Media / Publicity
Jake Engle Makes His Way To The Winner’s Circle at the Orange Show Speedway
Jake Engle, a talented, young driver, made his way to the winner’s circle for the first time in his career at the Orange Show Speedway this past weekend. The win comes just two weeks after the Jake Racing car was completely destroyed at the same locale. But on this night, driving the AccessAgility | Customraceshirts.com | Christian Stover Foundation Flying 51 Chevy SS Super Late Model, Engle claimed the Trophy Dash.
Starting from the Pole Position, he drove away from the four-car field as soon as the green flag dropped and never looked back. Minutes later, he was holding the checkered flag and a microphone in his hands. Amid the bustle, the San Diego native thanked his crew chief Fred Hernandez, Linny White of WTG racing, his sponsors – AccessAgility and Customraceshirts.com, as well as his favorite charity – the Christian Stover Foundation.
Later, with time to savor his victory, Engle reflected on the race, “I could definitely get used to this. Winning the Dash is a big accomplishment for our team. But I still have a long way to go as a driver and a manager. We’re here to win the Main Event, and we won’t stop until we’ve done it.”
Engle finished 6th in the Main Event that night, weaving inside and out to make a run from the back of the pack.
“I made some good passes against a field full of experienced, accomplished drivers,” added Engle. “Of course, there were also a few that I wish I could have back. But hindsight is 20-20. Like all the other races, I’ll learn from my mistakes as much as my successes and press on.”
Engle closed the interview by saying, “I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to handful of professionals that continue to provide the guidance I need to achieve my dream of reaching the top level of NASCAR – Glen Cummings, Mark Shackleford, Tony McCray, and ‘Frankie.’ Also, a special thank you to Mr. Jerry Dodd for his insight and counsel. I’m lucky to have such an amazing supporting cast.”
Engle and the Jake Racing Team are scheduled to return to the track in less than a month.
June 24th, 2010 | Posted in Media / Publicity, Newsworthy | 3 Comments »
Jake Racing’s Flying 51 Car Destroyed at the Orange Show Speedway
The Flying 51 car lived up to its name at the Orange Show Speedway on June 5th, but not in a good way. After the Jake Racing Team posted its fastest qualifying time ever, Jake Engle, the team’s talented, young driver, started in the eighth position. When the green flag dropped, he wasted no time moving up in the ranks. By lap three, he had claimed the fourth position, using the outside line to advance – something most drivers avoid on this particular track in hopes of staying out of trouble.
“After posting our qualifying time, the entire team was as pumped up as I have ever seen them,” said Engle. “There was electricity in the air, we knew had the best car in the field, and all that energy translated to my driving early on. I was in the zone.”
Unfortunately, Engle’s good fortune didn’t last long. Heading into lap four, the caution flag waved as the leader spun out. During the restart, the new leader, #80, drifted high and ran into the #22 car, which was just ahead of Engle. Engle darted inside to avoid a collision, but was cutoff again by the #22 car as it caromed off the wall. This time, Engle and the cars following close behind had nowhere to go.
The multiple-car pileup sent the Flying 51 car into the air, over the #22 car, and back down hard into the pavement. The good news is Engle walked away uninjured. The bad news is that the race will be recorded as the team’s first finish outside of the top 15. Not to mention the status of the car.
“A roof and four wheels – that’s about all I could recognize,” said a frustrated Engle, as he continued to reflect on the night. “Racing happens in seconds. For a moment, I felt like I could drive anywhere; and I was headed to the front of the field. The next, I was looking at an oversized paperweight.”
“I’m not sure how it’s going to happen, but we’ll be back on June 19th,” added Engle. “I want to thank my team, including Fred Hernandez, and Linny White of WTG for giving me the chance to race such an amazing machine. Obviously, I wish the outcome could have been different.”
