Press Releases
Apr 6, 2011
Matthew Jackson Earns NSW 2
2011 Rising Star Matthew Jackson fought from 10th place on the grid in the NSW Speedcar State Championship to capture a second place finish behind New Zealand's Michael Pickens.
A savvy Jackson looked impressive early in the race, using the high line to gain positions.
“I was surprised how quick the car was at the top of the track, with most of the others cars were on the bottom. I just kept slowly moving forward and was going around guys and had a couple of really good battles with local stars Darren Jenkins and also Mark Brown before a stoppage." Jackson commented.
“It felt great to be running at the front of the pack with the caliber of drivers such as Jenkins, Smee, Brown, and Pickens. I was feeling so comfortable in the car.”
Matthew suffered a setback in the first heat race of the night, spinning early and finishing in 6th. After starting 8th in the second heat, the youngster fought his way forward to 5th - only enough to place him 10th for the A Main.
Track conditions motivated the team to make some changes before the feature race.
“We made a few changes after good friend (Glen Saville) came and gave me a hand with set up for the final and it really made a difference. We set the car up to run the high line and it was almost on rails.”
Matthew had fought his way forward to 3rd position when a stoppage eliminated a 2nd place Mark Brown from the race.
“I tried my best to run down Micheal Pickens, but he's one of the best in the world and that was never going to be easy, but to run 2nd to him is an honour.”
Since the Rising Star AIS Camp, Matthew has increased his focus on fitness and conditioning to prepare him for long, intense races. Another area of emphasis has been mental preparation.
"I try and have a plan in place before I have even pushed off; thinking about who else is in the race and where they may be running, the track conditions and a range of other factors.”
Matthew's State Title 2nd place marks yet another terrific achievement from the 2011 Rising Stars.
"I would like to thank NASR for the opportunity in the Rising Star Program it has really given me a direction with my racing and I learnt things I never would have known had I not been given the chance." Matt remarked.
"I would also like to thank my dad, Norm. Without him I wouldn’t get the chance to do this, and I cant thank him enough. Also Roger, Paul and Dave who help every night on the crew they have supported me."
Stay tuned to www.nasr.com.au for all of the latest updates on the 2011 NASR Rising Stars.
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