Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, February 11, 1993 TAG: 9302110062
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BOB ZELLER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. LENGTH: Medium
HENSLEY COOLS HEELS, WAITS FOR A CHANCE
For Jimmy Hensley, the 1993 Daytona 500 is like going to the prom without a date.All of his racing friends are glad to see him at Daytona International Speedway. Problem is, he has nothing to do.
So he spends his days wandering through the garages, chatting with old chums when they have the time to talk.
"It's been a long week, I'll say that," the Ridgeway, Va., driver said Wednesday in the Grand National garage. "Right now, I'm just kind of wandering around, talking to people. I feel kind of lost in a way. I hate to barge in on anybody when they're busy. It's a funny feeling."
Until about two weeks ago, Hensley, 47, expected to be driving Cale Yarborough's Ford Thunderbird. He already had his plane tickets and hotel room. He had sent a $900 check to NASCAR for a 1993 license.
Then team owner Bob Whitcomb closed his shop, which put driver Derrike Cope out of a job. And Cope called Yarborough and negotiated Hensley right out.
Whatever deal Cope struck, it did not involve a sponsor. The car remains unsponsored.
"That kind of upset me a little," Hensley said. `I'll get over it. But I really thought there would be a [sponsor] name on the car. Had there been, it would be less painful."
Only 10 days before the firing, the Virginia General Assembly passed a joint resolution commending Hensley's "fine 1992 NASCAR season" and honoring him for `the auspicious beginning of what will be a long and triumphant NASCAR career."
Hensley knew he had to come to Daytona. Things happen quickly in stock car racing. A sudden crash, like the seven-car pileup Wednesday, might force a team to search for a relief driver.
And even if Hensley doesn't run a lap this week, he knows he has to be here simply to be seen.
"You have to make sure they see you and they know you're available. That's about all you can do," Hensley said.
His daily routine this week has been simple - and boring. He comes to the garage in the morning and hangs out for a while. For variety, he'll head out to the pits to watch practice. Then he'll come back to the garage.
On Monday, he played a round of golf. He shot 108. One night, he did a radio show. Tonight, he has an autograph session at an area motel.
His hotel room is near those of his old pit crew, but he largely has left them alone. He doesn't want to get in their way. Hensley knew that his ride with Yarborough for 1993 was on shaky ground because of lack of sponsorship. But he also knew he had done a better job for Yarborough - with four top-10 finishes last year in 22 starts - than any of the five drivers who had shared the ride in 1991.
"Had we gone out and not run well, I wouldn't feel as bad," he said. "I think we would have been better this year. It really takes the wind out of your sails.
"But you just can't sit here and dwell on a lost ride."
Keywords:
AUTO RACING