Gaedeke proves he can run with the big boys

 

WATERFORD — Shawn Gaedeke started the 2018 season with one objective in mind — to prove that he could compete with the best drivers in the Sportsman division.

“”I’ve been trying for two years to put something together to prove that I can drive,” Gaedeke said.

He proved it last week when he roared his way to the front to win his first-ever Sportsman feature. The win also elevated him to the top spot in the point standings.

Gaedeke will be looking to make it two in a row tonight when racing resumes at the Speedbowl. The Sportsman will be joined by tonight’s touring division, the American Canadian Tour, which will compete in a 150-lap feature as part of the ACT Summer Showdown Series. The SK Modifieds, the SK Lite Modifieds and the Mini Stocks also will be in action.

That means it will be another big night for Gaedeke, who is still on Cloud 9 after making it to the winners’ circle last week.

“That win means the world to me,” Gaedeke said. “It was the best feeling in the world. I really can’t explain how great it was.”

Gaedeke said his rapid improvement can be attributed to one factor — equipment.

“When I moved up to the Sportsman from the Super X-Cars in 2016, I really didn’t have the money to be competitive,” Gaedeke said. “My car handled well, but I didn’t have the steam.”

So Gaedeke took a small step back in the hopes of making a huge step forward. 

“I took the 2017 off trying to find something,” Gaedeke said, “and I teamed up with TLB and Terry Brick. I have a new job, new money and an association with Terry Brick.”

Gaedeke is competing in a car that was driven by Sportsman driver Jon Porter a few years ago.

“The car was just sitting there,” Gaedeke said. “So we added some new parts and new money, and we were ready to go.”

Gaedeke started the year with two fourth-place finished and a third before invading victory lane last week.

Gaedeke started his involvement in motor sports by helping his uncle Bill Reiman, a competitor and past champion in the Super-X Car division.

“He has been my biggest supporter,” Gaedeke said. “Even when I was really bad, he and his wife were there to encourage me and keep giving me advice.”

Gaedeke started his own career in the Super-X Cars. When he got his first win, he decided it was time to upgrade his racing effort.

“I knew it was time to move up,” Gaedeke said. “I always loved the Sportsman division because of the show they put on. I wanted to be a part of it.”

Gaedeke became involved with 2017 champ Chris Meyer, who became his driving coach.

“To have Chris Meyer at my window to tell me what I did right and what I did wrong is a huge advantage,” Gaedeke said. “It was exactly what I needed.”

His sponsors include Trees R Us, TLB Auto Machine and Copycats Printing. His supporters include Reiman, Meyer, Terry Brick, Kyle Gaedeke, Joe Meyer and Ed. Gaedeke also thanked his girlfriend, Alyssa.

“I work on my car for 30 or 40 hours a week and she always is by my side,” Gaedeke said. She lefts me up when I need it.”

Now Gaedeke is ready to dig in for the rest of the season.

“We’re a low budget team,” Gaedeke said. “”So we are taking it week by week. But I plan on showing up whenever I can. I’m just 22 years old. I’m not going anywhere.”

Gaedeke said it would be nice to win a championship, but that’s not his primary goal.

“It wouldn’t be the end of the world if we didn’t,” Gaedeke said. “Success to me is winning races and running up front. And we have already showed we can do that.”

He showed that on June 9 when he landed his first Sportsman win.

“Since I was a kid, I always dreamed that one day we would be where we are today,” Gaedeke said. “I took a lot of effort to get there.”

And now he is determined to stay there.

Speedbowl notes

Tonight will mark the second round of the summer series for the ACT tour. Tonight’s winner will be getting a $5,000 first-place check. 

The first round of the Showdown was captured by Eddie “The Outlaw” MacDonald of Rowley, Mass. MacDonald also is second in the ACT standings, trailing defending champion Scott Payea of Colchester, Vt. 

Jimmy Hebert is third in points, followed by Rich Dubeau and Corey Mason.

A former Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park champion, Brian Tagg, also is expected to compete….Qualifying for the ACT cars and the SK Modifieds takes place at 5 p.m. today, with features to follow … Kyle James has won both SK Modified races this season, but they haven’t been easy victories. James came from one lap down to win the season opener. In the June 9 featured, he started dead last in the 14 car field, but worked his way to the front … Jon Puleo is on a similar winning streak in the SK Lites. He came from behind on June 9, overtaking John O’Sullivan with two laps to go, to extend his winning ways…. Doug Curry will be looking for two wins in a row in the Mini Stock division. He captured the 50-lap feature on June 9.