June 18th, 2010 | Posted in Media / Publicity, Newsworthy | No Comments »
Jake Engle Logs Another Top-15 at Orange
Flyin’ 51 car leading the pack through 39 laps
17-year-old driver Jake Engle and his team Jake Racing were back in action recently, this time at the Orange Show Speedway in San Bernardino, CA, competing in the ASA Super Late Model race. From the get-go, Engle owned the track. Not only did he start in the pole position, the Flyin’ 51 car clearly had an edge. In fact, the talented, young driver led the pack through 39 laps.
“This was the first time since I began racing Super Late Models where the race was mine to lose,” said Engle after he pulled into the pit for the final time. “Finishing in the top 15 is something our team should be proud of, but I know I let this one slip away.”
Rolling into lap 40 under yet another restart – the seventh of the night due to caution, Engle was on high alert to maintain his position. Unfortunately, as the green flag dropped, fellow driver Brett Edwards visibly jumped the start. Unbeknownst to Engle and the Jake Racing Team, the race director was set to initiate the eighth restart of the night. But before he could drop the yellow flag, Engle caught Edwards’ Chevy Impala in turn three and attempted an outside-in pass. Already committed, Engle nicked his bumper, caused a spin out, and sent both drivers to the back of the pack.
“A few seconds later, there would have been a restart, and we could have avoided the trouble altogether,” added Engle. “Still, I made a good move, closed fast, and I thought I could make it. Obviously, I was wrong. This one stings, and I feel bad for Brett. Linny White, too, who prepares our cars. But that’s racing.”
Engle fought back before the checkered flag dropped, finishing in the top 15. Nonetheless, it was a very disappointing night for the up-and-comer, who previously finished third at the Orange Show Speedway.
June 12th, 2010 | Posted in Media / Publicity, Newsworthy | No Comments »
Jake Finishes 3rd at Orange Show Speedway
April 31st, 2010 – Jake Engle of Jake Racing Finishes 3rd at the Orange Show Speedway in San Bernardino, CA
Jake Engle, a highly touted young racing talent from San Diego, CA, returned to the Orange Show Speedway in late April and posted his best finish ever. When the checkered flag dropped, the black and orange Flyin’ 51 Chevy Impala was in 3rd place.
“We really were flying out there,” said Engle during an interview after the race. “We raced clean. We raced hard. You can’t expect much more than that. This is a big finish for the team, and I couldn’t be prouder of the job the crew did here tonight.”
Starting from the pole position, Engle led for 22 laps, repeatedly fending off David Ross, a talented driver in the #57 Ford. Side-by-side during a restart, however, Ross was on the gas faster than Engle, made an impressive move, and took the lead on lap 23. He wouldn’t relinquish it.
“David deserves it,” added Engle. “He out-drove me during a crucial moment of the race. But I learned something out there today and I’ll be a better driver for it.”
Pulling into the pit following the race, Engle was greeted by a beaming Crew Chief, Fred Hernandez, who has been mentoring the young driver on the finer points of racing. “Jake put on a great show tonight,” commented Hernandez. “It’s just a matter of time before he starts winning. The key is understanding what to do during crucial moments of the race. With enough experience, he’ll be able to make those split-second decisions. That knowledge is the difference between first and third.”
June 4th, 2010 | Posted in Media / Publicity, Newsworthy | No Comments »
Jake Engle Named Team Manager of Jake Racing
April 1st, 2010 – Jake Engle Named Team Manager of Jake Racing
Jake Engle, a highly touted young racing talent, will assume the role of team manager for Jake Racing effective immediately. The 17-year-old student athlete will take over for former manager and father Dan Engle, who had to step down due to health reasons. Per the announcement, he will be making any and all executive decisions for the team, including budgeting, sponsorships, scheduling, and driving.
“This is an immense responsibility for such a young man,” said Dan Engle in response. “It’s also a significant step in his growth as a racecar driver. I’m confident that his natural instincts, budding confidence, and industry savvy will take this team to new heights.”
