LEXINGTON — After an 11-year hiatus from the sport, a Clear Fork alumnus is trying to bring a podium-finish back to Richland County at the 53rd annual Sports Car Club Association Runoffs.
“I think I can finish top three; that is my goal,” said Jeremy Swank, who will drive car No. 72 during the SCCA Runoffs at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Sept. 19 through 25. “The area has such a steep tradition in motor racing, so I knew I wanted to be a representative of the area and be successful and keep going.”
Swank’s father brought him to races Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course when he was just 8-years-old.
“I’ve been coming out ever since,” the 1990 Clear Fork graduate said. “I really gravitated toward it.”
Swank said he helped out anyway he could with local racers. He pleaded with the racers to let him drive a car, and at 28 was granted his wish.
Swank finished sixth at the 2005 SCCA Runoffs, but was disqualified for a technical infraction.
After taking a break for nine years, he decided to jump back behind the wheel. Giving himself a two-year project to regain his racing bearings for Monday’s race.
“When I saw the Runoffs would be back here (at Mid-Ohio), it was a matter of putting the pieces together and strategizing,” he said. “That’s how this year came about.”
The racing gods tested Swank’s team on the journey to get to this point, he said.
For instance, Swank was in second-place at a race in Michigan when he was struck by another racer towards the end of August. His team has also had engine issues, including one blowing out completely. He said the schedule, being a parent, and life in general have added stresses to his regimen.
“Old Jeremy would have been very frustrated,” he quipped. “As I’ve gotten older and put things into perspective that this is still a hobby, and we’ve sorted the car out, I’m really excited for this week.”
Sports Car Magazine has predicted Swank to finish Top 5 among the 14 racers in his class. The races will be streamed live on the SCCA’s website.
“My car is very fast, I see my times are going down.” he said. “I’ve got a quiet confidence.”
