JAKE Hose says speedway’s contrasts are what draw him to the sport.
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“I like how competitive and serious and laid back it is at the same time,” he said.
“It’s a super professional sport but I do it with my best mates week in, week out so it’s good fun.”
The Warrnambool-based Hose, 28, will compete against Australian number one and defending champion Liam Williams in the Jack Willsher Cup at Premier Speedway on Saturday night.
The annual race is one of the highlights on the formula 500 calendar.
“I just want to make the A-Main. There will be a lot of competition this weekend with 38-odd cars,” Hose said.
“It’s a big race. People from Tasmania and Queensland come; they come from all over the place.
“It is our first proper big race of the year and it gets a lot of interest.
“Liam Williams and local Jack Bell, in his first race for the year, will be two to watch.”
Hose said his Jack Willsher Cup debut 12 months ago was “one to forget”.
“We had one heat race and had to pack it up,” he said.
“The motor blew up, so we’re looking to do a bit better.”
Hose is in his third formula 500 season after a stint in bitumen go-karts.
He said his racing background helped him on the clay tracks at times.
“I would say when the track goes slick and there’s a lot of throttle control (I can adjust),” Hose said.
“Portland is my favourite track. It’s fast and there’s a lot of passing.”