He added, “Fortunately, Jake will be able to rely on an experienced supporting cast moving forward. Fred Fernandez, Jake Racing’s Crew Chief, is one of the best around. He can also tap Rick McCray of McCray Motorsports, Billy Hess of Hess Racing Products, and Linny White of Who’s that Chassis Guy for advice and mentoring should he need it. And for administrative help, family and friends.”
Perhaps more than any average high school senior should be expected to handle, Jake Engle is taking it all in stride. “My dream is to hoist the Sprint Cup one day and this is a step in the right direction. I love racing with my dad and I’m going to miss him at the track, but I’m excited for the next chapter. It’s a new era of Jake Racing. I’m eager to continue to evolve as a driver, while learning the ropes of team management.”
He concluded, “It’s going to be an exciting season and I hope everyone comes out to the track to support the promoters that provide these terrific venues.”
June 4th, 2010 | Posted in Media / Publicity, Newsworthy | No Comments »
NASCAR Toyota Showdown in Irwindale
Jake Engle Finishes 14th at the NASCAR Toyota 2010 Showdown in Irwindale, CA
Jake Engle, a highly touted young racing talent from San Diego, CA, and his team Jake Racing returned for a second time to the Toyota Speedway of Irwindale in early 2010. The 17-year-old was set to take on a full roster of NASCAR veterans and up-and-comers in high-speed showdown of Whelan Super Late Models. Engle managed to place 19th out of the 50-car field during the qualifying race, with the top 42 advancing.
Knowing the track’s history, Jake Racing Crew Chief Fred Fernandez instructed Engle to simply “ride around” for the first 55 laps in order to stay out of trouble. Not to mention, save the tires. The conservative strategy worked. Marred by multiple crashes, the race was often under caution. Yet, Engle was able to avoid all of them. In the latter half of the 100-lap event, amid a restart, he was set to make a run for the front. Unfortunately, NASCAR mistakenly scored him six places back from his actual position.
Before the mistake could be corrected, the green flag dropped. To make matters worse, officials announced that the race wouldn’t go the distance for the second straight year. With only eight laps remaining, Engle did all he could to advance. Miraculously, in a matter of minutes, he passed 8 cars to finish 14th.
“Obviously, it’s disappointing that the race was cut short again,” said Engle following the race. “During practice, we had a fast trim and reached the top of the leader board. I felt like we had a great shot to win it all. But that’s racing. It’s not always going to go as planned. Great drivers and crews adapt and still find their way to victory lane. We learned something today and we’ll be that much better the next time we start up.”
To date, Engle has raced 12 times, from the Toyota Speedway to the famed Myrtle Beach Speedway. Living up to the hype, he has never finished out of the top 15, including a number of top 10s and top 5s. Jake Racing returns to action at the Orange Show Speedway in late April.
June 3rd, 2010 | Posted in Media / Publicity, Newsworthy | No Comments »
Race22.com: Feels Like the First Time
Jake makes his east coast debut and Race22.com was there to cover it.
“Jake Engle was making his first ever start in a Late Model Stock Car, in fact it was his first ever start on the east coast where Late Model Stock Cars are the featured class. Engle hasn’t made very many starts in stock cars period as he was only in his ninth start having made eight previous starts on the west coast in California where he’s from. He had experience at Irwindale and Orange Show Speedway, but nothing could prepare him for the tough old worn out Myrtle Beach Speedway.”
Read more about Jake’s experience at Race22.com.
December 3rd, 2009 | Posted in Media / Publicity | No Comments »
Myrtle Beach 400 Rained Out!
Jake Engle returns to Myrtle Beach, SC to compete in the Myrtle Beach 400 on November 28th after it was rained out last weekend.
Jake Engle from La Mesa, CA will again be competing against the toughest short track racing competition in the United States. He returns to the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Speedway for another attempt at completing the Myrtle Beach 400 this Saturday, November 28.
The race was to be held on the 22nd of November but was rained out after 43 laps. Engle had a great run going after starting 40th . He had made his way up to 23rd by the time the red flag dropped on lap 43 due to rain.
