Jason Welshan has already won a total of 17 races in 2014.
Jason Welshan has a history of being one of the busiest and most successful racers in the east Tennessee region. On a given night, fans may see him race in two, or even three, classes. And so far, the Maryville driver has already piled up 17 feature victories through July of 2014 in Crate, Limited and Super Late Model competition.
“It’s been decent,” Welshan said of his season to date. “I can’t complain so far. I’ve given a few wins away, but our race cars are getting better. I’ve got Robby Moore who’s come abroad and is helping me out on some stuff with these cars and he’s really turned my program around. I think we can get 25 or more wins before the end of the season.”
Running all three major Late Model classes can put a strain on any driver. And it can be difficult to keep all three programs up to par at the same time. However, Welshan has seemingly found a way to do just that.
“Right now, my crate program is at the top of the chart,” the 35-year-old driver explained. “The crate car has really been good this year. And we feel like we’re really close to getting out super program to the point where our crate program is. I’m really trying to win a $5,000 or $10,000 show. We had a real good race with that super car up at Bulls Gap the first night out. It drove very well.”
Jason Welshan
Welshan went on to add that his Limited Late Model car has been successful, but not as much as he would like for it to be. He believes that an issue with the front ends of his cars has held him back a bit, but he also believes he is close to finding the solution.
“Mike Nuchols at Warrior Race Cars has been working with me on a new shock package and I’ve been real impressed with it,” he declared. “The car has been driving really good. I’m excited about working with Mike and (Warrior owner)Sanford Goddard. Even though we’re in MasterSbilt, they do shock programs over there and what they have put on my race car has really seemed to help.”
Since the time of this interview, Welshan has experienced trouble with his own Super Late Model. That car is briefly out of commission, but the relationship forged with Goddard and Nuchols has opened a new door for the driver.
Welshan will drive a Warrior this weekend in Super Late Model competition.
Welshan will race the Warrior house car this weekend, beginning with the Ultimate Super Late Models $5,000-to-win event at Smoky Mountain Speedway on Friday night. He also plans to race on Saturday night at the Volunteer Speedway as part of their Carolina Clash event.
But how does a driver who races in so many events spread among three different classes stay on top of his game throughout an entire season?
“There is a lot of work involved,” Welshan admitted. “I’m blessed to have such good help. I’ve got some young guys and they’ve got a lot of energy. They are helping me out a bunch. They’re always pushing me to go race. All I have to do is go drive.”
And what will it take for this driver to call 2014 successful?
“I’d like to get to 30 wins. I’ve had 29 in a season before and I know 30 is a high number, but we’re not running for any points or championships. That would be a good season, or I would be willing to give up those wins if I could get me a $10,000-to-win show. If I could win one $10,000 race, I’d say I’ve had a good year.”
