Nineteen year old Jared Williams from Herald, CA is ready to begin his 2nd season in the 600cc Multi Class of Micro Sprint Car racing at Delta Speedway in Stockton. He will be joined this year by his younger sister, Rachel who will be competing in the 600cc 3/4 Restricted class. Jared is coming off an outstanding rookie season in which he won, Rookie of the Year, the “Class Act” award, and finished in 3rd place in the points standings. He ended the year strong, winning heat races and finishing 3rd and then 2nd in the Main event on the last two weeks of racing. For the year, Jared had 5 heat race wins and 8 Top 5’s in Main events.
Jared started racing when he was 12 years old in quarter midgets in the AQMA at Prairie City Off Highway Vehicle State Park. He raced quarter midgets for 5 years, winning several series championships and setting numerous track records. Later, he was joined by his sisters Rachel and Kaylee, and for a time, little brothers Levi and Nick. Jared’s parents, Larry and Judy Williams have really made this a family affair, which is one of the cool things about racing. Almost every famous race car driver talks about how great it was racing with their fathers or brothers or sisters when they started out. Most talk about the sacrifices and support of their mothers in allowing them to progress in a very expensive sport.
I recently had a chance to ask Jared some questions about his racing career thus far.
Q: Do you remember your first win?
JW: Sure, it was my 3rd race ever, when I was 12. We got to the track and I kept spinning out. We were new to the sport and didn’t really know how to set up the cars yet. I couldn’t figure out what I was doing wrong. Then a more experienced driver took my car out and spun out as well, so it wasn’t just me. They helped my Dad make some adjustments on the car and we went out and won the race. I have been hooked on racing ever since.
Q: What do you like about racing?
JW: The competitiveness of all the drivers and the skill it takes to drive race cars. Also, the road trips and being with so many friends that are like you and understand what it takes to drive race cars.
Q: What don’t you like?
JW: That’s a tough one, but probably just wrecking and getting hurt.
Q: Where will you race this year?
JW: At Delta Speedway in Stockton, and then some races in Visalia, Lemoore and Dixon.
Q: Why is your car number 36? any special reason?
JW: Actually, no special reason, like most drivers I just liked the number and not too many other drivers have that one so I picked it.
Q: What is your favorite kind of racing?
JW: World of Outlaws sprint cars, but I like all racing, each has its own type of skill.
Q: What is your favorite cars to drive?
JW: I’ve liked every car I’ve driven, but my favorite was the asphalt 360 sprint car.
Q: Are you a race fan?
JW: I’m a big race fan of all kinds of racing, there’s no racing that I don’t like.
Q: Who is your favorite driver or drivers?
JW: Jimmie Johnson is the man!
Q: Would you want to race other kinds of cars?
JW: Yes, I would race anything and everything, if I could.
Q: How far do you want to go in racing? How long do you want to race?
JW: I want to race as long as I can, if I can race till I die, I will be. I would like to make it to the World of Outlaws Sprint Car series or NASCAR.
On April 16th, Delta Speedway held a “Play Day” which is like a test session. It allows teams to bring their out their cars, run some laps and prepare for the upcoming season. According to Jared, it went well, the car was fast and he can’t wait to go racing.
The season begins Saturday night at Delta Speedway. Hot laps are at 5:00pm and racing starts at 6:00pm. Delta Speedway is located on the San Joaquin County fairgrounds on the corner of Charter Way and S. Airport Way in Stockton.
My thanks to Jared Williams for allowing me to get to know a little more about him and teaching me about Micro Sprint Car racing at Delta Speedway.
To follow Jared’s progress this year, please visit his website: www.jaredwilliamsracing.com or the Jared Williams Racing facebook fan page.
For sponsorship inquiries: info@jaredwilliamsracing.com
