The Wooster, OH driver is enjoying every night at the track heading into the event he craves the most
Sheldon Haudenschild couldn’t have picked a better time to ride one of the best stretches of his career.
The Sprint Car world has converged on Rossburg, OH’s Eldora Speedway for the 43rd running of the Kings Royal, and Haudenschild is operating at a level above the rest. He’s taken the KCP Racing No. 18 to four victories in the last eight World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series races and 10 podiums over the last 13 Features. Outside of a night he got upside down, his average finish over that stretch is an impeccable 2.17.
So, what’s been going right that’s allowed Haudenschild to go on such a tear during his first season with the Matt Barbara and Bret Nehring-owned operation? It starts with simply enjoying the experience.
“I’m honestly just having fun and pretty stress free,” Haudenschild said. “I don’t really pay attention to the stretch of anything. I just kind of take it night by night, just stay focused each night and try to be fast right off the get go. Even if we get behind a little bit, I just try to make the most of it and keep going forward.”
But it’s a lot more than fun that makes a Sprint Car go fast. It’s a puzzle that must be put together. Haudenschild’s longtime crew chief Kyle Ripper made the move to KCP with him. Adam Clark has been a part of the organization for multiple years and continues to be an important piece. They added Dauson Heitritter for 2026. This group has taken little time to gel and are riding momentum into the Kings Royal.
Like most “Buckeyes” born in the Sprint Car world, Haudenschild’s ties to Eldora trace back to his earliest days. He grew up watching his father carve a legacy on the high banks of “The Big E.” Jac racked up nine of his 72 World of Outlaws victories at the Rossburg, OH track. The “Wild Child” is also a three-time Kings Royal champion. Fast forward to present day, and the fanbase Jac built thanks to his daring driving style now cheer for Sheldon as he cements his own place in the sport’s history.
“Eldora, I just grew up going there watching my dad,” Haudenschild said. “The fans have always been such a big part of it for my dad, and just to see them support me is awesome.”
The connection between Haudenschild and the iconic 1/2 mile has only grown as the years pass by. He’s picked up a pair of victories there, but the Kings Royal has eluded him thus far. He’s been in the top five four times, highlighted by an eighth to second drive in the 37th running. The hunger for the crown grows with each passing July. It’s the race he wants more than any other.
“For me, it is my Knoxville Nationals in a sense,” Haudenschild said of the Kings Royal. “It’s the race I want to win the most. They’re doing a great job there. They’ve got the pay up. It’s a big week of racing. It’s not like the Knoxville Nationals where it’s a prelim night and a night off. It’s full tilt for four nights straight. It’s just a lot of work too. It’s hot, and things can go downhill really quickly there. I’ve been on both sides of it at Eldora. It’ll teach you really quick. You’ve got to respect that place.”
The stage is set. Eldora awaits. Thousands of passionate fans that would erupt if Haudenschild were to win await. He may be looking at his best shot yet at being crowned King this weekend at “The House that Earl Built.” Haudenschild is ready to go out and do what he’s been doing – have fun.
“I think I’m just in a spot right now where I am having a lot of fun, and I think it shows on the racetrack,” Haudenschild said. “I’ve always known I’m capable. It’s just putting the pieces together and having the right people around you and all the right parts and pieces. It takes a village to run at the top level every single night. I think that’s what showing here at the 18 team. We’ve got a great group of people, a great group of sponsors. It’s just really enjoyable for me to show up at the races.”
Haudenschild and the KCP Racing crew take on Eldora Speedway’s 43rd Kings Royal this weekend (July 17-18) with a shot to win $200,000. For tickets, CLICK HERE.
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