At A Glance: Jason Sides on the Move with Scott Gerkin
At A Glance: Jason Sides on the Move with Scott Gerkin
The Bartlett, Tenn.-native is knocking on the door of a win as the series moves to Keller Auto Speedway and Perris Auto Speedway
CONCORD, N.C. – April 15, 2015 – The World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series wraps up its spring California swing this weekend at Keller Auto Speedway in Hanford, Calif. and Perris (Calif.) Auto Speedway. One driver who is experiencing a renaissance as the season gets into full swing is Jason Sides.
The Bartlett, Tenn.-native moved into 2015 after a disappointing run the previous season. Sides, a 13-time series winner, finished 2014 with no wins and only three top-five finishes.
So far this year, he has five top-five finishes and has found himself on the podium in the last three straight races, including a season-best second place finish last weekend at Calistoga.
“Right now it’s started off pretty good,” Sides said of 2015 after good runs in Florida at DIRTcar Nationals and success toward the latter end of the California swing.
One important addition for Sides and his team this season is Scott Gerkin.
Gerkin, the longtime and prolific crew chief for Steve Kinser, is a master engine tuner and innovator in the sport. The series veteran is also known for his work teaching many others around the garage. He was honored in the off-season with the Ted Johnson Memorial Award for Outstanding Contribution to Sprint Car Racing.
“We’ve been friends for a longtime and having him over here has helped us tremendously just not having to do so much with just myself and (crew member/brother Paul Sides),” Sides said. “He’s brought a lot of knowledge and it’s been good to just be able to bounce stuff off of him and back and forth. It makes for a fun night.”
Sides is on the hunt for his first win this season. His last win came toward the end of the 2012 season at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 in Pevely, Mo. As he looks to the rest of the season, Sides said consistency is the key for success.
“You really need to be consistent every night, in and out,” he said. “The biggest thing is getting out of California. We haven’t always run good here. We get back East a little bit and hopefully we can get things turned around and have a little more consistency as far as top-fives. If you’re in the top-five the wins will come and hopefully we can just be up there.”
Tickets for both World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series events at Keller Auto Speedway and Perris Auto Speedway are still available by visiting http://www.WorldofOutlaws.com/
