Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

WSMC racer (#188) Jody Hendley, 38, died of cancer Saturday, September 13 at his home in Mission Viejo, California, according to friend and teammate Eric Pinson.

He is survived by his wife K.C., two sons, ages 16 and 8, and a daughter, age 6.

Hendley was a contractor by trade and owned his own drywall company, Off The Wall Drywall.

Hendley rode for Bartels’ Harley-Davidson for most of his racing career and finished fourth in the 1997 AMA Super Twins Championship behind Eric Bostrom, Dave Estok and Jake Zemke. In more recent years, he raced regularly with the Willow Springs Motorcycle Club at Willow Springs Raceway in Rosamond, California. Hendley would routinely beat Ducati Superbike racers on his Harley Sportster and Buell Lightning.

According to Pinson, Hendley was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and underwent several unsuccessful treatments. Knowing he would not survive the cancer, Hendley last raced at Willow Springs July 20 and took third in the Battle of the Twins Heavyweight race.

Per his wishes, Hendley will not have a formal memorial or funeral service.

Pinson said plans are being made to start a scholarship fund for Hendley’s children, but no details were available at post time.



More, from a racer who knew Jody Hendley:

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

Jody was one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met at the track. In all my conversations with him he was always very pleasant, positive, and always quick to smile. He was also damn fast on his Harley. He was a colorful character and I’m sorely going to miss him–as I’m sure very many will.

Robbie Dowie
WSMC #6
Torrance, California



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Jody Hendley. I didn’t know him well but enjoyed talking with him on numerous occasions at Laguna. He seemed to have a great attitude and his speed on the Sportster he raced in Pro Thunder was amazing!

Tyler Sandell
Seattle, Washington


FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

Jody was one of my teammates on the SoCal Buell Dealers 24-Hours of Willow Springs effort in 2000. I was a first timer at Willow, struggling to get up to speed, and he calmed me down and gave me a lot of great advice and feedback as I learned the track. He was one of those rare individuals that made you feel like a close friend from the moment you met him. He was so positive and upbeat, not to mention ultra fast and smooth. It would be hard to find a better endurance racing partner, or friend. Thank you, Jody, for setting such a fine example of kindness, caring and friendship. Godspeed.

Paul James
CCS/F-USA #247