Rising Star Jacob Balliet Cool As Ice As He Preps For Big Season In 2018

Story By: STEVE PADOS / JTB MOTORSPORTS – DRUMS, PA – The 2017 racing season for Jacob Balliet was indeed a good one for the rising young racing star out of Drums, Pennsylvania.

The popular young driving star dubbed “The Little Ice Man” accomplished many of the goals he earmarked for himself in 2017 as his determination on the speedway earned volumes for himself and his family oriented race team. Competing regularly in the JPA Masonry sponsored Wingless 600 Sprint division at the Hamlin Speedway, Jacob finished ninth in the final points standings in a division of 71 participants. He enjoyed three heat wins during the season and was voted the Most Improved Open Wheel Driver from the Checkered Flag Fan Club.

A two week downside of the season hurt Jacob’s chances for a higher finish in the point standings for the young speedster. The first occurred when a competitor got out of shape and shot across the race track in front of traffic and clipped Justin Mills who began to flip wildly and Jacob with no place to go got tangled up in one of the scariest crashes ever witnessed at the speedway. The second incident happened on the following week as Jacob took an early lead and was running away from the field when his steering broke and he connected with the same spot in the wall from the previous week. The two misfortunes forced the team to dip into their racing reserves in order for Jacob to return to the speedway wars.

The off-season proved to be all good news for Jacob as the team readied two new race cars over the winter months for the 600 Sprint divisions, one for winged action and one for the non-wing racing. A pairing with the HPRacing group will have Jacob in action at selected events on pavement at Evergreen Speedway and possibly Mahoning Valley. The three race cars were recently on display at the Dirt Track Heroes Show held in Phillipsburg, New Jersey.

Jacob began his racing career in 2009 with the Quarter Midgets. He progressed quickly and began capturing wins the following season with seven wins coming at different venues and capturing the 2010 inaugural Dirt Nationals event at Eldora Speedway. In 2011 Jacob became a champion with USAC with many wins coming during the season and it was much the same in the following seasons as Jacob was hitting double figure wins through those seasons and at one time winning eight consecutive features in a sterling run for the roses.

Jacob really turned up the wick in 2015 as he captured 45 wins in 80 starts while competing in five states. Jacob won eight races in eight starts at Snydersville and equaled the feat when he captured eight in a row at the Lehigh Valley quarter midget facility. Jacob won wherever he competed during the season.

Jacob needed a bigger challenge in 2016 and stepped into the rookie 600 Sprint division at Hamlin. Jacob was third in the final points while capturing two feature wins and grabbing up three heat wins in a very competitive division of racing at Hamlin.

His Dad Matt operates as the Crew Chief for the team and Mom works hard at keeping the team fed and driving Jacob to the next event where he needs to be. Sponsorship comes in the form of the family business The Long Hollow Cattle Company with Thorne Care Landscaping, Bergelt Opticians, Valley Pizza and DeFebo Graphics adding valuable assistance. The team is seeking additional marketing partners for the new season ahead and additional information is available through their website at: www.jtbmotorsports.com The Long Hollow Cattle Company has branched out in selling packaged beef. For additional information regarding the purchases, please contact them at: info@LongHollowCattle.com

Jacob’s ultimate dream is being a professional sprint car racer in his life pursuit. His family has set high standards for him and Jacob is up to the task as he has always attained the highest honors in school, excelling in all subjects with Math and Science a major priority. Jacob is a member of the Boy Scouts of America, aspiring to become an Eagle Scout. He is a competitive swimmer with the Hazleton YMCA “Hazy” swim team. Jacob is also an avid hunter and fisherman on the property of the family lands.

“The Little Ice Man” Jacob Balliet is one of the “coolest” guys in racing as he takes everything in stride no matter what the problem may be. He has set the bar high for his racing endeavors. He has shown the talent and style to continue his transition to the top of the racing echelon and he is doing it the right way, one step at a time.