COLDWATER, ON- With a decorated Karting career in his rearview, third-generation competitor Jordan Latimer is ready to carry on the longstanding family tradition – racing at Barrie Speedway.
“I can’t remember a time in which racing wasn’t a part of my life”, admits Latimer in a recent trip to the team’s Coldwater, ON race shop. “Growing up, hearing stories about my grandfather and my mom racing, all I’ve ever wanted to do is be a part of the sport”.
Latimer’s family has been a part of Barrie Speedway for decades, his grandfather Garry Reynolds was one of the most prolific drivers in speedway history and his mother Laurie carved out a reputation for herself in the speedway’s Late Model division. Both have had a profound impact on Jordan’s racing ambitions.
“I just want to make my family proud”, says the 15-year old. “It’s such an incredible feeling walking into the speedway and seeing my grandfather’s name on the ‘past champions’ board. I want, more than anything, to have my name up there beside his one day”.
The 2014 season will see Latimer join Gord Shepherd’s championship-caliber Ridge Road Racing team, with plans of a full season of Thunder Car division competition, and hopes of earning the Rookie of the Year title.
“Gord approached us early in the off-season and asked what our plans were”, explains Jordan. “Our plans were somewhat up in the air at the time. Gord had a ride available, and made an offer for me to join his team. I’m honoured he chose me”.
Despite a championship pedigree and a proven team behind him, Latimer is well aware of the learning curve that awaits him in the Thunder Car division.
“Coming from racing Karts fulltime is a huge adjustment”, says Latimer. “I’m used to the way the Karts feel, they drive completely different. My first lap in a Thunder Car, it moved around so much I thought I was going to roll over. This is a tough division, with a lot of incredibly talented drivers. I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself or my team. I just want to learn as much as I can, as fast as I can”.
2014’s partnership between Ridge Road Racing and JL Motorsports will carry marketing support from KICX 106 FM, The DOCK 104.1, A/C Electric, Creetures Designs of Orillia, T&C Construction & Welding, Progressive Waste Solutions, Cookstown Auto Parts, Tax$mart of Orillia, Get Jack @ Re/MAX, Krueger Electric and Shepherd Trucking.
Fans are encouraged to follow Jordan’s off-season preparations via his JL Motorsports page on Facebook and his @LatimerJordan Twitter account.
By Spencer Lewis
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