Engle is looking forward to the race this weekend since the weather is predicted to be great for racing at the challenging South Carolina track.
He has been the beneficiary of several tips from the more accomplished drivers who have gone out of their way to make the 17 year old La Mesa, California driver feel welcome. However, tips in the pits do not translate to generosity or room on the track as he quickly learned once the race was on.
“I have so much to learn from these guys,” Engle stated. “I just hope I am worthy of the competition. It can be a bit daunting for me to be racing against guys like Scott Riggs and all the other professional drivers here since I have 9 races under my belt. I just hope to learn from them, race them clean and finish the race in one piece.”
November 25th, 2009 | Posted in Media / Publicity, Newsworthy | No Comments »
Jacob Engle Records another top 10 finish, Wins at Sportsmanship
Just three weeks after an impressive fourth place finish, Jacob Engle returned to the Orange Show Speedway in his NextNet Consulting/Jake Racing Super Late Model Chevy and placed eighth, despite a great display of sportsmanship that allowed three drivers to move ahead late. To date, he has finished in the top 10 in every race that has gone the distance.
The night was marked with high expectations, as Engle’s qualifying time was a half of a second faster than his previous qualifying time. However, the competition was slowed significantly by a number of minor accidents that kept the up-and-coming 16-year-old stopping, starting, and dodging debris. With 20 laps to go, running in fifth, Engle’s car sustained irreparable damage caused by an opposing vehicle. Unfazed, he continued his march to the front, moving into fourth place on yet another restart. Unfortunately, handling became progressively worse, forcing Engle to pull aside and allow the five, six, and seven place cars to pass.
“Conceding my position was the right thing to do,” said Jacob Engle during an interview after the race. “When the checkered flag drops, I want to be remembered as much for my integrity as my ability behind the wheel. But my conscience is the only excuse I have for finishing eighth. I want to put this behind me and once again set my sights on victory lane.”
That day isn’t far off. The “Fight’s On!” #51 team is planning to return to the racetrack soon, as Engle continues his campaign for Orange Show Speedway’s coveted Rookie of the Year Award. To follow the team’s historic run, visit http://www.jacobengle.com.
July 23rd, 2009 | Posted in Media / Publicity | 1 Comment »
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JACOB ENGLE RETURNS TO COMPETITION AT ORANGE SHOW SPEEDWAY FOLLOWING FIVE-MONTH HIATUS
San Bernardino, CA – June 22, 2009 – Following a five-month hiatus to complete his sophomore year at the Landmark School in Massachusetts, Jacob Engle (http://www.jacobengle.com) made a much-anticipated return to racing on June 13th. Flying the McCray Motorsports flag, he competed in the American Speed Association Series for Super Late Models at the Orange Show Speedway (OSS). This after an impressive showing at the Toyota Shootout in January. Jake will also be competing in the NASCAR Whelan Series for Super Late Models at the Irwindale Speedway this summer.
In just his third race ever, and with no practice whatsoever, the 16-year-old racing phenomenon from Mt. Helix, CA, qualified 12th in a 16-car field at the OSS. Then, with a few minor adjustments in the pit following qualifying, Engle drove the Juniper/Sanderson Law & NextNet Group 2009 Chevy Monte Carlo into 4th place behind an elite group of veteran drivers. In fact, the three drivers that finished in front hold an impressive eight track championships between them.
“That’s what it’s all about,” said Engle. “It was a hard fought, exciting race. Toni McCray and other great drivers were pressing all night, but I was fortunate to hold the line and fend them off. You can’t let up for a second out here, not until the checkered flag drops.”
The #51 team returns to Orange Show Speedway on July 11th as Engle hopes to solidify himself as the favorite for Orange Show Speedway’s coveted Rookie of the Year Award. To follow the team’s historic run, visit http://www.jacobengle.com.
Download a PDF of this press release here.
June 23rd, 2009 | Posted in Media / Publicity | 1 Comment »