Luke Fenhaus, a standout racer from Wausau, Wisconsin, is preparing to make his NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series debut, driving the No. 5 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Hettinger Racing. This exciting event will take place at the United Rentals 300, held at Daytona International Speedway, marking both Fenhaus’ and Hettinger Racing’s first appearance in NASCAR’s second-tier series.
Progression Through the Ranks Fueling Fenhaus’ Opportunity
Fenhaus has steadily climbed the motorsports ladder, beginning with his success in regional short-track events. Notably, his victory at the 2021 Slinger Nationals led to an invitation to compete in the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) at the renowned quarter-mile track. Since then, he has pursued full-time competition in the ARCA Menards Series East in 2023, alongside part-time starts in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series throughout 2024 and 2025.
Chris Hettinger, owner of Hettinger Racing, praised Fenhaus’ growth and character.
“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,”
Hettinger said.
“Luke belongs in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and we’re proud to have him in our Ford Mustang at Daytona.”
Highlights from Fenhaus’ Recent NASCAR Experiences
In 2025, Fenhaus competed in a dozen NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races with ThorSport Racing, piloting the No. 66 Ford F-150. His standout moment came at Michigan International Speedway, where he earned the pole position and secured a top-10 finish in third place, his best result of the season. The previous year, Fenhaus had finished in the top 10 twice in just three starts, demonstrating his rapid adaptation to national-level competition.
Reflecting on his progression, Fenhaus noted,
“It’s been a steady climb, one step at a time.”
He added,
“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.”
Support System and Expectations for Daytona Debut
Fenhaus’ debut will benefit from the experience of veteran crew chief Joe Williams, Jr., and the backing of Ford Racing, providing a solid foundation for success in this new chapter. Fenhaus expressed gratitude for the guidance and support he has received from his family, partners, and friends throughout his journey.
“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,”
Fenhaus said.
“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.”
Anticipated Impact and Next Steps for Fenhaus’ Career
The season-opener for the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Daytona International Speedway is scheduled for Saturday, February 14, at 5:30 PM ET. The race will be broadcast on The CW, Motor Racing Network, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90, providing widespread exposure for Fenhaus and Hettinger Racing. This debut represents a pivotal moment as Fenhaus transitions from regional success to competing on a larger national stage, signaling potential for continued advancement within NASCAR’s competitive ranks.
