By Bill W
February 25, 2010 – “The Rocket” Jesse Hockett launches tonight in defense of his crown at the Ronald Laney Memorial “King of the 360’s”. The Warsaw, Missouri sensation is coming off a season in which he posted 22 victories, tops in all of sprint car racing. In addition, he was the only sprint car driver voted into both the 360 and Non-wing National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum’s top 25 polls.
Amongst the big wins in 2009 were the $15,000 Ultimate Challenge and the $13,000 “King of the 360’s”, which will take place this weekend at East Bay Raceway Park near Tampa, Florida. Jesse is anxious to hit the track and get things rolling at East Bay. “We’re excited to be back in the VKCC Motorsports #75 and we’ll see what we can do,” he says. “It was one of the biggest races I’ve ever won. It’s awesome to be down here, and we’re planning on making another run for it to repeat.”
The team was hoping to get some practice in last night, but that was a wash. It would have given Jesse a chance to get things shaken out with some new components. “Don Ott Racing Engines is building our motors, and they are strong,” he shares. “We’ve got folks from M&W Aluminum Products helping us out too. A.R.T. Speed Equipment is on board again as well.”
New help is also on hand from Vortex Wings. “We ran the Vortex Wings on the JHR #77 late last year and I could really tell a difference in performance,” says Jesse of the Prairie City, Iowa based wing manufacturer.
A bit of a break follows the Florida races, but things will swing into full action in mid to late March. “We’ll go back to Missouri and regroup after this weekend before we hit the Devil’s Bowl in March (19 and 20). From there, we’ll head to Eldora for the USAC weekend.”
You can expect to see a similar schedule as last year for the “The Rocket”. “We’ll run the Lucas Oil ASCS National series again, and of course, hit as many shows as we can either with the wing or without,” he assures.
On the Web
To learn more about Jesse “The Rocket” Hockett, including updated results and photos, visit http://JesseHockett.com!
Rocket Rambles
Jesse started seventh in last year’s “King of the 360’s”, but needed only nine laps to take the lead and set the pace for the rest of the 40-lapper. The winning pass came by Gary Wright and Gene Lasker. At the checkers Jason Sides finished second, ahead of Lasker, Danny Martin Jr. and Tony Bruce Jr.
Partner Spotlight – M&W Aluminum Products
M&W Aluminum Products specializes in sprint car, midget, micro, dirt modified and other aluminum products. Based in Syracuse, New York, you can find an all-inclusive parts list by visiting their website at www.MWAlum.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 #75 and the JHR #77 teams including Parker Store of Phoenix, Rod End Supply, M&W Aluminum Products, A.R.T. Speed Equipment, Don Ott Racing Engines, Vortex Wings, Penske Shocks, Butlerbuilt Professional Seat Systems, Diversified Machine, Inc., Fischer Body Shop, Simpson, SWE, Maxwell Shock Dynos, 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, Engler, Weld Racing, Spike Products, Maxwell, Red Onion Lounge, Engler, Barnes Dry Sump Oil Systems, FSR Racing Products, Canyon Apparel, JEI, Total Seal Piston Rings and JE Pistons for all their help!.