[i (Bill W) November 25, 2009] – The sprint car season came to a close for Jesse Hockett last weekend at the USA Raceway near Tucson, Arizona. He had made a tradition of competing at the non-wing Western World at Manzanita Speedway, but this year saw a change of not only tracks, but the inclusion of the Lucas Oil ASCS National wing series and the ASCS Canyon non-wing series as well. In the end, the Warsaw, Missouri driver would make the finales for both classes, but fall short of his expectations as far as finish.
With Shane Stewart, Danny Wood and Cale Conley lined up front in his heat race, it was a rocky start to the weekend in Thursday’s prelim. “We were in a situation where we had a tough heat race,” says Jesse, who finished fourth in the VKCC Motorsports/Tom Buch #$13. “That put us in the B, and we played a little bit of ‘catch up’ the rest of the night.”
After finishing second in the B, “The Rocket” lined up outside of row ten for the preliminary feature. The top eight finishers were to lock themselves into Saturday’s $15,000 to win finale, and Jesse gave it a great charge. “We were really good there in the A,” he says. “We were actually able to get up in the final transfer spot for Saturday, but a car in front of me kind of got sideways on the cushion. I was right behind him when that happened and that put us back in ninth.”
Starting on the pole of Saturday’s B, Jesse put himself into the main event, starting inside of row nine. “We were able to run away with that B a little bit,” says Jesse. “We got into the A, and passed a few cars, but we really weren’t going anywhere. The track took a little bit of rubber, and there wasn’t much passing. I figured I’d pull it off in one piece, and that put an end to our season.”
Jesse was officially score 21st in the winged finale. He qualified on Friday night for the non-wing show. After finishing sixth in his heat, he drove the Massey #2 from 16th to fourth in the main event. “We were good on Friday night, but not as good as we wanted to be,” he shares. “We were moved forward in the feature, but we still thought we could get it better for Saturday.”
Starting outside row four for Saturday’s $5,000 to win finale, Jesse tread some water to finish tenth. “We made some changes that we thought were going to make the car better, but it made it worse,” he says. “We weren’t very good at all. We just missed the setup and we rolled around there in tenth.”
Jesse finished a successful year with the Lucas Oil ASCS National Series in tenth place overall, a spot that paid $10,000 at the banquet. “The ASCS deal is tough,” he says. “Everyone is so even, that if you don’t start up front, it makes it really hard.”
It was also the last weekend for Jesse’s partnership with co-car owner and Pennsylvanian Tom Buch. Jesse is very grateful for the opportunities that helped him set an all-time best season total of 21 wins. “This was our last weekend with Tom Buch, and I just want to thank him for providing us the equipment to go out and have a great season,” he says.
There are some unknowns for 2010, but in the more immediate future, Jesse can be contacted for any available midget rides for Kemper Arena or the Chili Bowl.
Models and Hoodies Available
A select number of Jesse Hockett 1/18 scale Tom Buch/VKCC Motorsports #13 models are still in stock. He also has new hooded sweatshirts available. Catch him at the track, or visit http://jessehockett.homestead.com/2009_Site_Merchandise.html to order!
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: Jesse won the 2008 Perris Oval Nationals in the Duke and Scott McMillen #2.
Last week’s winner: Jason Tucker from Roseville, California
This week’s question: Where did Jesse’s first and last wins of 2009 occur?
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’s best effort at the Western World came in 2006 in the Massey #2. The race was sanctioned by USAC, and Jesse ended up sixth in the final rundown. Josh Wise won that year, followed by Daron Clayton, Bud Kaeding, Jerry Coons Jr. and Levi Jones. Counting prelims, Jesse has eleven feature starts, with three top fives and five top tens.
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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!.
- Bill Wright on Nov 27, 2009
- Article Date: 11/27/2009