Cars, Wedding, Daytona All on Tom Hessert's Mind

Tom Hessert is tight-lipped when asked about his plans for the 2012 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards season, but he promises to be at Daytona International Speedway for the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 on February 18.

After finishing sixth in points in 2011 but a disappointing 37th at Daytona, Hessert is vowing to be stronger next month. 

"I'm definitely planning on returning to the ARCA Racing Series in 2012," said Hessert, who completed just 52 of 80 laps in last year's season opener. "Whether it's full-time or on a part-time basis is yet to be sorted out. But I can tell you I'll be at Daytona in February, so definitely looking forward to that. We didn't have a real good Daytona last year, so definitely looking to come out this year on the better end."

For now, Hessert's focus is on work for the Classic Auto Group in his hometown, Cherry Hill, N.J.

"I do most of the wholesale stuff for Classic Auto Group - buy cars for resale while we, at the same time, sell our aged inventory to make way for the newer stuff," he said. "In terms of what we buy, it could be anything from a Ferrari to a Ford F-150, so a pretty wide range."

Another vow the driver will make will come this autumn, as he marries fiancee Meghan Reilly.

"I'm getting ready to get married in November, so I've been trying to help Meghan with wedding plans."

Between preparation for Daytona, business, and his bride-to-be, there's little doubt Hessert is a busy man yet again in 2012.

To see a review of Tom Hessert's 2011 season in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards - as presented at last month's Championship Awards Banquet - click here.