Heotzter Looks Chase The Money on The Road
Story By: JEFF HEOTZLER RACING MEDIA Photos By: DAVE DALESANDRO / RACERSGUIDE.COM
WALLKILL, NY- March 2, 2016- “The Jeffer” Jeff Heotzler, the ageless talent from Wallkill, NY, will be hitting the road and chasing the money in 2016. The 58-year-old pilot had a successful 2015 campaign that produced 4 victories, a track championship and a 4th place finish in the highly competitive Short Track Super Series. Heotzler’s 5th career Accord Speedway triumph was his first title at the ¼ mile bullring since 1986, further cementing his incredible longevity in the sport.
Despite the accomplishments, The Jeffer finds himself without a full-time gig for 2016.
Longtime driver turned car owner, Mel Schrufer, who provided the opportunity for Heotzler to pilot the potent 2a small block modified in 2014 and 2015, sold his operation at the end of last season. “It was an absolute pleasure to get to know Mel, his family and crew. The two years we spent together were a blast and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to wheel the 2a,” said Heotzler.
With the scarcity of car owners in today’s racing climate, Heotzler and his son, Jeff Jr., decided to resurrect the Jeff Heotzler Racing (JHR) J17 and aim to compete in select higher paying shows along with the entire Short Track Super Series North schedule in 2016.
“It’s a no-brainer to compete in Brett Deyo’s series,” stated Heotzler. “Even if you have a bad night in one of his races, you walk out of the track with money in your pocket, which definitely cannot be said for weekly competition.”
The JHR team will be debuting a brand new Teo Pro Car with a small block power plant which they hope to have readied for the STSS opener at the Orange County Fair Speedway.
“Being in the sport as long as I have, I have had the opportunity to forge many lasting relationships with top manufacturers within the industry. Without their support, we most certainly would not be able to do this on our own. I owe a tremendous amount of thanks to those companies who have helped me throughout my career.”
In addition to the JHR 358 modified, The Jeffer will once again have the Ronnie Roberts’ owned 14h big block modified in his arsenal for this season. Heotzler hopes to compete in select big block events at OCFS, Rolling Wheels and visit the Roberts Racing team at their home track, Bridgeport Speedway, throughout the course of the season.
“Ronnie and Fay have been nothing but generous to me since day one and I cannot thank them enough for continuing to provide me with an opportunity to drive their top notch equipment,” exclaimed Heotzler.
The Jeffer has scored 2 victories at OCFS in the Roberts 14h and put forth a valiant effort in last year’s Eastern States 200, where a cut tire while running 3rd with under 10 laps to go cost him the opportunity to battle for his 2nd ESW 200 crown.
The Jeff Heotzler Racing team, comprised primarily of Heotzler, Jeff Jr., and longtime crewman Bobby Vincent, is eager to get 2016 underway.
The Jeffer summed up his hopes for 2016. “There is nothing sweeter than being the underdog and having success, especially in your own equipment that your put your blood, sweat and tears into. Wins are so hard to come by these days, no matter who you are. All we can ask for is the opportunity to compete for a chance to win.”
Marketing partners are always welcome and are pivotal in ensuring that JHR can reach its full potential. To contact Jeff Heotzler Racing, please call 845-863-7351 or email Jr@JeffHeotzler.com. More information on The Jeffer can be found on the team website, www.jeffheotzlerracing.com or Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/JeffHeotzlerRacing/.
