JESSE MARTIN IS READY FOR BIG SEASON 

  Lismore’s Jesse Martin, who will compete in the Production Sedan division at Castrol Edge Lismore Speedway’s November 6 opener, faces a busy upcoming 2021-2022 season with commitments in New South Wales and Queensland.

He has two cars at his disposal – his own AU Ford Falcon Production Sedan and the KENCO Products Pro-1 “house car” Holden Commodore.

Jesse enters his third season with high expectations after solid performances toward the end of the 2020-2021 campaign when he scored some impressive victories in events at his home track Castrol Edge Lismore Speedway as well as Bundaberg and Toowoomba.

His performances were noted by PRO-1 Race Parts co-owner Frank Packer from Maryborough who offered Jesse the seat for the season in his Commodore. “I am getting a bit too old to drive, so Jesse impressed me enough to offer him the drive of my car this season. We plan to run all rounds of the Bundaberg Track Championship (Carina Speedway), the Queensland title and other selected events.” 

However, much will depend on COVID and the impending relaxation of border regulations allowing access by road in and out of Queensland.

Jesse has spent plenty of hours in the garage also preparing his own car for the upcoming Lismore season. 

“I have had the car sitting in the garage since June and being ready is an understatement,” Jesse enthused.

“We have spent the past two seasons getting our car where I have been comfortable and during the off-season we have spent more time improving the car, getting the one percentages right.”

Jesse started his speedway career in Production Sedans and that’s where he is happy to remain going into the future. “I am not looking too much further ahead as Productions have turned into a very popular class. We have over twenty cars registered in Lismore alone.”

The 29 year old Lismore motorcycle mechanic has built many engines for race bikes as well as speedway cars and he prepared the six cylinder motor which powers his Ford Falcon. He also has worked on upgrading other components on the car.

It’s interesting to note Jesse commenced his racing career in Go-Karts at the Lismore Showground facility and he still does some laps for training at the circuit. 

Jesse’s dad, Hilton, is a “speedway tragic.” 

He attended his first Lismore meeting when a youngster in 1969. He later pit-crewed for the legendary Anderson brothers ( Adrian & Grenville ), Newcastle’s Graham Lillford, then spent some time preparing cars for Shawn Mortimer, Tony Bridge, Alan Baker and Wayne Randall. The latter assists Jesse through his business “the Shock Doctor”.

“Naturally I’m proud of my son, but mostly I’m impressed with his abilities behind the wheel,” Hilton explained. 

“He’s a clever racer who reads the track and his opposition, gives accurate feedback as well as understanding the dynamics of oval track racing.”

Support from family and friends, as well as the die-hard speedway fans is important, but it’s also the assistance from the local business community that makes racing possible.

Jesse Martin’s sponsors are: Trent Nicolia from Superior Smash, Steve Downes @ Hillside Auto Dismantlers, Chris Waring and his team @ The Bolt Barn.

The Lismore Automobile Club #6 Martin car was recently selected by Speedway Sedans Australia in the top-five best presented Production Cars in their ranks – testimony to those involved with the team and the car’s presentation. (STORY BY DENNIS NEWLYN).

Caption: Jesse Martin will start the new season with beautifully turned out machinery.