“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.

I hope to see all my fans there and if not you can watch or listen to the race on www.race22.com. Thanks to everyone for your support. -Jake

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.”

We are pleased to announce that Jake will be traveling to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in November for the upcoming Myrtle Beach 400! This race is considered the one of the premier short track races in the entire nation. Jake will be racing a Billy Hess prepared machine out of his Mooresville North Carolina facility.

This will be Jake’s first appearance at the event and on the East Coast. We’re all extremely excited about it! He’s been itching to get back into a car and back onto the track since the end of his West Coast season. We considered his West Coast season a successful one since he finished in the top 10 in every race except the one DNF. We here at Jake Racing are ready to see him back on the track racing against and learning from the “best of the best!”

The Myrtle Beach 400 takes place from November 19th-22nd at the famed Myrtle Beach Speedway, and Jake will be racing on the 22nd. Make sure you’re there when the cars take off!

For tickets, race schedules and pricing information, please visit MyrtleBeachSpeedway.com.

Thank you all for your ongoing support. See you in Myrtle Beach!

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.

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.

Jake sits down with KFMB’s Kyle Kraska to tell his story.

• 2009 Jan 23, Irwindale Speedway, Nascar Toyota Shootout, started 52nd, passed 24 cars in 5 green flag laps, race terminated due to weather.
• 2008 Orange Show Speedway 1st Super Late Model Race-8th
• 2008 4 Legend Car Races at Irwindale Speedway-highest finsh 7th