COLDWATER, ON- After an impressive 2014 freshman campaign in the Barrie Speedway Thunder Car division, third-generation driver Jordan Latimer will once again undertake a new challenge this coming season. The former Karting standout has announced he will be putting together a fulltime program in the Ltd. Late Model division, with hopes of earning a second straight Rookie of the Year title.
The sixteen-year old will campaign a car co-owned by Gord Shepherd’s Ridge Road Racing effort and Krueger Electric owner Ken Semkin.
“I’ve never been this excited for anything,” beams Latimer. “This is such a huge opportunity for our entire team. We overcame so many challenges with our Thunder Car last season, and it really taught me a lot. I can’t wait to take on a brand new division”
“We’re going to run the #90 this year, which is special all on its own. Both my Grandfather and my Uncle Kevin [Reynolds] have had that number on their Late Models, so it’s a huge honour to carry on the family tradition”
The grandson of former Barrie Speedway legend Garry Reynolds, Latimer exceeded expectations in his first full season behind the wheel of a stock car. The Ridge Road Racing representative tallied his first career Thunder Car feature win and finished second in overall Barrie Speedway points.
“We came into the season with pretty realistic goals,” admits Latimer. “We really wanted to take a run at the Rookie of the Year title, and were hoping to finish inside of the top-5 in points. To come out and win our first feature and be up in the standings all season long was just amazing”
“None of it would have been possible without my family and my team,” continues Latimer. “My Mom and Dad stuck by me every step of the way. We hit some rough spots throughout the Summer, but they kept me motivated and focused. I couldn’t ask for better parents”
For Latimer, returning to the tutelage of Gord Shepherd at Ridge Road Racing is a pivotal part of his new endeavor.
“I don’t think it was ever a question whether or not we would be back with the team this year,” smiles the teenager. “I’ve learned so much from Gord, Ray [Shepherd], Jeff Cuculick and everybody else at Ridge Road Racing. I can’t wait to be back in 2015”
“Gord has really set the standard at Barrie the last few years. When it comes time to strap into our Ltd. Late Model, I wouldn’t want to learn the ropes from anyone but him”
The team has yet to formulate a complete schedule for Latimer, though the sophomore competitor is likely to see action at speedways across Ontario throughout the Summer.
“Once the tracks start releasing their schedules we’ll have a good idea of where we’re going and when,” explains Latimer. “At this point, we’re still hoping to keep our Thunder Car program together as well, so things might get a little hectic”
“I just want to get as much seat time as possible,” continues the personable youngster. “Stepping into the Ltd. Late Model division is going to be a huge adjustment. We’ll be out there against the best drivers in the province, and the only way we’re going to learn is for me to spend as much time in the car as possible. That’s definitely our goal for the year.”
Jordan Latimer’s foray into the Ltd. Late Model division would not be possible without the marketing partners of JL Motorsports and Ridge Road Racing. Special thanks to Kitchen Tire, Tax Smart, Get Jack @ RE/MAX and Krueger Electric.
Fans can keep up with Jordan’s exciting off-season by following him on Twitter @LatimerJordan and be sure to visit the JL Motorsports page on Facebook.
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
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