Jordan Howse set for new challenges after hallmark sophomore season

@JHowse72 • HILLSBURGH, ON - Merely two seasons into his tenure behind the wheel of a stock car, second-generation star Jordan Howse has already established himself as one of Ontario's top prospects. With 5 regular season victories at Sunset Speedway in 2015, the 16-Year Old was a constant fixture at the front of the facility's maddeningly competitive Mini Stock division on a weekly basis.

"I'm not sure any of us saw 2015 playing out the way it did," laughs Howse when asked about his head-turning sophomore campaign. "It was awesome. Just an amazing year. We rolled off the truck fast on opening night and just found ways to keep improving all season"

The Hillsburgh, ON native - son of multi-time Flamboro Speedway Pro Late Model champion Paul Howse - is quick to credit the depth of talent within Sunset's entry-level division for aiding in his rapid career development.

"You can't say enough about the roster that we race against every week," explains the well-spoken high-school student. "As insanely competitive as it was in our rookie season, I think it was even tougher this year"

"That's what's so exciting about this division - you're forced to keep improving because everyone around you is getting better every week. If you get lazy, you'll get left behind in a hurry"

Despite his numerous trips to victory lane, Howse notes it was his 12 top-5 finishes that left his family-run team with a sense of pride entering their off-season preparations.

"Our number one goal this season was to do whatever we needed to in order to become a factor every single night," says Howse. "Without our two DNFs, we would've finished inside of the top-5 every single week - which is absolutely incredible"

"The wins are, without question, the part of 2015 that I'll always remember, but finding a way to keep ourselves in the mix on a nightly basis is what let us know that our team had made it to the next level"

Already considered one of the Mini Stock division's perennial contenders, Howse is currently making plans for new opportunities for the upcoming Sunset Speedway season.

"I'm excited for 2016 - even though we haven't exactly nailed down our plans yet," explains the fan favourite. "We know that we want to move to something a little heavier, and a little faster. Right now, we're focused on meeting with some potential partners and seeing what we can do to put together a competitive full time program for next season"

When asked about the decision to move beyond his Mini Stock program, Howse says the choice was based on the team's interests in tackling a new test as they continue to climb Ontario's short track hierarchy.

"As strong as our Mini Stock program is, I can't help but want to take on a new challenge. We've accomplished a ton in two short years racing against some of the best teams in the province, and now I'm hoping we can carry that momentum into something brand new in 2016."

Jordan Howse's sophomore season would not have been possible without the support of 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.