AMERICAN speedcar driver Jerry Coons jnr chuckles when he recalls the moment his speedway career was given context.
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The 42-year-old from Plainfield, Indiana, has enjoyed an extensive United States Auto Club (USAC) career. But even still, he was taken aback by what he heard.
“There was a trivia question somewhere, name someone who has won a USAC race in four decades and the answer was me,” he said.
“I raced quarter-midgets for a couple of years, went into go-karts and then got right into midgets. I was 13 in my first midget race. I started pretty young.”
His driving talents have led him to Warrnambool for the 74th Australian Speedcar Championship at Premier Speedway tonight and tomorrow.
Coons jnr, one of four Americans in the 51-strong field, starts as one of the favourites. He has one Australian crown to his name, at Toowoomba in 2007.
That success ranks alongside the USAC Triple Crown, bestowed on drivers who can win the silver crown, sprintcar and midget national championships.
The Belleville Midget Nationals and three New Zealand championships are also on his resumé. He will drive the Steve Graham-owned Eagle car at Premier.
Coons jnr said he was looking forward to the Australian title.
He qualified by contesting the Magic Man 34 in Perth in November and returned to Australia on Wednesday.
Barely hours later, he posted the second-quickest time in practice, behind Victorian Harley Bishop.
“I didn’t mind getting out of the weather (in the US). We got about six inches of snow overnight on Friday,” he said.
“It’s been mild overall but my wife isn’t very happy I’m over here in shorts right now.”
He was confident a lack of racing in Australia in the lead-up to the weekend would not hinder his chances of claiming a second title.
“We just ran Chili Bowl not too long ago. I was in New Zealand and ran five races over there right before Chili Bowl,” he said.
“Steve Graham puts a great race car together. I’ve got all the confidence in the world in it. We won a $10,000-to-win race last year at Toowoomba.
“I had a couple of issues and started pretty far back in the Fig race (Magic Man 34) and ran all the way up to fourth.”
Coons jnr said he’d heard “nothing but good things” about Premier Speedway.
Compatriot Daryn Pittman particularly spoke highly of his experiences.
“When I told him I’m coming down for this he said ‘you’ll love the place’.”
He played up talents of the American quartet chasing the title. Three-time winner Davey Ray, Alex Bright and Tyler Thomas also hail from the US.
“Alex is doing a great job. He’s still a little bit on the green side but he’s been racing for a few years, gaining a lot of experience. He can be very fast,” he said.
“Davey, his record speaks for itself. And Tyler is another one, he’s been running the POWRi series, running some USAC stuff.
“I think he can be very fast, don’t get me wrong. But coming to a different track is going to be an experience for him.”
Coons jnr was confident speedway fans who made their way trackside tonight and tomorrow would not leave disappointed.
“So many people like sprintcars for the sound, they like the wings for the speed,” he said.
“Midgets sound a little bit different. They may not look like they’re going fast but I can guarantee you won’t see better racing.”