Little to make first career start at famed @LangleySpeedway

Once a horse racing track, the historic Langley Speedway now plays host to a three-eighth mile paved oval which is the site of this weekend’s NASCAR K&N Pro Series East event- the Visit Hampton VA 175. The race marks the first-ever series start at the Virginia track for third-generation driver, Jesse Little.

 

Little has had a strong rookie season on the K&N Pro Series having qualified inside the top six positions in four of the season’s six races netting an average starting position of ninth throughout the year. Many of Little’s races have seen him challenging for top-5 or top-10 finishes, Minor setbacks, such as Iowa two weeks ago, only serve as motivation for his NASCAR Technical Institute team, he said.

 

“I continue to keep my head up and stay focused on the long term goal. I know the speed is in the car, we just have to put all the pieces of the puzzle together. In our last team meeting this week we reviewed all the races and found that we’ve run inside the top -five so we need to finish it (a run inside the top-5 running order at the checkered fag) out this weekend at Langley Speedway.”

 

One benefit for Little is Saturday’s race comes on a short-track where the Performance Friction Brakes Chevrolet has been strong. “Looking back at our previous short track races we feel really comfortable heading into Langley. We’re confident the team and I are capable of producing a win this weekend since we’ve qualified good in five of six races and were generally a top five car when we get on the smaller race tracks,” Little explained.

 

While the race will be Little’s first start at the track located in Hampton, VA a recent test session was helpful to preparing for the weekend, he noted. “Langley is a very unique short track. It is very fast for its size and tire wear will not be an issue. From our test there I was able to notice some characteristics that we’ll be able to apply in the race.”

 

Starting the season with the goal of being a top-10 team when the checkered flag falls at each race along the season’s schedule, Little sits just outside that mark near the midway point of the year. To reach the goal a simple approach to races going forward is needed.

 

“At this point in the season, my goal is still within reach and that’s a top-10 (finish) in points. The team and I are showing up this weekend with one objective; the pole and a win. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain with this approach and can’t wait to get our car on the track,” he said.

 

Kris Bowen, Little’s crew chief with Coulter Motorsports, has been supportive of his driver throughout the recent rough stretch, his driver added. “It (Bowen’s support) gives me the confidence and an assuring fact that I can drive this car as hard as I can lap after lap. I trust with each adjustment and decision they make we will continue to be a threat to the competition,” Little said.

 

Another source of support for Little is his father, Chad, the current NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Director. The elder Little is one of five members of the 2013 West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame class that will be honored on Thursday evening in Napa, Calif.

Following in his father’s footsteps was always a goal the high school sophomore had, Little added.

 

“For our family to have Dad receive this recognition is just awesome. He, my grandfather (Northwest racing pioneer Chuck Little), my car owner and uncle, Jason, my Mom (Donna), my sister (Hayley) and everyone in our family have supported me to reach my goals and without them my career would not possible. I’m proud of our heritage in the sport, especially back in the Northwest which spurred my Dad to come to North Carolina and live his dream. Now I’ll go to Langley and try to give him and our family my very best this weekend.”

 

Jesse Little PR