HILLSBURGH, ON- Second-generation competitor Jordan Howse has filed entry for June 19th’s Garry Reynolds Memorial at Sunset Speedway. The 35-lap Mini Stock race will mark Howse’s first career appearance in the ‘Crown Jewel’ event, with Howse looking to utilize the invitational as a means to generate some much-needed momentum as he closes out the first quarter of his sophomore season.
“I love longer races,” says Howse when asked about the event’s added distance. “I’m far more comfortable laying back and waiting for a race to come to me. It’s tough to do that in a 25-lap event – but the extra 10-laps really makes a difference. Even back when we were racing Karts, I preferred the longer races. I’ve never been the type to try and come out and win a race on the first lap – I’m the guy that sits back and waits for someone to make a mistake”
The 2014 Rookie of the Year goes on to explain that, with the added laps, comes a need for a slightly modified strategy behind the wheel.
“When you’re in a 35-lap race, it’s actually a little more forgiving if your car isn’t responding the way you want it to,” explains the well-spoken up-and-comer. “Because you have the extra time to adapt to your car and find a way to make it work for you”
“We actually set our car up for long runs during our weekly events,” adds Howse. “It’s just something that Junior [Hanley] has always done for Dad, so we brought it over to our Mini Stock program. Because of that, the car should feel really familiar as far as handling is concerned”
When asked if the prestige of an event like ‘the Reynolds’ can act as a distraction, Howse shares some important advice that his father Paul gave him years ago.
“I don’t mind the pressure one bit. I grew up watching my Dad race against some of the best guys in the province, in some of the biggest races around, and it never once rattled him. He always tells me to just treat every race the same – and that’s exactly what I’ll be doing at feature time on Friday night”
The team will enter the event in search of their first victory this season, as they prepare for their next round of Sunset Speedway points racing on July 4th.
“This is the perfect chance to swing the momentum around in our favour. We’ve had the car to beat the last two weeks and just haven’t had the luck to put it all together. A win on Friday would be huge for our entire team and would give us a massive push for the next points night”
“I expect a really good field. All the top tier Sunset teams are going to be there – from McFerran to Paxton to Kamrath to Benedict. Plus, it sounds like there’s a ton of tough teams coming from out of town which should act as a huge wildcard – because we have no idea how strong they’re going to be after 35-laps.”
Details for the event, including gate times and ticket prices, can be found at www.SunsetSpeedway.ca.
Jordan Howse’s 2015 season would not be possible without Stewart’s Equipment, Kubota, Glenn Windrem Trucking, Paul Howse and Associates, Central Industrial Supply, Foodland of Hillsburgh, Progressive Waste, Howse Automotive, John Teune Engines, FierceWraps.ca and Georgia Beck Brooms.
Fans can keep up with Jordan on Twitter @JHowse72 and on Facebook at the brand new Jordan Howse Racing page.
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
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