#58 Team History
Team History
Onderko Motorsports began back in 1997, when Justin started racing go-karts. With the help of a high school friend, Justin and his father, Michael, competed in over 80 events- winning 15 of them. During this time Justin, and his team, was laying the foundation for success. Under the direction of his father, Justin learned the “nuts and bolts’ of kart racing. Michael also taught his son that racing of any kind takes money. He taught him that equipment that isn’t torn up, is equipment that doesn’t have to be fixed. Justin learned how to be aggressive while being responsible. The lack of funds meant a 2nd place finish was better than a wrecked go-kart. This mindset would prove invaluable later on.
When the time came to progress upward into the ranks of short track racing, Justin had to make his move count. Late-model type cars called pro-stocks was where the team was headed next. As the car got bigger so did the race team. Now resembling a more traditional team, they set up a brand new shop in 2002. As is with many teams, all the members were friends and family, and each loved racing. The strength of this new team would be tested right away. The car was destroyed in its first race out. Over the next two weeks, the car was completely rebuilt and ready for action. The next years proved very successful for Onderko Motorsports. A 4th place finish in points and the title of “Rookie of the Year” with a feature win was had in 2003. “Rookies” was a fitting title for this group, for the average age of its 7 members was just over 18 years old. Being so young and able to run up front, Onderko Motorsports was never very popular with its competition. Certainly not record setters or headline grabbers, the team quietly made a bid for the 2004 championship. Although they came up just a little bit short of their goal, Onderko Motorsports finished 2nd that year in points. One thing was certain, they were ready for more.
In 2005 Justin went to work for Bobby Gerhart Racing. He knew if he wanted to progress in the sport, he would have to learn from one of ARCA’s best. Gerhart, who started much like Justin did, is the only driver to win 5 Daytona ARCA 200’s. Justin did his best to parlay the knowledge he was learning at BGR to his own team. A team that was more than anxious to get back on track.
In 2008, the Onderko Motorsports team did just that. Taking an old Michael Waltrip bodied Cup car, they set out late-model racing. Competing against cars that were much newer and lighter, Onderko Motorsports was again running near the front. In 2009, Onderko Motorsports was going to run for a late-model championship. Sitting 4th in points a quarter of the way into the year, the team was within striking distance. Then disaster hit, breaking a rearend, transmission, and hurting their engine- all in the same night. Although a devastating blow, Onderko Motorsports once again showed its resolve, they regrouped and reorganized their goals.
Although always watching, Justin’s father was letting his son learn lessons that are often better taught by life itself. Being a team sport, and wanting to go racing himself, Michael brought about the opportunity for the team to finish the last couple races of the year. Armed with the resources they needed, Onderko Motorsports was back on track for 2 big races at year’s end.
Enter current owners Joe Polny and Tiffany Harmon. Having raced against Onderko Motorsports, they knew how much drive the team had, and just how much luck they hadn’t had all year. In a conversation in passing at the NELMA 100, Justin and Joe were talking about 2010 plans. This turned into Justin partnering with Joe Polny and Tiffany Harmon. Joe and Tiffany owned several late-models, and more than several race wins. The only thing that both teams lacked was a championship, and both teams wanted one badly.
Learning to work together, the team readied a late-model for the 2010 season, and opening day took home the first of 13 top 5 finishes. As the season progressed, the team continued to gel, and the strong runs continued as well. With Justin behind the wheel, and Joe serving as crew chief on the #58, a championship was looming in the distance. Solid and steadfast, the team kept churning out consistent race cars. All of the lessons, the hard ones and the good ones, that were learned over the years helped propel this team towards its championship. Patience, thoroughness, and the constant drive to be the best- never accepting anything less than their very best- this team took home its first championship.
It is said, that all of the talent in the world can only get you so far. The Onderko Motorsports team is extremely talented, but they won’t let anyone out work them either. Where this team goes is yet to be seen, but one thing remains- they will find a way to get to the front.
Comments on this entry are closed.