12-Year Old Racing Phenom Gets License to Thrill at Mazda Raceway

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla., September 27, 2017 (Newswire.com) - Twelve-year-old Jesse Love isn’t old enough to have a driver’s license from the State of California, but that doesn’t keep him from getting behind the wheel at Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca.  Jesse attended an all-day track training session today at Mazda Raceway with driving coach David Ray, who is the founder and owner of Hooked on Driving (“HOD”).  At the age of twelve, Jesse and his team are already preparing for the 2020 season in the K&N West series.  

The K&N West stockcar series, a stepping stone to the ranks of NASCAR, runs Sonoma Raceway as part of its race schedule.  For Jesse to run Sonoma, he must first receive his certification at Mazda Raceway by driving coach David Ray. After today’s run at Mazda Raceway, Jesse will receive approval to run HOD test days at Sonoma Raceway later this year with additional days scheduled for 2018 and 2019.

We asked David Ray about Jesse’s progress, “We have trained over 100,000 drivers and it was clear from the very beginning, that we were not prepared for Jesse. We had to quickly adjust our training program to move him up the ranks to our top class in a short period of time.  His skill, combined with attitude and listening ability make him a fast learner, and by mid-day, Jesse was running at an appropriate pace with our fastest group. We are proud to be working with him and look forward to watching what is sure to be a very successful future.”  Jesse is a sponsored driver with HOD, and receives his driver instruction and road course training from the wide cadre of HOD coaches.  Jesse also works with Ross Bentley for his primary instruction.

Jesse’s father approached HOD for instruction in preparation for the upcoming K&N Series.  Mr. Love was very clear as to why he chose HOD for his son. “HOD’s program is extensive and ranges from coast to coast, unlike many other driver instruction schools. David Ray is a true “pro” and takes instruction seriously; it’s his life and he lives it every day. Most important to me, however, is HOD’s safety program. Safety is paramount with this series and when it’s your son in the car, nothing is more important.”

Jesse started his “open wheel” career at five years old with Quarter Midgets of America and by 8 he was a QMA National Champion with 9 California Championships.  He received a “double year” waiver from the United States Auto Club (“USAC”) to start running USAC Midgets at 10, instead of having to wait until he was 12.  He won the USAC Restricted Championship that year.

In 2016, Jesse went on to become the youngest USAC Focus Champion in history, winning both the USAC Focus Overall Championship and the USAC Focus Dirt Championship for the West Coast.  Jesse has already been crowned the 2017 USAC Focus Dirt Champion and leads the points for both the Pavement and Overall Series on the West Coast.  

In 2017, Jesse transitioned to stock car racing by applying for the MavTV 51Fifty Junior Late Model series in Madera, CA. It is the only series of its kind in the country that allows accomplished 10-16-year-old drivers to compete in eight televised races on MavTV in full-size late model stock cars.  It did not take long for Jesse to adapt as he won his first three races and with one race remaining on October 6th, Jesse already has the Championship locked up.

This young man is definitely one to watch. Although he is yet to receive his driver’s license, he has clearly shown that he has a license to thrill!

~ Article written by Rod Wortham, Founder/CEO Race Face Brand Development.

About Jesse Love:

Jesse Love started his career in Quarter Midgets at the age of 5. He has since earned three USAC Championships, USAC Rookie of the Year, seven wins with INEX Silver State series in Las Vegas and the INEX Rookie of the Year. Over the last six years, Jesse has assembled a huge fan base and he is deeply appreciative of their support. “My Fans are amazing” Jesse has said. “They are really supportive and that makes me want to go out there and win it for them!”

For more information about Jesse Love Racing, visit: www.jesseloveracing.com

Career Highlights:

•          2011 – Baylands Rookie of the Year

•          2012 – Baylands Most Improved Driver: Junior Honda

•          2013 – Good Times, Club Championships: Junior Honda, Junior Stock, Lt. 160; Winter Nationals Winner: Junior Stock; California Regional Champion: Junior Stock

•          2014 – Good Times, Club Championship: Mod; California Monza Championship: Sr. Stock, Mod., Sr. B; Over 100+ Main Event Wins in QMA over 3 seasons

•          2015 – USAC HPD Western Overall Champion; USAC HPD Western Overall Rookie of the Year

•          2016 – INEX Bandolero: Rookie of the Year; INEX Bandolero Series: 8 wins; USAC HPD Western Overall Champion; USAC HPD Western Dirt Champion

•          2017 – USAC Western HPD Dirt Midget Champion; 51 FIFTY Energy Drink Jr. Late Model Series Champion

Media Contact: Rod Wortham  Email: [email protected]      Ph: (727) 807-3359 x 403

Source: MyNetworkOne on behalf of Jesse Love Racing