4/27/2010
Sprint Source
Rocket Hockett - Up the Creek!
(Bill W) April 27, 2010 – Finding racing action around the Midwest became a big challenge last weekend, but “The Rocket” Jesse Hockett found some in Oklahoma. The ASCS-Sooner region was running at Creek County Speedway near Sapulpa, and the JHR #77 was in the house just in time for another top ten run.
With original plans in West Memphis dashed early in the week, and home state tilts at Sedalia and Lake Ozark falling by the wayside, the options were slim come Saturday. “Everything rained out, so at the last minute, we headed south,” says Jesse. “We drove through rain all the way, but when we got to Creek County, it was clear. We got there just in time to hot lap.”
The draw went well, but a trip to the back in the heat erased any chance at passing points. “We drew well on the outside row one of the heat,” says Jesse. “We got the lead, but the guy behind me must not of liked that too much, because he drove into the back of me and spun us out. We came from the back to fourth.”
Starting third in the B main, Jesse left the rest behind him. “We made quite a few changes on the car,” he says of work done before the event. “It worked and we won by quite a long ways.”
The tweaking continued, and Jesse posted outside row eight for the main event. The charge was on. “We made some more changes,” he says. “The car was going good. We got all the way up to sixth, when a few cars piled together in front of us. I had to stop on the track and change the nose wing.”
The contact was inevitable, but Jesse came back to register a tenth place finish. “We were able to pass a few more cars and get back up to tenth,” he says. “In deals like that at a bullring, it’s hard to avoid accidents in front of you.”
The trip was not wasted. “We had some fun,” says Jesse. “You’re not going to get any better sitting at home, so we had to take advantage of it. It was a losing proposition, but we had a good time.”
This weekend, the VKCC Motorsports #75 will be back out, as the first two events for the Sprint Bandits Tour ‘N Topless series will commence on Friday at Golden Triangle Raceway Park near Beaumont, Texas, and Houston Raceway Park in Baytown. “I’m looking forward to it,” says Jesse. “The Stanton power has been really good for us in the non-wing car, and hitting those tracks earlier in the year should help too.”
On the Web
To learn more about Jesse “The Rocket” Hockett, including updated results and photos, visit http://JesseHockett.com!
Rocket Rambles
Four of Jesse’s last five wins in 410 non-wing competition have come in USAC competition. Of course, earlier this year, he won a non-sanctioned event at Twin Cities Raceway Park in North Vernon, Indiana. Prior to that, he was victorious with USAC in 2009 at the $15,000 Ultimate Challenge at the Southern Iowa Speedway in Oskaloosa, Iowa, and at the Grandview Speedway (x2) near Bechtelsville, Pennsylvania. In 2008, he copped the $12,500 Perris Oval Nationals at the Perris Auto Speedway in California.
Partner Spotlight – Vortex Wings
Vortex Racing Products is the industry leader in Sprintcar Wing design. From humble beginnings in 1995, they began producing wings for their own use and quickly became engaged in producing wings for other race teams. Inspired by a life-long background in race car design and manufacturing from their father, Paul and Lynton Jeffrey continued to evolve into a company known for producing a product a little different from the rest. This ability to manufacture a Wing that is unique in design is what has been their success. They continually push the boundaries of design with an extensive testing program. It is their understanding of chassis design and manufacturing that allows communication with clients and tailors a wing package that best suits the race driver, team and make of chassis. It is called “The Vortex Advantage”. Visit them on the web today at www.VortexRacingProducts.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, Gary Stanton Mopar, 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!.
[b photo - Jesse at Creek County Speedway (Mike Howard Photo)]
Submitted By: Bill Wright
