Brian Brown Constructs Very Special Victory in Honor of Late Competitor Jesse Hockett

24 Jun 2010

With his win at Knoxville Raceway Brian now has seven victories for the year.

"This is probably my most special win ever, we felt very honored to run his number and put it in victory lane," commented Brian Brown. Running the number 77 in honor of his late competitor, Jesse Hockett, the Grain Valley, Missouri driver battled for a win at Knoxville Raceway much to the delight of the massive crowd. Brian and Jesse came about their rivalry organically - they met at the same tracks and races after all - but there was always a mutual respect for each other’s skills.

Brown normally runs the number 21 on his sprint car. Currently he's focused on running with The World of Outlaws.

"We weren't the best of friends, but we weren't enemies either," says Brian. "There were times we were friends, and times when things weren't good between us. The last year or so, we had gotten along really well though. We called each other, or talked about setting the car up for certain tracks whenever we could."

Brian, five years older, witnessed Jesse transform from a weekend racer, to a gritty and polished professional.

Brain Brown proudly sported the number 77 for late competitor Jesse Hockett - commenting that this win will forever stand alone for him.

"It's extremely unfortunate to lose him at such a young age," he says. "He resembles what sprint car racing is all about. He was a small town kid who made it big, but never forgot where he came from. I was honored that the family gave me the blessing to carry his number last weekend. I was just worried I wasn't going to do it justice. We definitely wanted to run well with Jesse's number on the car. He was a great driver and we wanted to make sure and try our hardest to win it for him and his family."

Immediately after the checkered flag Brian says memories of Jesse and his family, and all the recollections they had amassed racing together, continued to race through his mind. "He really did symbolize what sprint car racing is all about," reiterates Brian. "This win will forever be viewed differently from any other."

This win gives the 31 year old driver a total of seven checkered flags so far for 2010. Currently Brian is readjusting his focus to run with the World of Outlaws coming to town.

"Realistically, you need to be qualifying well for when the Outlaws come. If you aren't on, they will eat you alive."

Brian says his relationship with K&N continues to be awesome. "I have been with them since my racing career started and I plan to continue using their products until the day I stop racing. I use the Carbon fiber air box, the wrench off oil filters and the filter oil and cleaner."

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