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Rocket Hockett – Upside Down at Stoga!
(Bill W) September 8, 2009 – The fastest car doesn't always win the race. Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett was on his way to victory at the Louie Vermeil Classic on Sunday, but it wasn't to be after an accident with five laps to go. He'll return to the Midwest this week to weigh his racing options in either Nebraska or Illinois.
The 2nd Annual USAC-CRA Louie Vermeil Classic commenced on Saturday and Sunday at the Calistoga Speedway near Calistoga, California. Jesse partnered with Harold Main's #35A team for the weekend. Even though he registered the fourth quick time of the night and finished third in his heat, the Warsaw, Missouri driver knew something was wrong. "We had a real problem with one of the shocks," he says. "I think we damaged it in one of the TnT races. It just wasn't working properly. We kind of adjusted the car for that, and it was just way off until we found that problem."
Trying to compensate for the problem, changes were made for the feature. They weren't good ones. "We were really just out to lunch," says Jesse. "We fell back to 15th or so, and it just wasn't worth it to stay out there."
With Sunday, came a world of difference in the car's performance. "We made some changes on Sunday, and kind of went back to our regular thing," says Jesse. "It was really good all night long. Rob Hart was there helping us, and did a great job."
Jesse lined up inside row three for the main event. Immediately, he shot towards the front and took the lead. "We were third in a lap, running the high side," he remembers. "We were able to get by Kevin Swindell about lap seven, and we were cruising from there."
A stoppage with eleven to go, erased a huge lead built by "The Rocket". "We were definitely the fastest car there," he says. "With eleven to go, there was a red, and we had a full straightaway or more lead."
Disaster struck with five to go. "Either I screwed up, or we broke a shock spud, but the car rolled up on the right rear and just bicycled over in turn three," says Jesse. "I was along for the ride after that."
Jesse is thankful to those that made the quest for the Louie Vermeil Classic win a possibility. "I'd just like to thank Harold, Adam and the whole Main family for giving me the opportunity," he says. "I just wish we could have gotten that win for them, and I feel bad that we left the car in pieces."
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: Kevin Swindell won the 2008 Louie Vermeil Classic, just like he did this year.
Last week's winner: Joe Ervin from Fostoria, OH
This week's question: What did Jesse's first two non-wing wins of his career pay?
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 [email protected]! Put "Hockett Trivia" in the subject line.
Rocket Rambles
Jesse has 20 wins in 2009, his all-time high for a season. Three have come in 410 non-wing action, two have come in 360 non-wing action, and the remaining 15 have come in a winged 360. In 67 main events, he has 38 top fives and 52 top tens.
Partner Spotlight – Simpson Performance Products
Simpson Performance Products is headquartered in New Braunfels, Texas, with more than 80,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space. Many of their restraints, helmets and flagship parachutes are manufactured and tested on-site. Simpson fire-suits and crew uniforms are manufactured outside of Los Angeles, California in a 52,000 square foot facility. Simpson also employs the largest customer service and sales team devoted solely to servicing NASCAR customers of any racing safety supplier, based in the heart of NASCAR country, Mooresville, North Carolina. Visit them online at www.SimpsonRaceProducts.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 [email protected] 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!.
Jesse pilots the Harold Main #35A at Calistoga (Steve's Racing Photos)
Bill W MediaMonroe, IA USA[email protected]
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