GETTING TO KNOW THE 2013 CHAMPIONS
GETTING TO KNOW THE 2013 CHAMPIONS:
JIM PETTIT II – SPEARS Southwest Tour Series
Jim Pettit II from Prunedale, California has been racing since age 13, scoring nearly 300 feature wins and 14 championships during his racing career on both dirt and paved ovals. Pettit won the 2013 SPEARS Southwest Tour Series championship, his third series title since 2008.
- At what age did you start racing? And what type of racing?
Age 13, flat track motorcycles. First car race at age 16 at San Jose Speedway, second race was the next day at Antioch Speedway, qualified third then took out the entire four car trophy dash in turn 1 – including Doug McCoun, Johnny Brazil, Jr., and Ray Morgan.
- Who has been your biggest influence in your racing career?
My Mom and Dad.
- Of all the advice you have ever been giving over the years in racing, what piece of advice stands out the most to you?
When I first started racing, Ernie Gravel told me that “just because something is new, doesn’t mean it’s better”. He also told me, “today (at age 16) you’re a decent driver, but not a good driver, but someday you will be.”
- If you were to give advice to a young driver, what would it be?
Be respectful. Remember where you came from. And if you make a mistake, own up to it.
- What do you do Monday through Friday?
Truck driver for Jim Pettit Salvage.
- Favorite TV Show – Movie – Sports Team – Race Driver?
Breaking Bad – Green Mile – Raiders – ?
- Best moment of the 2013 race season:
Winning the championship for QB, HUR Engines and all the guys on the team.
- Away from racing, what do you enjoy doing?
Relaxing at home. We’ve been racing so many years, it’s nice to be home with my wife (Veronica) and our animals.
- Finish the sentence – In five years, I hope to…
…be racing and running upfront.
- 10. Plans for the holidays:
Trying to get through the Holidays and getting ready for next race season.
GETTING TO KNOW THE 2013 CHAMPIONS:
Ryan Cansdale – SRL S2 Tour Series
Fourteen-year-old Ryan Cansdale from Laguna Beach, California is the 2013 SRL S2 Tour Series Champion. Cansdale scored 5 wins in 2013 and went on to become the inaugural champion of the S2 Tour Series.
- At what age did you start racing? And what type of racing?
I started racing go karts at age 5
- Who has been your biggest influence in your racing career?
The biggest influence in my driving career, would have to be my first driving coach, Dave Di Mond.
- Of all the advice you have ever been giving over the years in racing, what piece of advice stands out the most to you?
Your hands follow your eyes (feed your chin)
- 4. If you were to give advice to a young driver, what would it be?
Be a clean driver
- What do you do Monday through Friday?
I go to school and go to the beach
- Favorite TV Show – Movie – Sports Team – Race Driver?
Tosh.O and Spongebob – Pittsburg Penguins – Jeff Gordon
- Best moment of the 2013 race season?
Winning my first late model race at Madera and becoming the youngest driver to ever win the half-mile at Irwindale Speedway
- Away from racing, what do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy wave Photography, body boarding and anything related to the beach
- Finish the sentence – In five years, I hope to…
Graduate from high school and go to a good college
- 10. Plans for the holidays?
Go to the beach and be with family
GETTING TO KNOW THE 2013 CHAMPIONS:
Ricky Schlick – SRL Legends Tour Series
Sixteen-year-old Ricky Schlick from Claremont, California is the 2013 SRL Legends Series Champion. Schlick scored 4 wins on the season, including the inaugural race at Rocky Mountain Raceways in Salt Lake City, Utah. The 2013 SRL Legends Series Championship is the first for Schlick and follows previous champions Cale Kanke (2010-2011) and Darren Amidon (2012).
- At what age did you start racing? And what type of racing?
I started racing at age 8 in K1 Speed Karts with my dad.
- Who has been your biggest influence in your racing career?
The biggest influences in my racing career would have to be Tony Green, Brent Scheidemantle and Chad Schug.
- Of all the advice you have ever been giving over the years in racing, what piece of advice stands out the most to you?
Look for your surroundings and look past the car in front of you.
- If you were to give advice to a young driver, what would it be?
Be smooth
- What do you do Monday through Friday?
I mostly do school work, but when I have some free time I play iRacing
- Favorite TV Show – Movie – Sports Team – Race Driver?
Jeff Gordon is my favorite driver
- Best moment of the 2013 race season?
The best moment of the 2013 season was winning 4 championships, including the SRL Legends Series.
- Away from racing, what do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy RC’ing with my crew chief every Wednesday at IERC Raceway
- Finish the sentence – In five years, I hope to…
I hope to be in the SPEARS Southwest Tour Series, K&N West Series or Camping World Truck Series
- 10. Plans for the holidays?
To stay home and relax with the family
