Track News

2005 Champions Spotlight presented by Wise Speedshop

Jan 6, 2006
Jason Dukes

During BracketBash, Jason Dukes of Gateway International Raceway, had an opportunity to sit down with some of Gateway’s Track Champions and Divisional Winners.  Over the next couple of weeks, we will present the interviews in a segment called “Champions Spotlight presented by Wise Speedshop.”  This week’s Champions Spotlight presented by Wise Speedshop highlights two young men who both have successful drag racing resumes.  But for their age, their resumes are amazing.  I’m talking about and up Jr. Dragster Champion Zack Kerr.

2005 Zach Kerr Stats
2005 Gateway 10 and up Jr. Dragster Champion
3 Weekly Event Wins
2005 NHRA Open Winner (Sunday), Runner-up (Saturday)
4th Place in the 2005 Holzhauer Jr. Dragster Summer Shootout

Zach Kerr Q&A

How many years have you been racing?
I’ve been racing for 5 years.  I started racing when I was eight years old.  This will be my sixth year.

What got you into drag racing?
My dad used to race.  We got this car from my cousin who bought it but couldn’t use it.  I’ve been driving the same car ever since.

What were your expectations for this year?
We got second last year.  So the goal was to win the championship this year

When did you think “Maybe I can win this championship?”
Since the first race.  I won the first complete race.  So I started out in first.  The championship went back and forth all year, but never too far out of reach.

Was there a time this year that you thought you wouldn’t win the championship?
The end of the season was very scary.  Tolisa Blumenstein and I had a very close battle going. 

How about the last race of the season with the points so close?
It was pretty nerve-wrecking!!!  Tolisa was in first going into the last race but I won the rounds to get the championship.  It was pretty nerve-wrecking!!!

Who was your biggest challenger throughout the year?  Which competitor do you enjoy racing against the most?
Tolisa Blumenstein and Travis Pour.  Tolisa and I were in first and second all year.  It was lots of fun racing her.  I enjoyed racing Travis because we’re good friends and they pit next to us most of the time.

What was your best racing moment of 2005?
This year’s NHRA Open.  I was the runner up on Saturday, and then was able to win in the finals on Sunday.  That was really cool, it was the best.

What are your plans for next year?
To try to win the championship again.  And to get to Indy and win.

Any special thanks?
Of course, I’d like to thank my parents Mike and Rebecca.  My grandparents Loal and Sally.  My sponsors Titan Homes Inc (Keri and Rick Cronin) and Ed Dixon Innovations (Ed and Cathy Dixon).