The Tulsa Shootout is a prestigious event that attracts top racing talent from across the globe. The 40th annual Smiley’s Racing Products Tulsa Shootout, powered by NOS Energy Drink, kicked off on New Year’s Eve. The event featured appearances from NASCAR stars like Christopher Bell, Kyle Busch, and Kyle Larson, who traveled from Australia to race. However, the excitement surrounding these celebrities couldn’t overshadow an unfortunate incident involving a prominent driver.
Anton Hernandez, a well-known figure in sprint racing, made his mark at the Tulsa Shootout, having won a Golden Driller in 2018. Unfortunately, in 2024, Hernandez found himself caught up in a penalty during the event, which he addressed on Twitter. The event, which boasts an impressive 1,855 entries from 438 cities in five countries, had its share of drama. While T.J. Smith secured a Heat Race victory, Hernandez faced an issue during the 24th Heat Race.
Car owner Buddy Lee refused to have the engine of Hernandez’s No. 25A car checked after the race, one of four cars selected for a random tech inspection. The Tulsa Shootout’s official account later posted that the No. 25A car had been disqualified for using an illegal engine. Hernandez, however, responded by clarifying that the car was not his own, and he had simply been given the opportunity to drive it. He emphasized that the engine issue was a decision made by the car owner, not him. Hernandez also confirmed he would focus on his own non-wing car for the remainder of the weekend.
Following this clarification, Tulsa Shootout officials allowed Hernandez to continue racing with his own equipment, enabling him to compete alongside his NASCAR peers. This incident wasn’t the first disqualification at the event, as the Tulsa Shootout has seen previous disqualifications for issues like illegal fuel and failed tire tests.
Hernandez, however, is no stranger to adversity. After winning the POWRI West midget championship in 2015 and the Golden Driller in 2018, his career faced setbacks, and opportunities became scarce. In 2020, Hernandez struggled to secure rides, but team owners Kenny and Margo Baldwin gave him a chance to compete in the Eastern Storm series.
In 2023, Hernandez reflected on his difficult journey in the racing world, acknowledging the brutal nature of the sport. Despite the challenges, he continued to work hard, often putting in 80 to 90 hours a week to make ends meet. Hernandez’s resilience and determination to succeed, even in tough circumstances, remain evident as he pushes forward in his racing career.
