It has been nearly five years since he last raced in NASCAR machinery, but fan-favorite Todd Bodine is back. The 57-year-old is coming out of retirement to join Halmar Friesen Racing on a limited Truck Series schedule. In the process, the veteran will become the 28th NASCAR driver to reach 800 starts in the stock car series.
Recently, he spoke about his return for six Truck races. Bodine said, “A couple of the old racers I use to race with were like, ‘You crazy? What are you doing. You don’t need to be racing’. Hanging out there like it is and its 794, to be that close, I just got to do it. I do have to do it now because I am getting older. Reflexes go and the eyesight goes and all that, you just can’t do it. I do need to get it done next year”
What else did the former NASCAR driver say?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The driver confessed that it has been a while since he last raced. Additionally, the trucks are a lot different from when he used to race. To be precise, they rely less on power and more on aerodynamics. Owing to that, it will be a bit of a learning curve for Todd Bodine. He also admitted that he may have a hard time in the simulator, especially in comparison to the other younger drivers.
This announcement also means that Bodine will partner Stewart Friesen’s #52 car. However, his truck racing number is yet to be confirmed for the 2022 season. The last time he raced in the Truck arena was in 2013, while his final NASCAR race was in the 2017 Xfinity Series.
The youngest Bodine revealed that he will likely rely on his own experience and knowledge of the tracks. Once he is able to get the hang of these trucks, Bodine believes that it should become easier.