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NASCAR calling teen driver from Franklin

Brandi Gray/Contributed photo Sloan Henderson of Franklin has been selected to participate in NASCAR's Drive for Diversity in North Carolina.

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Franklin driver ready to break into NASCAR

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By Greg Billing, Staff Writer Updated 7:05 AM Thursday, October 15, 2009

FRANKLIN — Sloan Henderson can joke about it now, going from horses to horsepower.

Had it not been for that freak accident six years ago — spooked by a deer, her show horse jumped on Henderson, then fell on her — the 17-year-old from Franklin might never have found what really drives her.

Auto racing.

“I was never really into racing, to be honest with you,” said Henderson, who grudgingly tried the sport at her dad’s request. “I thought it was really stupid because I’d watch it on TV and all they did was go around a big track and turn left and occasionally wrecked.”

Now Henderson calls racing “my passion and my life.” These days NASCAR is calling on Henderson. She is among 30 drivers selected to participate in the Drive for Diversity (D4D) combine, where female and minority drivers compete for NASCAR-sponsored rides in developmental series.

Starting Friday, Oct. 16, Henderson will spend five days in North Carolina participating in the second-year program.

Miamisburg’s Megan Reitenour, 18, also was invited. She participated in the first D4D combine and won a ride for the 2009 season, helping her win Rookie of the Year at Tri-County Speedway in Hudson, N.C.

The combine being in North Carolina is a  good sign for  Henderson.

“This is going to sound kind of strange, but North Carolina has always called me,” said Henderson, who has visited the state to race and has formed friendships there. “When I’m down there it feels like home. It feels like where I’m supposed to be. Racing is my passion and my life. It always seems like there’s some reason to go to Carolina.”

Now she’s hoping there’s a reason to stay, too.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2400, ext. 6991 or gbilling@DaytonDailyNews.com.

Megan Reitenour

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