On his way to a track, Jacob Burns made some time to talk with us about his journey into racing. With a lucky unlucky number, and a lot of pride for the northeast, Burns is feeling good about his chances to win the national title. With his time driving Legends coming to an end, this may be his last chance to do so.
Hometown: Bristol, Road Island
Number: 13
Division: Pro
Favorite Color: Purple
Team: Nick Lascuola Racing
1. How did you first get into racing?
My uncle used to own a Late Model team at Seekonk Speedway. I used to spend time at the track watching them when I was growing up. They won four championships in a row, and I thought it was amazing. I started racing when I was four years old, in quarter midgets, and I just worked my way up.
2. How has your racing journey been so far?
It’s been good so far. We have thirteen wins on the year as of right now, but there’s still about 20 left so I don’t think I’ve maxed out my national points yet.
3. There are a lot of superstitions and bad luck surrounding the number 13, particularly in racing, so what made you pick that number?
It was the favorite number of one of my family members who passed away. I chose that number and told her right before she passed and stuck with it ever since. And even though people think it is bad luck it has been lucky for me! I’ve won two championships and a lot of money races with it, so I have no complaints or worries.
4. What is your favorite track to race on?
It would probably be Hudson International Speedway in New Hampshire. It’s a short track with high banking so it’s really fast which makes it a lot of fun to race on. I love it because of that.
5. What would it mean to deliver a second championship in four years to the Northeast?
It would mean a lot honestly. I don’t see many people coming from up here going down there and winning national titles, so I think it means a lot more for us up here than it does for guys down south.
6. What is the story behind your “Rowdy” nickname (Jacob “Rowdy” Burns)?
Well, my first time ever going out in a racecar, I flipped it over and rolled into the fence. The flagger at the track that day came up with the name, and it just stuck ever since then.
7. What win has meant the most to you so far?
Probably the money race at Seekonk, the Haunted Hundred race that was two years ago. It was just a home track race in front of a big crowd, and the Late Model tour was there. There was great energy, and it was a big spotlight win for me.
8. Who is your role model in racing?
Probably Freddie Estelle, he raced for my uncle. He was the person I watched when I was young at the tracks and then grew up watching as well. I love his style of racing and he was a very talented driver.
9. How do you get into the zone or focused before a race?
I usually take a nap. Before every race on every race day, I take a nap. It works every time without fail.
10. Do you have any specific racing goals you are focused on right now?
For this year, my main goal is to get the national title. This is probably going to be my last year in Legends so it really is my last chance to go for it, and I would love to go out with that win.
11. Are you feeling good about your chances to win it?
I’m feeling good about it. As of right now, I know there is still a lot left this season, but we’re up by 21 points from second place. I just have to keep winning all the points I can, but I feel pretty good about my chances.
12. How would you describe your racing style in one word?
Aggressive.
13. What do you like to do outside of racing?
Usually when I’m not racing, I’m go-karting, or something similar to racing. I can never get enough of it.
14. What has been the biggest lesson that racing has taught you?
Racing has really taught me to see the bigger picture, both in racing itself but also in life.
15. What do you wish more people knew about racing?
I wish more people knew how much goes into it. It’s not just the races, there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes and outside of the track. There are hours spent in the shop and practicing, so it really is a lot more work than what you see.
16. If you could race anywhere in the world, where would you want to race?
I would love to race at Rockingham South Central in North Carolina. It is closed now, but it was a massive, big bank track, so I think it would have been so fun to race on.