May 25, 2010 - Twenty with Twenty - SRL Driver Jared Vorse

 

Bakersfield, CA – Sometimes the round trip for one race is over 2000 miles for SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series driver Jared Vorse and his team.  We caught up with the 22 year-old driver from Olympia, Washington to get some insight on him, his team and their decision to be part of the SRL in 2010.

 

20 questions for the driver of the #20 Knight Fire Protection Chevrolet, Jared Vorse:

 

1.    What led to your team making the decision to travel all the way from

      Olympia, WA to compete in the SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour

      Series?

 

We decided as a team to run the SRL because we thought it would be a good opportunity to be part of the strongest series on the West Coast.

 

2.    What are the biggest challenges for you and your team competing in

      the SRL (other than the travel)?

 

So far, the mechanical failures that we’ve had this year have taken us out of possible podium finishes in every race.  We’re hoping to have all that behind us now.

 

3.    You bought your equipment in the off-season to prepare for the 2010

      SRL season, tell us about that scenario (from who, when, what…).

 

Larry Collins (not of the SRL), our setup guru and family friend, had gotten in contact with Kenny Shepherd about buying all of his tour equipment.  We decided six weeks before the SRL season opener at Roseville to purchase the equipment and began rebuilding Shepherd’s previous tour car into our primary SRL car.

 

4.    You obviously have a lot support from your team to be part of a

      series based in Southwest.  Who are the people who have come

      together to make this happen?

 

Randy Knighton, my car owner, sponsor, boss, and family friend, became a first-time car owner this year, has always been a great sponsor and supporter of my racing.

Larry Collins, co-car owner and setup guru, also has taken on a lot this year by taking time out of his busy schedule as a business owner to build our shocks and set up the car.

Lee Cole, my spotter, plays a large part in transportation of the car and equipment, which means he must take a lot of time off to make it happen. He also helps in the maintenance of the car.

Kelly Vorse, my dad, makes it all happen.  He is also a business owner and must take an enormous amount of time out of his schedule to accompany Lee in the transportation of the car. He has done the majority of the fabrication on the car and is my biggest supporter.

 

 

5.    Any interesting travel stories so far while coming to an SRL event?

 

My dad, Lee, Larry, and Vance were hauling the equipment to Las Vegas for the Blackjack 121 and hit a snowstorm.  They had the (65 ft) hauler and trailer completely sideways and finally decided it was time to stop and wait it out.  They said it was a good choice and very comical to watch motorists struggle through the ice for 6 hours.

 

6.    Are you enjoying your time in the SRL so far?

 

Yes, we are as a team. We feel we are doing a good job, but due to the mechanical failures we have experienced, our finishes have not been what we had hoped for.

 

7.    How did you get started in this sport?

 

My dad started me racing cars in 2005. We raced at South Sound Speedway in Tenino, Washington, in the pure stock division my first year, placed 5^th in points and were awarded Rookie of the Year. In 2006, we won the pure stock championship and set 3 track records and we excelled from there.

 

8.    What other sports are you good at?

 

I used to race quads and won many championships. I ride motorcycles now for fun and snowboard when I get the chance.

 

9.    How do you relax?

 

I never relax. I’m always on the move, but I’m ok with that.

 

10. Favorite activity away from the racetrack?

 

Riding motorcycles with my dad and my buddies.

 

11. One sport you would never try?

 

I would be willing to try any sport once.

 

12. Favorite racing moment?

 

Winning the “Firecracker 125” at Montana Raceway Park in 2008.

 

13. Worst household chore?

 

Cleaning the cat box.

 

14. Who has made the most impact in your life?

 

       I’d have to say my dad. He has always done whatever it has taken and

pushed me harder than anyone else to the best I can be. He has also provided us with some of the best equipment, no matter what kind of racing it has been. He has also taught me just about everything I know.

 

15. If you could chose anyone in the world to be your crew chief, who

      would it be?

 

Chad Knaus, because he is the greatest crew chief of all time.

 

16. Most embarrassing moment in racing?

 

The first time my girlfriend’s mom was at the track, she walked in on me changing into my driving suit…luckily I was in my boxers.

 

17. What pays the bills? Job/occupation?

 

I am currently a journeyman pipefitter and underground foreman at Knight Fire Protection, installing fire suppression systems.

 

18. Words to live by?

 

You only get one chance at every day, so make the most of it.

 

19. Racing goals for 2010?

 

Due to mechanical failures we have had, we now hope to finish inside the top 5 in the SRL championship.

 

20. Greatest racing accomplishments:

 

2008- Firecracker 125 Champion

2008- ARCA West Circle K Late Model Challenge Series Rookie of the

            Year, 2^nd in points

2007- Late Model Rookie of the Year at South Sound Speedway

            2006- Champion, pure stock class at South Sound Speedway

2005- Rookie of the Year, pure stock class at South Sound Speedway

 

Jared and his Knight Fire Protection team will see Stockton 99 Speedway for the first time at the upcoming SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series “Mid Valley Iron and Metals 130” on June 12^th.