Hodges donates winnings to Marine Corps’ Wound Warriors program

Steven Blakesley / Bobby Hodges Racing

Carson City, NV – 19 year old NASCAR Whelen All-American Series driver Bobby Hodges of Carson City, NV presented a check for $1,750 to the USMC Wounded Warrior Regiment last Tuesday afternoon.

The $1,750 represented all of Hodges’ winnings in the three Tri-Holiday Series races at All American Speedway in Roseville, Calif. Hodges amassed finishes of first, second, fourth, sixth, and third in that series.

The presentation was made to Lance Cpl. Matt Thomasson, Sgt. Matt Steurer and Sgt. Chris Allworth.

Hodges explained some of the current technology used in his Western Late Model race car is also used in the Combat Tactical Vehicle Technology demonstrator built by the Nevada Automotive Test Center.  The vehicle is a prototype as a possible replacement for the Humvee that the branches of the Military currently use. 

Aa Cal Poly San Luis Obispo student in Mechanical Engineering, Hodges works not only on his race car but also on new military vehicle system designs.

“Safety for the Marines is so important,” said Hodges. “In a race car it is critical to have the best possible control to quickly react to events on the track.  That same hardware and technology can provide protection and can help the driver react quickly to events when operating a military vehicle.”

Hodges has raced in support of the United States Marine Corps and the American Cancer Society in honor of Colin Ashmore throughout his four year NASCAR career and has earned a top-ten finishes in 75% of his career starts to date.

When not in school he works practicing engineering at the race shop or the test center.  He plans to get his degree in engineering and hopes to move his racing career forward to the top levels in NASCAR racing.

After competing in his final points race of the 2009 racing season at All American Speedway on Saturday, Hodges ended up third in the Westcar Late Model Series.

“It was a good learning season,” Hodges said. “We had a 2007 used-car to replace my dad’s 16 year old race car.  It took a little time to find the set up that would work and unfortunately we got caught up in some wrecks which set us back at the start of the season.  But we finished strong and had two wins in a really competitive field so we are looking forward to next season.” 

He will be competing at Toyota Speedway in Irwindale, CA in early October and late January in hopes of gaining more exposure for his racing operation.

Race fans can learn more about Bobby Hodges at www.bobbyhodges.net

Bobby Hodges Racing is currently looking for sponsorship for the 2010 racing season. Potential sponsors can contact Steven Blakesley at (916) 316-4854.