After sitting out last season Jason Hedges Racing has regrouped with a new car and new sponsors, preparing for a 2014 Pro Stock comeback.
“I had last season off due to business and family commitments, there simply was not enough hours in the day to do it all, and after all it was an 18 month season, so if there was any season to drop that was the one for JHR,” said Hedges.
The team sold off their previous GXP to the Tremaniac Racing team who have since passed it on to John Galea, so the team was in need of another ride. JHR purchased a RJ Race Cars built 2009 GXP specifically designed to handle a small block and was assembled by Dave Beckley at Mountain View Performance in Rancho Cucamonga, California for the team.
JHR did manage some testing on US soil at Bakersfield last October but were greeted with heatwave conditions, though they came away confident they will be ready for this season.
“We have re-grouped and purchased another car and are confident we will still be able to qualify in the toughest ANDRA Group One class – Pro Stock,” said Hedges.
“We are still running Tremayne Engines as our budget has not allowed us to upgrade as yet. However, I am confident their power is still up there so we will be chasing the car set up that will enable us to hopefully qualify.”
The team has been boosted by the signing of a major sponsor.
“Our new major sponsor Mr Taxman will be a huge help in the way of keeping us in the field,” said Hedges.
“Adrian Raftery, aka “Mr Taxman”, has jumped on board with JHR and although not from a motorsport background he is keen on this new marketing adventure.”
Equally excited with the new sponsor partnership is Mr Taxman’s Adrian Raftery.
“I have known Jason personally for over 30 years now, and have seen his passion for racing and to be honest, I’ve never understood it,” joked Adrian.
“Jason has advised I will be required to stand on the start line at this year’s Nitro Champs in Sydney, and then he will ask me if I understand why he does it!”
Several new additional associated sponsors will also be taking up signage space on the new JHR GXP.
Red Handed Security with owner and director Mario Azzopardi are also keen to see ANDRA Drag Racing first hand.
“I see this as a great opportunity for my business to be exposed to a network of loyal fans and hopefully potential customers,” said Mario.
Joining them is James Debono from Modern Edge Electrical.
“James had once helped crew for JHR in the 2010 season and now he also sees the opportunity to get his brand name out via ANDRA Drag Racing,” said Hedges.
Finally, Matt Tuema from Llandilo Towing will also be new on board this year along with loyal JHR sponsors – Jason from J and D Custom Cabinetry and Michael from Marino Stone Australia.
“I can’t say enough about Jason from J and D, he has been there from the start with JHR, and is always out there looking for sponsorship to help the JHR team succeed,” said Hedges.
“Apart from sharing the same names, Jason Hedges and I share the same passion in cars and business,” said Jason from J and D Custom Cabinetry. “This makes for good team focus and we are both very goal orientated so failure is not an option.”
The Pro Stock Shootout on at Calder on March 1 will be JHR’s first test session before racing becomes serious for the first Pro Stock championship round in April.
{fcomment}
