[i (Bill W) December 23, 2009]
– The leading North American sprint car feature winner of 2009 is heading “Down Under”! Jesse “The Rocket” Hockett reached an agreement with Titan Garages Brisbane International Speedway Promoter John Kelly and Motorguard Motorsport team principle John Weatherall to pilot the USA 1 Motorguard Maxim for “Summer of Speed” sprintcar events in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Hockett racked up 21 victories in the States spanning both wing and non-wing and 410 and 360 sprint car events in 2009. Among his biggest victories this season were the East Bay Raceway (Florida) Ronald Laney Memorial “King of the 360’s” worth $13,000, the $15,000 “Ultimate Challenge” at Southern Iowa Speedway and a sweep of USAC twin features at Grandview Speedway in Pennsylvania. Successes came from coast to coast, as he was also crowned the ASCS-Northwest Speedweek champion on the strength of three wins in Oregon, and he also won on the last day of operations for the historic Manzanita Speedway near Phoenix, Arizona.
“Summer of Speed” sprint car events scheduled for the Titan Garages Brisbane International Speedway include a Boxing Day (December 26) special, as well as events on January 1, January 6 ($10,000 to win) and a two-day World Series Sprintcars (WSS) event January 8 and 9. “I’ve heard some really good things about Motorguard Motorsports, and I’m really excited to get over there,” says Jesse, who spoke en route to the airport. “We had some success (a win in 2005) in Australia the last time we were there, and I’m looking forward to going back.”
Jesse is appreciative of the fans’ passion in Australia. He was able to get a win and a third place run in two events during Western Australia Speedweek in 2005. It was his only visit “Down Under” to date. “We had a really good time with them over there last time,” he says. “We had a great Victory Lane ceremony, and we’re hoping to repeat that this time.”
Shortly after returning to the States, Jesse will be in Tulsa, Oklahoma to get the Chili Bowl kicked off. He will qualify on Thursday, and again drive for Loyet Motorsports. “I went over (Sunset Hills, Missouri) and put the seat in yesterday to get everything ready,” he says. “I am really excited about it. We fired it up. Everything is new on the car, so we should be good to go when I get back from Australia.”
Models and Hoodies Available/Find Merchandise at the Chili Bowl
Jesse has some new merchandise on the way. Look for him at the trade show at the Chili Bowl in the area of the Lucas Oil booth.
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: If Jesse wins on December 26, last week’s question will be moot, but his first win of 2009 came at the East Bay Raceway near Tampa, Florida and the last at the Double X Speedway near California, Missouri.
Last week’s winner: Tyler Robbins
This week’s question: What is Jesse’s best career finish at the Chili Bowl?
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 experience in Australia is confined to a 2005 trip to Western Australia. He finished third at the Quit Motorplex in Kwinana Beach, Western Australia in his first outing. In his second and final feature, he scored the win at the same track ahead of Dean Jacobs, Luch Monte, Shaun Bradford and Jaime Maiolo.
Partner Spotlight – Hooker Harness
Jesse says, “Jeannie Butler (Butlerbuilt Professional Seat Systems) got me hooked up with them, and they’ve been great to work with. The belts work better with the HANS device than anything we’ve had in the past.”
Hooker Harness, Inc. was founded by innovator Jack Hooker. Jack began producing seatbelts and shoulder harnesses in New York in the early 1970's. During the early years Jack produced a variety of harnesses primarily for the aviation industry. Through the years, Hooker Harness has become the most well known and respected producer of Aerobatic seatbelts and shoulder harnesses. The aviation background in harness production provided the foundation for Hooker Harnesses emergence into the racing industry. Visit Hooker Harness on the web today at www.HookerHarnesscom!
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 Dec 23, 2009
- Article Date: 12/23/2009