World of Outlaws in Attica tonight for Brad Doty Classic

By Brian Kollars Cap Henry knows what's coming tonight at Attica Raceway Park when the 32nd annual Brad Doty Classic kicks up some serious dirt. The World of Outlaws are in town, making their first appearance this year in Ohio in one of the state's top sprint car races. "I've raced with them a lot. You have to be on your game the whole night," said Henry, who has won three 410 sprint features this season at Attica. "Those guys live and breathe sprint-car racing. You can't make a mistake and have a good night with them." Henry has had plenty of good nights this year. The 2009 Bellevue High School graduate is the 410 points leader at Attica. He has eight career wins at the track, including an A-Main feature win on July 3 when the All Star Circuit of Champions raced at Attica as part of Ohio Sprint Speedweek. "That was a big deal," said Henry, who won a $1,000 bonus because he defeated the circuit regulars. "I've come close to winning that race but had never done it." Henry, who lives in Republic and manages the Advance Auto Parts store in Bellevue, has made the A-Main at the Doty Classic four times. He finished eighth last year - two spots ahead of 72-time WoO winner Jac Haudenschild. "It's always a good challenge when the Outlaws come to town," Henry said. "It's a big race for the local guys. It'll be tough, but I think a top 5 or top 10 is realistic." The A-Main winner will pocket $10,000 in the Outlaws-sanctioned event. Plenty of big names are expected to compete, including Kyle Larson, who has picked up multiple victories in Ohio this summer. Ten-time Outlaws champion Donny Schatz has won the Doty Classic four times. He's currently second in WoO points behind 2019 series champion Brad Sweet. This year will mark the 15th time the World of Outlaws series has sanctioned the Brad Doty Classic. There have been 23 different winners in the 29 contested Doty features (two have been rained out). There were a limited number of pre-sale general admission tickets available through the World of Outlaws at worldofoutlaws.com or at atticaracewaypark.com on Monday. Also, anyone can purchase a pit pass on race day starting at 3 p.m. Qualifying is at 6:15 with racing at 7:30. Brock Zearfoss from Jonestown, Pa., took advantage last year when leader Aaron Reutzel suffered mechanical issues with 12 laps to go to take the $10,000 payday. Henry, who raced last weekend in Portsmouth, Ohio, and Sharon, Pa., joined Lane Racing in Armada, Mich., in 2017. He won in his second night with the team, at Fremont Speedway, and enjoys racing in the No. 4 Beer Barrel Bourbon sprint car. "We just kind of bounce around and drive wherever. It's been a really good start to the season," Henry said. "The team's working really well together. Everyone knows what their job is. It makes going to the track easier because everyone is focused on a goal." Henry's crew chief is Zack Myers, a Clyde native. Bellevue and Clyde on the same team? "We grew up racing go-karts together," Henry said. "It was easy for us to mesh because we've been friends for a long time." Henry, who turns 30 on Sunday, started racing go-karts at age 5 and turned his first laps in a 305 sprint car in 2005 at Sandusky Speedway when Craig and Les Mintz let him use one of their older cars. After a couple practice sessions, the teenager raced in a weekend competition at the paved oval. "It was a huge deal and a huge learning experience. It was so much fun," Henry said. "I want to say we finished 13th or 14th. We made some real good laps and had some speed." Henry has raced four years with the All Star Circuit of Champions and was the series rookie of the year in 2010. He said he wouldn't mind trying the All Star Circuit again, or even the Outlaws, but he's happy with what he's doing regionally. "I have a really good team and enjoy the family atmosphere," said Henry, whose given name is William Henry III. The family's first William Henry was a captain in the United States Air Force, which is why the young driver goes by Cap. Brad Doty Classic winners since 2000 At Attica2000 - Kelly Kinser2001 - Danny Smith 2002 - Alvin Roepke2003 - Dean Jacobs2004 - Greg Wilson2005 - Stevie Smith At Limaland2006 - Joey Saldana2007 - Jac Haudenschild2008 - Jason Meyers2009 - Steve Kinser 2010 - Dale Blaney 2011 - Donny Schatz2012 - Kerry Madsen2013 - Donny Schatz 2014 - Paul McMahan2015 - Rained Out At Attica2016 - Donny Schatz 2017 - David Gravel2018 - Donny Schatz 2019 - Brock Zearfoss