INNISFIL, ON- After a number of close calls to open his sophomore Mini Stock campaign, second-generation star Jordan Howse broke through for a commanding feature victory in July 4th action at Sunset Speedway.
The teenager sat atop the practice charts for the bulk of the afternoon, winning his qualifying heat race to set the stage for the evening’s 25-lap feature event. The 2014 ‘Velocity 250’ champion took the lead midway through the event, and outran former division champion Warren Paxton in the race’s late stages to lay claim to the feature win.
“Having a night like this makes all the hours in the shop worthwhile,” said Howse in victory lane. “Our car gets better every Saturday. It felt as good as it ever has in the feature. Right from the green flag we were able to put it anywhere we needed to. I knew from pretty early on that it was our race to lose. Warren was really strong in those final laps – he kept us honest, for sure. One bobble or stutter step and he would have slipped past us in a heartbeat”
Howse entered the event fresh off of a head-turning runner-up performance in June 19th’s ‘Garry Reynolds Memorial’, and alluded to the sense of satisfaction he felt as he rolled to a stop on the front straightaway at the race’s conclusion.
“We’ve been close a couple times this season, and just haven’t been able to pull the trigger on a win,” explained the popular sophomore. “Pulling into victory lane and seeing everyone standing there waiting for me was a huge feeling of relief. We have momentum on our side now – we just need to find a way to keep it going”
In a division dotted with multi-time champions, Crown Jewel winners and blue chip prospects, Howse noted just how difficult it is to claim the top step on the podium in weekly competition.
“It’s so tough to win here. I know everyone always says that – but it really is true,” explained Howse with his trademark smile. “Every single one of these teams have a program strong enough to win. If you’re not doing your homework, or just happen to miss your setup a little, you’re running 16th. It’s just that simple”
With a breakthrough victory in his back pocket, Howse moves to 5th in the Sunset Speedway championship standings and will take a much-deserved week off before returning to NASCAR Whelen All-American Series competition at the facility on July 18th.
“Tonight was a great points night for us. July is going to be a busy month, and we’ll have a few chances to make up some of the ground on the guys ahead of us. It’s good to be back in the top-5, but the work isn’t over yet. We’ll get back in the shop this week and see what we can do to get better.”
Jordan Howse’s 2015 season is fueled by 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, MacMaster Motorsports, Chris Braiding 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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