Skip to main content
Join Now
NASCAR Logo

Parker Kligerman gives touching tribute to late Truck Series team owner Charlie Henderson

JHby: Jonathan Howard06/14/25Jondean25
Parker Kligerman Daytona
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

A sad day for Henderson Motorsports. Team owner Charlie Henderson has died. Parker Kligerman is among the many drivers remembering him today. Kligerman drove for Henderson off and on throughout his NASCAR career, winning three races, with two being official.

Earlier this season, Kligerman and Henderson Motorsports earned their third win together at Daytona. However, in post-race inspection, the truck was disqualified.

Following the news of Charlie Henderson’s passing, Kligerman took to social media to pay tribute to his friend and team owner. The two had forged quite a relationship over the last decade.

“Very sad day for this sport and the Henderson family. Charlie, his whole family & this race team have meant so much to me over the last decade. When I first got to Henderson Motorsports, I’ll never forget looking at a banner in their race shop full of the amazing drivers who had driven for them since the 70s. True heroes of the sport.

“I wasn’t sure if my name would make it up on that banner, but by the time we got our first win, I knew I had a home. Charlie and his family In some of my tougher moments in my racing career, have always been there to give me a shot and truly believed in me when many others didn’t. And together we have done some incredible things!”

Here is the full statement from Parker Kligerman. A tough day for the driver, and of course, the entire Henderson family and organization.

Charlie Henderson, longtime team owner, passes away

Charlie Henderson was not only the owner of Henderson Motorsports but also the owner of Food Country USA. The company was often featured on his race trucks throughout the years.

Earlier this season at Daytona, Parker Kligerman won the Truck Series season opener. That win was vacated after a post-race disqualification. Since their debut in 1982, Henderson Motorsports has raced in all levels of NASCAR.

In total, Henderson Motorsports earned five wins, three Xfinity and two Truck Series victories. The organization earned eight pole awards across those two series. WCYB in Virginia reported on his passing.

Charlie Henderson started his NASCAR organization in 1982. That year, Brad Teague drove a combination of Chevy and Pontiac cars. In 1983, Henderson qualified for its first-ever Daytona 500 with Ronnie Hopkins behind the wheel. Morgan Shepherd would make the final Cup start for Henderson at Martinsville in 1984, finishing P26.

It was with drivers like Teague and Rick Wilson that Henderson found its greatest successes in the Xfinity Series. Parker Kligerman won races at Talladega and Mid-Ohio for Henderson in the Truck Series. Of course, he won at Daytona this season, but officially, it doesn’t go into the record books.

Our thoughts are with the Henderson family and NASCAR organization during this difficult time. Charlie Henderson dedicated much of his life to stock car racing and the pursuit of speed and victories. He will be missed.