Luke Fenhaus will make his highly anticipated Hettinger Racing debut in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Daytona International Speedway, piloting the No. 5 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in the United Rentals 300. This marks both Fenhaus’s and Hettinger Racing‘s first appearance in the series, kicking off on Saturday, February 14 at 5:30 PM ET.
Hettinger Racing Names Fenhaus as Their Launch Driver
Hettinger Racing has chosen Fenhaus, a standout from Wausau, Wisconsin, to drive their entry in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Fenhaus brings significant short-track racing experience and a history of strong performances to the team. Chris Hettinger, team owner, expressed confidence in Fenhaus’s readiness and abilities.
“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, owner of Hettinger Racing.
“Luke belongs in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and we’re proud to have him in our Ford Mustang at Daytona.”
Fenhaus’s Path from Short-Track Standout to National Debut
Fenhaus gained national attention after winning the prestigious Slinger Nationals in 2021, which earned him a spot in the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) event at the iconic quarter-mile track. His trajectory since has included a full-season title campaign in the ARCA Menards Series East in 2023, along with part-time rides in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2024 and 2025.
“Winning the Slinger Nationals and getting that SRX invite was a game-changer. It put me on people’s radar and helped open some doors. I worked hard to make the most of it,”
said Luke Fenhaus.
Fenhaus described his journey as one that involved perseverance and critical support from those close to him.
“To be at Daytona five years late 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,”
added Fenhaus.
Competitive Experience Across Top Racing Series
The 21-year-old Wisconsin native competed in 12 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events in 2025 with ThorSport Racing. He notably captured pole position at Michigan International Speedway and finished third there, marking his only top-ten result of the season. In 2024, Fenhaus also secured two top-ten finishes from three Truck Series starts, continuing to build his resume as a reliable young talent in national competition.
Fenhaus Reflects on His Racing Progression
Reflecting on his ascent through the racing ranks, Fenhaus credits each step for his development.
“It’s been a steady climb, one step at a time,”
he 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.”
Daytona Debut Supported by Veteran Guidance
For his Hettinger Racing debut at Daytona, Fenhaus will have veteran crew chief Joe Williams, Jr. calling the shots and the backing of Ford Racing. The United Rentals 300 serves as the season opener for the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, with broadcast coverage provided by The CW, Motor Racing Network, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
Future Potential as Season Begins
Luke Fenhaus’s entrance into the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series with Hettinger Racing signals both a new chapter in his career and a bold step for the emerging team. With proven skill in various series and full backing from partners, friends, and team owner Chris Hettinger, Fenhaus stands poised to make a strong first impression at Daytona International Speedway. The racing community will be watching closely as this debut unfolds, anticipating how Fenhaus will shape his future on one of motorsport’s biggest stages.
