2014 in the Rearview for Chris Hacker
One Win in CRA Late Model Sportsman, limited appearances in JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour in preparation for 2015
(Special from Chris Hacker Motorsports)
November 5, 2014
Noblesville, Indiana (November 6, 2014) – Chris Hacker began the 2014 season with
the goal of becoming a CRA Vore’s Sportsman Series champion to follow up his
Rookie of the Year trophy in 2013. But, the 2014 season would be best remembered
for what Hacker did off the track as the young racer showed his maturity and began
the “24 Kids to Camp” campaign. The goal was simple… raise enough money to
send 24 kids with brachial plexus injuries to a special camp held in Missouri each
September. And, he did just that raising $2424 by making appearances and selling
limited edition t-shirts. The United Brachial Plexus Network (UBPN) presented
Hacker with the 2014 National Youth Determination Award for his efforts.
The 2014 racing season could not have started any better for Hacker with a victory
in the first race of the season at Anderson Speedway in Anderson, Indiana. He
carried that momentum to Lucas Oil Raceway finishing with a solid 8th place finish.
Afteranother top 10 finish at Anderson, Isaac Newton made his presence felt, “What
goesup, must come down.” Hacker got caught up in a series of accidents being in
the right place, but at the wrong time leading to 16th and 19th place finishes in
races four and five.
Race number six at Angola Motorsport Speedway in Angola, Indiana was a scene
right out of NASCAR. Hacker started 5th and fell back to 8th conserving his tires
in the 50 lap event. He began making his move on lap 36 and within nine laps
Hacker was running 4th. Hacker moved to the inside off turn 4 to pass when the
2nd and 3rd place drivers touched causing one car to veer left and crash into
Hacker’s right side. The damage sustained from the crash could not be repaired in
the remaining laps leading to a 12th place finish.
Hacker suffered motor issues in the next race at Winchester Speedway, but a return
to Anderson could be the opportunity to turn things around. Starting 11th, Hacker
was wasting no time in marching to the front, but a victory was taken away when a
driver sent Hacker’s car hard into the outside wall in turn 4. The next few weeks
would be spent repairing the car and taking time to attend the UBPN camp in
Missouri.
Hacker returned to the track in the CRA finale at Winchester. He returned to the
track confident and focused. The New Stars event on Friday night proved to be a
long night of rain delays and track drying efforts, but when the green flag fell Hacker
was on his game. He qualified 2nd and started 7th after the inversion. It was
obvious Hacker was on a mission, but fell just short of a victory with a 2nd place
finish. The stage was set for the Saturday main event and everyone had their eye
on the number 24 car. Qualifying 7th and starting 4th after the inversion, Hacker was
biding his time and staying away from trouble. On lap 12, the front right hub bearing seized causing him to spin. The crew went to work, but only managed to finish two more laps leading to a disappointing 25th place finish.
Hacker said, “2014 was the most frustrating season after starting with a win. I am looking forward to moving up to the CRA All-Stars Series in 2015 and going for Rookie of the Year. I will continue to raise money and awareness for brachial plexus injuries by sending at least 24 Kids to Camp. I would like to thank my parents and sponsors, Phantom Racing Gear, TJ Lubricants, Motion Motors, McGunegill Engine Performance, Advanced Racing Suspensions, Scott Neal Racing, Passion-Driven Photography, PGG Enterprises, and Dog Dayz for their support. Also, students from Indiana University at Indianapolis (IUPUI) took on the marketing and public relations role for me and did a fantastic job. Hopefully, all of my sponsors will return for the 2015 season and we can add a much needed primary sponsor. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter… there will be some surprises and special events for my fans!”
