BARRIE, ON- Third-generation star Jordan Latimer returned after a week off from competition more focused than ever before. The Ridge Road Racing representative rolled from the outside pole position, holding a commanding lead for much of the race’s 30-laps to earn his first ever feature victory.
“This was one of the greatest nights of my life”, beamed Latimer. “With everything we’ve had to overcome as a team these last few weeks, there were moments where it felt as though we were never going to get a win”
“I can’t thank my team and my parents enough”, continued the 15-year old. “We’ve had some terrible luck this year, and every time I get down on myself and beat myself up, they were there to keep me going. This is the best team I could have ever asked for. I’m so excited to see where we go from here”
Latimer took control of the lead on lap-2, and held off a spirited late race charge by division veteran Luke Gignac in the race’s dying stages.
“Holding off a guy like Luke [Gignac] makes this even more special”, explained Latimer. “I have an immense amount of respect for that man. He’s been doing this longer than I’ve been alive, and he definitely made me work for the win”
“I knew he was right on my bumper those last few laps, and all I could think about was hitting my marks perfectly. Every lap, my spotter was in my ear reminding me to be smooth and telling me I could do this. I just tried my best to nail my corner entry and not screw up”
As Latimer pulled into victory lane for the first time in his young career, the Coldwater, ON driver was met with a chorus of cheers from the Barrie Speedway faithful.
“When I climbed out, stood on the door and heard everyone cheering – it was like an out of body experience”, offered the personable high-school student.
“Just being in victory lane sent chills down my spine. My grandfather [the late Garry Reynolds], my mom and my uncles have all won here. To be able to stand in the same spot they’ve been in, holding the checkered flag, was one of the most intense feelings I’ve ever had”
“I’ll never forget this night, as long as I live”, added Latimer with a smile.
Jordan’s first career Thunder Car win would not have been possible without the unwavering support of 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, K&K Racing Karts,Kitchen Tire and Shepherd Trucking.
The team will return to Barrie in search of back-to-back victories this Saturday, June 28th. Gate times and ticket prices for the event can be found at www.BarrieSpeedway.com
Be sure to check out the JL Motorsports page on Facebook, and follow Jordan on Twitter @LatimerJordan.
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
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