ARCA: Rudy's Farm, Dodson, and Owens Re-unite in Atlanta

10 November 2000

HAMPTON, GA - For Trent Owens and Barry Dodson, the upcoming Atlanta ARCA race is all about family. It marks an opportunity for Dodson and his stepson Owens to work together and share family values and memories.

Owens, nephew of racing great Richard Petty, will drive the #37 Rudy's Farm blue and white Pontiac in the upcoming Georgia Boot 400, November 18. Owens grew up on fresh Rudy's Farm country sausage, and is proud to be associated with the company today.

Dodson, part owner of Eel River Racing, and Owens, together as car owner and driver for the first time, will be racing from more than pride or experience at the Atlanta Speedway. They will be racing for family.

"You know, it seems silly. I've won a Winston Cup championship, but running my stepson in the ARCA race has made me happier than almost anything I've done," said Dodson, who won a title with Rusty Wallace in 1989 and now works for Winston Cup driver Mike Bliss.

Owens comes from a family with deep roots in the racing community. He's been associated with numerous triumphs and tragedies. "A lot of times, I feel like I race in their name," Owens said. "They're always with me, all of them. So if you see me talking to the sky, don't worry." But even at 25, Owens is old enough to know that racing alone isn't enough. He dreams of making it to Winston Cup, but he would be satisfied with a successful career in the Busch Series. To him, winning just isn't everything.

"I've already found out the important things in life, and it's not the money, and it's not the success," Owens said. "Someday, I'm going to have a family, and I'm going to take time for that family, because I know it can go away as quickly as it comes." .

Text provided by Rick Carpenter

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