CONCORD, N.C. – Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series regular Hudson O’Neal is in search of a ride after announcing he is parting ways with SSI Motorsports.
The team informed O’Neal Monday that they would not be fielding a dirt late model team next year, meaning the 2017 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Year would have to find a new car to drive.
“As a lot of you are aware, I have been driving for SSI Motorsports and Todd Burns for the last four years,” O’Neal said. “It has been a pleasure working with such an amazing car owner and all the people that surround that program. I’m saddened to inform that SSI Motorsports and myself will be parting ways after Charlotte and will no longer be racing together for the 2020 season. The motorsports stable will not be fielding a race car next year and they have decided to step away. I am grateful for every minute I have been able to spend with the Burns family and the whole Sub-Surface of Indiana operation. I have built many friendships that will last a lifetime.”
O’Neal started driving a crate late model for the Todd and Vickie Burns-owned team in 2016 before shifting to super late model competition. This year O’Neal and SSI Motorsports have entered 75 events, earning five wins along the way. He finished seventh in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series standings this year.
O’Neal and SSI Motorsports plan to enter one final race together – the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series portion of the Can-Am World Finals at The Dirt Track at Charlotte on Nov. 7-9.
“My 2020 plans are yet to be determined, as I am searching for a new opportunity in the dirt late model community,” O’Neal said. “I want to thank everyone that has made these last four years possible and all the amazing sponsors I have had that helped me live my dream. I also want to thank every single one of my awesome fans that support me. I am far from done and I hope for an opportunity soon.”