The late Ken Willsher’s legacy is one that sees no borders and influences all.
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That is the case when it comes to the newest entrant putting his name down to compete in the tribute race named in his honour.
American star Jake Hagopian, who races the US Formula 500 equivalent called Micro Sprint, is the newest contender in a growing list of entrants for the inaugural Ken Willsher Classic at Laang Speedway on April 27.
The 30-year-old said the Willsher name had traveled all the way to his home-town.
"The attention and excitement that is building around the Ken Willsher Classic is undeniable, even from California," he said.
"I've been longing to get back to Australia and race, but with kids and a business making life hectic it hasn't been possible until this opportunity came up."
The 2011-2012 Speedweek champion returns to Australia with a promising record in the Formula 500 class.
Hagopian has won some of America's biggest feature races including the Highbanks Hustle, Clay Cup Nationals, King of California, the Tulsa Shootout and California Speedweek.
New South Wales businessman and fellow racer Steve Caunt struck a deal with Hagopian to race his backup car for the new event.
"Jake's a good friend of our family and he was interested in making the race to honour Ken so we are very pleased we could make this happen," Caunt said.
Fittingly the D1 chassis, which is constructed and built by Hagopian's Driven Performance business, will be fitted to the car lent to the American by Caunt.
Entries currently sit at 27 with 62 days set to go until the race kicks off.
The final cut-off for the races to enter is Easter Monday (April 22).
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Sean Hardeman
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
