Hearn Anxious, Yet Confident, about UNOH DIRTcar Nationals presented by Summit Racing Equipment
Super DIRTcar Series 2012 Season Standout Fueled by Momentum Heading into 2013
BARBERVILLE, Fla. – After a tremendous 2012 season, Super DIRTcar Series driver Brett Hearn is ready to charge into 2013, hoping to add the Volusia gator to his well-stocked trophy case.
“I feel a lot of confidence,” Hearn said. “I think that we have all intentions of just rolling with the momentum we had at the end of last year.”
Although Hearn claimed some of the crown jewels of the Super DIRTcar Series last year – Mr. DIRT Track USA at Lebanon Valley Speedway, the VP Small Engine Fuels 200 during NAPA Auto Parts Super DIRT Week, and Eastern States 200 at the Orange County Fair Speedway to name a few – “the Jet” was unable to find victory during last year’s UNOH DIRTcar Nationals presented by Summit Racing Equipment at Volusia Speedway Park.
“It was one of the weakest trips we had last year, maybe one of the worst trips we had ever, and I want to improve on that and get a good start to the season,” Hearn said, who, of Volusia’s four Big-Block Modified features, finished in the top ten only twice.
His odds of scoring a win at Volusia are looking up, with momentum from last year and that same crew supporting him that helped him gain momentum with so many victories in 2012.
“We’ve been consistent – there have been no team changes. Everything is pretty much status quo, so we should be in pretty good shape,” Hearn said.
The team may be the same, but they have new tricks ready for the Florida opener. Like many Super DIRTcar Series teams trekking to Florida for UNOH DIRTcar Nationals presented by Summit Racing Equipment, the crew behind the Hearn’s 20 is taking some time during their off-season to experiment with the car’s setup.
“We’ve got some fresh ideas to start the new season off. We’ve always got new things we want to try,” Hearn said. “With points not being up for grabs, it gives us a lot of latitude to mess around a little bit.”
In addition to seeing a great season on the track, Hearn’s victories continued in the offseason. He was recognized by the Eastern Motorsports Press Association with the 2012 Richie Evans North East Driver of the Year Award and by Area Auto Racing News as the best driver in its 50 years of publication. Nonetheless, Hearn is eager to get back behind the wheel.
“I’m anxious. It feels like we just left Charlotte, but we’re ready to go,” Hearn said.
The 42nd Annual UNOH DIRTcar Nationals presented by Summit Racing Equipment runs from Tuesday, Feb. 12, through Saturday, Feb. 23, at Volusia Speedway Park. For their first night at Volusia, the Big-Block Modifieds of the Super DIRTcar Series share the stage with the UMP Late Models Swamp King Championship Wednesday, Feb. 20. The next three nights, Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 21 through Feb. 23, the Super DIRTcar Series and World of Outlaws Late Model Series light up the track for back-to-back double-headers.
For tickets and more information about UNOH DIRTcar Nationals presented by Summit Racing Equipment, visit the event website atwww.dirtcarnationals.com. Follow the Super DIRTcar Series on Twitter, @SuperDIRTcar, for updates and links to live race notes come race night.
The Super DIRTcar Series and DIRTcar Racing in the Northeast Region is brought to fans by several sponsors and partners including Hoosier Racing Tire, VP Racing Fuels, Chevy Performance Parts, Gander Mountain, NAPA Auto Parts, Nationwide Insurance, and Safety-Kleen. Promotional partners include the University of Northwestern Ohio. Contingency sponsors are ASI, Bicknell Racing Products, Bilstein Shocks, Brodix, ButlerBuilt, Cometic Gasket, Comp Cams, Edelbrock, Intercomp, JE Pistons, Klotz Synthetic Lubricants, KSE Racing Products, Motorsports Safety Systems, MSD Ignition, Penske Shocks, Racing Electronics, Superflow, Vicci Racing Apparel, and Wrisco Industries.
