[b Rocket Hockett – Another win at LOS/Calistoga Next!]
[i (Bill W) September 1, 2009 – Jesse “The Rocket” Hockett dished out his 13th career victory at the Lake Ozark Speedway near Eldon, Missouri last Saturday night. It was his career-best 20th of the 2009 season as well. The win came after making short work of half of the field from his tenth starting spot in the Jesse Hockett Racing #77. Instead of hanging around for the LOS 360 Nationals, he will compete in California during the Labor Day Weekend. The goal will be to climb one rung higher than he did in 2008 at the “Lou Vermeil Classic” at the Calistoga Speedway.
Jesse knew his recently acquired powerplant was strong, because he saw Wayne Johnson take it to the podium at the 360 Nationals in Knoxville. On Saturday, that was confirmed first-hand after a heat win from row two. “It was the first time we had that Don Ott motor in the car, and it was strong,” he says. “It was the one that Wayne had used at the 360 Nationals. We were able to go out there and win the heat pretty good.”
Starting fifth in the dash, Jesse ended third. Four drivers, including himself were disqualified. “We were able to finish third in the dash,” he says. “I think there were four of us that were disqualified for not going to the scales. It ended up costing me three spots on the start for the feature. The top six guys who were locked in didn’t have to go to the scales, and I followed Josh Fisher (second) back to the pits. It was just a misunderstanding. Maybe if I went to the drivers’ meeting, I would have known, but then again, I have a pretty short attention span!”
Jesse posted outside of row five for the feature. “It was championship night, so the top six in points started in the first three rows,” he explains. “We started back in tenth, and the car was working well. We got into second pretty early on, and we were able to pass Randy Martin for the lead around the halfway point. We pretty much checked out from there.”
Jesse heads for Calistoga, where he finished second in both the prelim and finale at this event in 2008. “We’re leaving Thursday for the ‘Lou Vermeil Classic’ in Calistoga, California,” he says. “It will be a USAC and USAC/CRA show. We’ll be driving Harold Main’s #35A. I’d like to thank him for the opportunity, and we’d like to get him a win out there.”
On the Web
To learn more about Jesse “The Rocket” Hockett, including updated results and photos, visit http://jessehockett.com!
T-Shirt Trivia!
Last week’s answer: Bud Kaeding was the runner-up in 2003 at the Ron Shuman Classic, and Rickie Gaunt was second in 2004.
Last week’s winner: Paul Hamner from Shawnee, KS
This week’s question: Who won last year’s Louie Vermeil Classic?
Each week, we’ll be giving away a Jesse Hockett t-shirt to our trivia winner! We will draw a winner from the correct answers submitted on Friday following the release. Submit your trivia answer, along with your name, address and t-shirt size to sprntcar@iowatelecom.net! Put "Hockett Trivia" in the subject line.
Rocket Rambles
Jesse will be leaving the state, but he has a great track record at the LOS Nationals. Incredibly, he has finished in the top two spots in five out of the eight features he has competed in at the event. There have been three wins, including a sweep of the two-night 2005 event, which was sanctioned by the ASCS National series. If you throw out his first attempt in 2004, when he finished 14th in the prelim, and 15th in the final, he has three wins, two seconds and a fourth in six shows.
Partner Spotlight – RC2 Performance Air Filters
Jesse says - “We’ve been using RC2 Performance Air Filters since the Nationals, and I’m really happy with their performance.”
Offering uncompromising performance and unmatched engine protection in high performance street or race applications, the R2C 14” round filters deliver the lowest restriction levels and most horsepower over the entire life of the filter. Patent pending and proprietary R2C PowerFlow technology finally ends the reliance on poor performing cotton gauze filters. While fully washable, R2C synthetic filters are simple to clean and maintain at the track using low pressure (40-60PSI) compressed air. Just blow them clean and they’re race ready. Rely on R2C for the longest lasting, best performing filters in the business! Visit them at www.R2CPerformance.com!
Rocket Hockett
“Rocket Hockett” is an up close look at the past, present and future of Jesse Hockett. To receive "Rockett Hockett", send an e-mail to sprntcar@iowatelecom.net with "Hockett" in the subject line.
Jesse would like to thank the partners of the VKCC Motorsports/Tom Buch team, including Parker Store of Phoenix, AMS Waterfall Systems, Rod End Supply, LRB Manufacturing, Penske Shocks, Butlerbuilt Professional Seat Systems, Diversified Machine, Inc., Fischer Body Shop, Simpson, Hoosier, Conroy Bleeders, ARP Fasteners, Indy Race Parts, Massey’s Truck and Tank Repair, RMS Racing Engines, Pro Powder Coating, Korte Transportation, Rocket Graphics, Lucas Oil, Weld Racing, Spike Products, Maxwell, Red Onion Lounge, Engler, Barnes Dry Sump Oil Systems, FSR Racing Products, RH2, Canyon Apparel, JEI, Total Seal Piston Rings, JE Pistons and Wings Unlimited for all their help!.
[u Photo - Jesse in Victory Lane at LOS (Paul Gray/STLRacing.com Photo)]
- Bill Wright on Sep 01, 2009
- Article Date: 9/1/2009