Column: Hard-Charging Youngster Fire Swamp Books Northeast Fall Nationals Start At Brockville
Story By: JIM CLARKE / BROCKVILLE ONTARIO SPEEDWAY – BROCKVILLE, ONT – For more than a decade, the Northeast Fall Nationals at Brockville Speedway has earned a reputation as one of the sports premiere late season events. The 2020 edition will make history for several reasons: including the headlines created by the maiden voyage for 14-year-old Fire Swamp. If ever there was an aptly named racer, it is this talented young hot shoe.
Turning heads at about a handful of different tracks including Brockville and Cornwall Speedways throughout his abbreviated Rookie Sportsman division calendar, the 10th grade student at Massena High School will come into his inaugural start in the fall finale at the end of his first-ever year in any type of racing competition. Diminutive, soft-spoken and confident, Swamp says it has a been an amazing season.
“Coming in, I didn’t know what to expect or what I could accomplish. Even with the restrictions and changes caused by COVID-19, it has been a lot of fun and I have met some terrific people along the way,” Fire Swamp said of his No. 88 machine. “The crew has given me a great car since our first laps of the year and we’ve jelled as a team in ways that I think would make any young racer successful.”
Racing as often as 3 nights every weekend; even during the shortened schedule, Swamp has learned the value of seat time and has discovered how to read changing track conditions while going head-to-head against some older, more experienced racers. Drawing from the background of team members including crew chief Louie Jackson, his dad, Blazen and Jerry Jackson who have knowledge they can share to help the driver develop his talents as he gets ready for his first ever Northeast Fall Nationals start.
“Its been a great opportunity to get behind the wheel and be successful on the track,” said the young speedster. “I can’t thank my parents Jim and Misty Swamp enough for allowing me the chance to chase my dreams. Other than driving the racecar, I love being around the fans and the opportunity to meet some new people.”
Fire Swamp’s No. 88 Sportsman-Modified is proudly supported by Swamp’s CBD Salve, The Medicine Chest & Laundromat, DTC Trucking, Draper Doors, Mohawk Plumbing, Jacobs Landscaping, Swamp’s Performance Automotive, #9 Propane, Connie Bear and CKON Radio.
The team and sales manager Rachael Lazare invite fans to stop by the pit area after the races and purchase a Fire Swamp Racing t-shirt or hoodie.
