COLDWATER, ON- Third-generation racer Jordan Latimer will complete his rookie year behind the wheel of a Sunset Speedway Late Model this weekend, when the Innisfil, ON oval hosts a 75-lap NASCAR Whelen All-American Series-sanctioned event to cap the 2015 season.
“No matter what happens on Saturday night, the season has been a huge success,” explains Latimer.
“We were prepared to take our lumps coming into this summer, no question. We were ready to learn – and we’ve done that every single week,” adds the well-spoken teenager. “We had no idea that we’d be up front and would have the opportunity to lead laps ahead of some of the absolute best teams in the province. It’s been an awesome ride so far. We’re having a blast”
After working through their share of hiccups this season, the Ken Semkin-backed team will enter the final night of the season 12th in Sauble Falls Tent & Trailer Park NASCAR Late Model points.
“We had our sights set on a top-10 finish in the points – that was our goal at the beginning of the year,” says Latimer. “Right now, we’re 12th after a blown engine and a DNF. So, we’re happy. We’re very happy”
“These guys have given me an amazing car every single week and our program has been getting better every single Saturday. We’ve been so close to a podium finish, and every ounce of me believes that we can earn that in the 75-lapper on Saturday night”
The former Barrie Speedway Thunder Car Rookie of the Year goes on to explain that, as he acclimates himself more to the new division, he finds himself demanding more on a weekly basis.
“I expect more of myself on race day now,” admits Latimer. “I’ve become way more critical of my mistakes every week, because I know that this team is at the point right now where these guys deserve the absolute best out of me. When I can’t give them that, for whatever reason, I get incredibly frustrated with myself”
“Everyone on this roster is so close, as far as abilities go, all it takes is one tiny mistake to sink a really good finish,” adds the freshman. “You have to be hard on yourself to have any chance at running up front”
He also notes that his Ridge Road Racing-assisted squad has continued to hone their own setup packages, which has aided Latimer in moving closer towards his first career podium finish.
“Racing isn’t any different from hockey, in the sense that you miss 100% of the shots that you don’t take,” says the likeable up-and-comer. “The more comfortable that we get with this track, and this car, the more willing we’ve been to try some nonconventional stuff”
“We’ve gone off the board on a lot of our setup stuff this season – and a ton of it has worked out really well. I’m proud of the way we’ve brought this car to life this season. It feels like we’ve surprised a few people, which is awesome”
“I think we’re good enough to run at the front on Saturday night. We had a great run last weekend and the car wasn’t nearly as good as it’s been at other points this season,” says Latimer in reference to a September 5th performance that saw his No. 90 spend ample time at the front of the talent-laden field.
“I was able to move with it, and change my line, to get the car to work,” continues the third-generation star. “That’s something that I wouldn’t have any hope of pulling off two months ago”
“We’ve spent all week in the shop to set this car up more to our liking, and I can’t help but think we might have something for these guys on Saturday.”
For details on this Saturday’s 75-lap season finale, visit www.SunsetSpeedway.ca.
Jordan’s 2015 Rookie of the Year bid is supported by KICX 106, 104.1 The Dock, Creechers Design, Kitchen Tire, Krueger Electrical Services, North River Motorsports, Tax Smart, T&C Construction & Welding, AC Electric, TSS Top Shops, HWY 400 Transmission, Shepherd Family Trucking, JRH Auto Body, EPIC Racewear, Get Jack @ RE/MAX and OnePromo.ca.
Fans can follow Jordan on Twitter @LatimerJordan and stay up to date on the team by visiting the official JLMotorsports page on Facebook.
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
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