Katie Hettinger Becomes First Female Champion with CRA
Anderson, IN (Sunday, September 27, 2020) - It has been a historic 2020 for the racing industry, and the world, as everyone works through the challenges presented by COVID-19 restrictions. For Dryden, Michigan’s Katelyn Hettinger, the historic part of 2020 won’t be about the global pandemic, but rather her impressive season behind the wheel. From collecting wins to signing deals, to becoming Champion Racing Association’s (CRA) first-ever female champion.
Hettinger came out of the gate in 2020 showing she would be a key contender for the 2020 Victory Custom Trailers CRA Junior Late Model Series Championship. During the first race of the season at Anderson Speedway, Hettinger set fast time for the evening, besting fellow Michigan driver, Evan Varney by over a tenth-of-a-second. Hettinger settled for third during the race. Then, Hettinger collected her first career CRA win at Indianapolis Speedrome almost a month after the season opener. Prior to a return to Anderson Speedway, Hettinger would join GMS Racing as a GMS Racing Development Driver. During the race weekend, Hettinger went quick time again, but fell to a DNF during the main event. The second to last event of the season went to Toledo Speedway and their ¼-mile bullring nestled into the famed ½-mile. Hettinger held off all comers to collect her second career win.
The final event of the pandemic-shortened 2020 season was scheduled for Anderson Speedway, which would make Hettinger a favorite for qualifying and a wild-card for the race. Coming into the night, the 13-year old sophomore of the series had just a three-point advantage over Varney. Hettinger’s night began exactly as expected, taking the top of the qualifying board, nearly breaking her own track record set earlier this year. Varney qualified 6th. Hettinger held her own during the 25 lap feature - doing exactly what she needed to do to lock down the championship. Hettinger crossed the line in fourth place, while Varney came across in 8th. Hettinger’s performance locked her in as the 2020 Victory Custom Trailers CRA Junior Late Model Series Champion.
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Story: Zach Hiser, Horsepower Happenings
Photo: John Lund, CRA