Tony Jackson and Scott Hess Racing Score Career Best Finish in 410 Sprint Car Action

Tony Jackson and Scott Hess Racing took a major step forward in their rise to the 410 Sprint Car ranks as the Newville, PA native brought home a career best 17th-place finish on Friday at Williams Gove Speedway.

A planned doubleheader in the winged and wingless sportsman on Saturday at BAPS Motor Speedway ended up cancelled because of inclement weather.

“We were at the Grove on opening day, but with a tough pill draw and tougher track conditions I felt like this was a first real crack at the track,” said Jackson. “This time around was a much better experience and while the finish could have been better, we made another show and we’re continuing to learn and grow.”

A total of 27 410 Sprint Cars attended the famed Mechanicsburg track on Friday and Jackson kicked off the night by finishing third in a heat race. As a result, he was able to lock into the night’s A-main event with the eighth starting position.

“There were a lot of good drivers in the heat race, and we were able to run in second for quite a bit and we did more than hold our own,” he said. “I think lack of experience cost us a little bit, but of course I’m still learning, and we need nights like that to move forward as a team.”

Jackson ran consistently in between the ninth and 12th position for a majority of the feature event. However, several frequent cautions early in the event didn’t allow for the opportunity to make consistent laps or to get in a rhythm. As a result, he settled for a 17th place finish, which earned him his first career top 20 finish in the 410 Sprint Car ranks.

“I think we had maybe a 12th place car honestly, but the cautions really hurt our ability to get in a rhythm and it was just tough,” said Jackson. “I think one of the biggest obstacles I have to overcome is restarts and being in dirty air. Inexperience played a part in us maybe not showing all that we could, but overall, it was a decent night.”

Jackson will return to Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, Pa on Friday to compete in 410 Sprint Car action before making his second start of the season at the Lincoln Speedway in Abbottstown, PA on Saturday. 

With tough weather conditions playing spoiler for much of the early season in Central Pennsylvania, Jackson and Hess are optimistically looking forward to the opportunity of a two-race weekend to help continue to speed up the learning curve of taking on a new division of Sprint Car racing.

“We found a few small issues with the car since the last time we raced at Lincoln, but we feel like we’re better prepared this time around,” said Jackson. “Obviously Mother Nature hasn’t been anyone’s friend in the area so far, but just having multiple options in the area is a plus and was a huge selling point in us moving to the 410 ranks. The best way to learn is to keep making laps and I’m optimistic and excited for what’s to come!”

WEEKEND RESULTS

March 29 – Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, PA – Heat race: 3 (1); Feature: 17 (8). 

SEASON STATS

5 races, 0 wins, 1 top 5, 1 top 10’s, 1 top 15’s, 2 top 20’s

UP NEXT

Friday, April 5th, at Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, Pa., and Saturday, April 6th, at Lincoln Speedway in Abbottstown, Pa.