From Bill W
“The Rocket” Jesse Hockett made the last race of 2009 count when he took the win at the December 30 meeting at the Titan Garages Brisbane International Speedway last Wednesday night! It was the first time Jesse had laid eyes on Queensland, but he saw his fair share of rain, as the event was postponed four days by the wet stuff. A meeting with the wall slowed him down on New Year’s Day, but he’ll be ready to go again with a $10,000 to win event Wednesday and a two-day visit from the World Series Sprintcars (WSS) over the weekend.
The track personnel were committed to running the event, and did all they could to give the racers a good surface on Wednesday. After registering the 3rd quick time of the night, Jesse ran third (from sixth) and first (from fifth) in his heats. A third place dash run set him up inside row two for the feature.
The rough track conditions played to Jesse’s advantage as he tried to chase down the leaders. A trip through the infield in turn three, and several close calls in the rough stuff kept the Aussie fans on their toes. After battling with Brent Kaeding, Jesse took the lead on lap 20 from Allan Woods. He would hold on the rest of the way. “The track was soft due to all the rain and it was hooked up and rough all night,” says the Warsaw, Missouri native. “The speedway crew did an excellent job on keeping the track as good as they did after four to five
days of rain.”
The win was Jesse’s 22nd in 2009, and he was happy to get the win for his Australian owners. “It was great to get a win for the Motorguard team and John and Vicki Weatherall,” he says proudly. “The race car was very fast and I am just glad to start our Australian tour off with a win.”
After registering the seventh quick time of the night on New Year’s Day, Jesse ran second (from the tail after spinning) and third in his heat races. With rainy conditions prevailing, the event underwent some format changes including scratching the dash. After again lining up third to start the feature, it would end on lap two after getting into the wall.
Jesse is fully enjoying his experience, and is happy to even get the opportunity to race in Australia after firing what he calls a “shot in the dark”. “I am just blessed to get the opportunity to come down here and get to race,” he shares. “I have been waiting on another shot down under but waiting wasn’t working. So when I sent an e-mail to the Brisbane International Speedway on their info e-mail address after (Cody) Darrah couldn’t come, it was a ‘shot in the dark’ to say the least. But thanks to Kathy and John Kelly at the speedway getting in touch with the Motorguard team it became possible and in less than 24 hours I was on a plane. I am excited to get back to the speedway on this week for sure.”
Competition will definitely ramp up this week. Donny Schatz, Max Dumesny and more are expected to vie for Wednesday’s $10,000 to win event, and the competition will only ramp up when the WSS series comes in. Brooke Tatnell leads Robbie Farr, Dumesny, Ryan Farrell and Bryan Mann in the current standings. Jason Johnson, Danny Smith, Jason Sides and Kerry Madsen are a few of the other drivers expected in Brisbane.
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: Jesse ran 12th in the 2008 Chili Bowl in the Eastwood #29.
Last week’s winner: Tyler Roose from Grinnell, IA
This week’s question: In what year did Jesse’s first win in Sedalia come, and who finished second?
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 closes the 2009 racing season having competed in 86 feature races. His 22 wins (26%) were accompanied by 45 top fives (52%) and 63 top tens (73%). Undoubtedly, his biggest wins were the $13,000 to win Ronald Laney Memorial “King of the 360’s” and the $15,000 to win Ultimate Challenge.
Partner Spotlight – ARP Fasteners
ARP is the world leader in fastener technology. ARP has grown from what was literally a backyard garage workshop into a highly diversified manufacturer with four operational entities in Southern California with a combined area in excess of 115,000 square feet. These include forging, machining, finishing and packaging/warehousing facilities in Santa Paula and Ventura, California. ARP products are available worldwide through local distributors. To find one near you, visit www.ARP-bolts.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!.