Note – This article originally appeared in the June 26, 2015 edition of the Ohsweken Speedway souvenir program.
“TOP 10”…WITH THUNDER STOCK DRIVER CHASE HESS
By Tommy Goudge (June 24, 2015) – Our series of interviews for the 2015 season continues with sophomore Thunder Stock driver Chase Hess. Like his father Steve, Chase is a graduate of the Mini Stock division. Chase won the Rookie of the Year award in the Thunder Stock division last season, and finished 7th in the championship standings.
Chase Hess – Fast Facts
Car #: 7x
Division: Thunder Stock
Birthdate: November 15, 1991
Hometown: Ohsweken ON
Occupation: Student
Sponsors: Townline Variety, Hess Auto Tech, Smith Ceramics, Gale’s Auto Aftermarket
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TG: How did you get involved in racing, and who were the people who helped you learn the ropes when you were starting out?
CH: Miles (Hill) was the one who got me started out in racing – otherwise I’d still be a spectator. My dad has had a lot to do with teaching me how to drive cars, since I started when I was only 14 and had very limited driving experience.
TG: Which driver(s) do you most enjoy competing against?
CH: I really enjoy racing with Ryan Beagle – great kid that’ll have a good laugh with you after the race no matter how bad our nights were.
TG: What do you remember about the first time you saw racing at Ohsweken Speedway?
CH: I was only about 6 or 7 years old when I first saw racing at Ohsweken. Ever since then I’ve been hooked, and knew I always wanted to race here.
TG: If you could change one thing in racing (a rule, etc.), what would it be?
CH: I’d like to be able to run the Ford 9 (inch) rear end, and the mud plug rule in Thunder Stock is mind-boggling.
TG: If money were no object and you could race anywhere, in anything, what would you choose?
CH: This is such a tough question to answer. I’d like to run the Chilli Bowl and Kings Royal – in my mind those are two of the most prestigious dirt track races to win, aside from the Knoxville Nationals.
TG: What piece of advice would you give to someone looking to get involved in racing that you would like to have been given when you started?
CH: Take any opportunity you can to race, regardless of class. It’s the most exhilarating experience ever. I’d rather be a racer for one day than a spectator for life.
TG: Who is an autograph you got as a kid that seemed to be a big deal to you at the time?
CH: Pinball (Mike Giberson) was an autograph that I thought was the coolest – I mean the guy is a local racing legend.
TG: Who do you think is the most underrated driver and/or team at Ohsweken (and why)?
CH: Definitely the Turner boys. They’re always willing to lend a hand to a fellow racer, and they helped (me) so much with the transition from Mini Stock to Thunder Stock.
TG: I’m asking each person to give me a question for the next interview. Jake Brown asks “Who is your biggest idol in life?”
CH: That would easily be my dad – spending the last decade racing against him has provided me with some of my greatest memories.
TG: …And do you have a question for the next person?
CH: If you can race against anyone in any class, who would it be and what kind of car would it be in?
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Do you have a question you’ve always wanted to ask your favourite Ohsweken Speedway personality, or suggestion for someone you’d like to see featured in a future edition of “Top 10″? E-mail us at media@ohswekenspeedway.com, and stay tuned for future editions of “Top 10″ printed in our weekly program, and on www.OhswekenSpeedway.com!