added energy to the racing scene while placing a spotlight on his earlier achievements.
Path to Daytona: Fenhaus’s Racing Journey
At only 21 years old, Luke Fenhaus has already made a mark in the world of short-track racing, moving up steadily from victories in Late Model racing. Driving the No. 5 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, Fenhaus will represent Hettinger Racing—a team embarking on its own debut in the O’Reilly Series at Daytona. The team’s owner, Chris Hettinger, has watched Fenhaus’s ascent firsthand, believing the young racer’s skills and learning mindset make him a natural fit for the national circuit.
“My background is in Late Model racing and I’ve seen Luke’s development in real time. He’s smart, he takes care of his equipment, he learns quickly and, ultimately, he wins,”
said Chris Hettinger, team owner.
“Luke belongs in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and we’re proud to have him in our Ford Mustang at Daytona.”
Breakthrough Moments and Early Successes
Fenhaus’s motorsports journey gained serious momentum in 2021, when at 17, he became the youngest winner of the prestigious Slinger Nationals. That victory propelled him onto the national stage and earned him a coveted starting spot in the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) event held at Slinger Speedway. During this high-profile televised event, Fenhaus started in second, led the pack a remarkable 18 times, and completed the race as runner-up, narrowly beaten by IndyCar driver Marco Andretti and fending off three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart.
Reflecting on that turning point, Fenhaus said,
“Winning the Slinger Nationals and getting that SRX invite was a game changer. It put me on peoples’ radar and helped open some doors. I worked hard to make the most of it.”
Building a Strong Racing Resume
The 2021 season proved to be a banner year for Fenhaus, who claimed not only the Slinger track championship but also the Rookie of the Year title at the same time. His success continued with the Kulwicki Driver Development Program championship. The following year, he topped the leaderboard again by winning the 2022 CARS Tour Pro Late Model championship, alongside another Rookie of the Year award, further proving his adaptability and competitive prowess.
Scoring Wins in ARCA and Truck Series
Fenhaus transitioned into the ARCA Menards Series in 2023, where he won his third start at the Music City 200 in Nashville and followed that up with a victory at the Calypso 150 in Iowa. Over just eight ARCA starts, he consistently performed, recording five top-three finishes and maintaining a strong average finish of 6.1. In 2024, Fenhaus entered the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, debuting with a tenth-place result at Worldwide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois. Over three Truck Series races that year, he shone, most notably with a pole win and a career-best third-place finish at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, setting the stage for a full 12-race campaign in 2025.
“It’s been a steady climb, one step at a time,”
Fenhaus said.
“Late Models are my foundation, ARCA helped me take the next step, and the Truck Series taught me what it takes to compete at a national level. To be making my NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series debut at Daytona is something I’ve worked toward for a long time, and I’m ready for it.”
A Team Effort: Hettinger Racing’s Daytona Venture
Fenhaus credits much of his progress to the support of family, friends, and partners who have helped him at every stage. This Daytona outing also represents a big moment for Hettinger Racing, who have secured a guaranteed spot in the United Rentals 300 by acquiring owner points from the Cope Family Racing No. 70 team. The technical backing from Ford Racing and engines supplied by Roush Yates Engines further strengthen their entry, with Joe Williams Jr. guiding the crew as chief.
“To be at Daytona five years later to make my NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series debut is a testament to the work we’ve put into this – my family, my partners, my friends – they’ve all been so supportive. Chris Hettinger has provided a really great opportunity for me to make the next step in my career and I want to reward his faith with a good, strong run at Daytona,”
Fenhaus remarked.
Looking Forward: United Rentals 300 Schedule and Broadcast
On-track action at Daytona begins with practice for the United Rentals 300 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:20 p.m. EST on Friday, February 13. Qualifying is set for 10 a.m. the following morning, with the main event—a 120-lap race—going green at 5 p.m., aired live on The CW and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. The upcoming race promises not only to spotlight Luke Fenhaus NASCAR debut, but also to gauge the readiness of both Fenhaus and Hettinger Racing as they face a challenging and high-profile test against seasoned teams and competitors. Success here could mark the start of an impactful chapter for a driver and team aligned in their ambition and determination.
