MU Students Have Need for Speed
By Jessica McCormack

Tailgate parties and cheering fans are evidence that football season is in full swing. However, there is one sport that isn’t getting near the attention some MU students say it deserves.

“ I sold my football ticket last week to go to Lake Ozark Speedway in Eldon, Mo. Watching sprint car racing is the most exciting action that I have ever had the privilege of enjoying at a sporting event! Everyone should go to a race at least once,” freshman, Tyler Alderson said.

Believe it or not, MU is home to a very successful sprint car driver. During the day, he hits the books studying communications, but when the weekend rolls around, senior, Eric Jobe, is piloting a 360-sprint car at lightning fast speeds on dirt tracks throughout the Midwest.

“ My favorite part about racing has to be the intensity that most people will never feel. You are racing so close and must make split second decisions every lap to avoid disaster,” Jobe said.

Jobe has been involved in racing most of his life. He started racing go-karts when he was just eight years old. During his kart-racing career he set seven track records in 21 states and Canada and also collected four national titles.

After racing sprint cars for three-and-a-half years, Jobe continues to make a name for himself in the world of motor sports. Driving the No. 23 car, Jobe started his sprint car racing career by joining the Winged Outlaw Warriors Series in 2002. That same year he was named Rookie of the Year.

Traveling is a huge part of racing. However, Jobe manages to keep up with his studies.

“ As far as school goes, I study on the way to the track every weekend to help keep up with the days I miss. I am taking 17 hours, so it's a little rough,” Jobe said.

This season, Jobe has raced at several different tracks, including Knoxville Raceway in Iowa and the historic half-mile at Missouri State Fair Speedway in Sedalia, Mo. So far this year, Jobe has earned six top five finishes and 13 top 10 finishes.

Jobe says he is extremely thankful for his family, crew and fans.

“ We always try to have at least four people at the track and five for bigger races. My crew puts in about 20-25 hours worth of work each week to keep things running smoothly,” Jobe said.

Racing keeps the entire Jobe family and crew very busy. With races coming up in Little Rock, Ark. and Texas, Jobe’s season is far from over.

Despite the intense traveling, current fuel prices don’t keep this racing team from any track.

“ Fuel prices don't effect where we race at all. We simply race where the toughest competition is,” Jobe said.

“ I really enjoyed watching Eric Jobe run at the Missouri State Fair Speedway in Aug. It was so much fun to watch all the action,” freshman, Megan Gallup said.

Jobe is looking forward to rounding out the 2005 season, and has big plans for 2006. They expect to hit about 100 races throughout the season while racing in the American Sprint Car Series. To keep up with Eric Jobe’s racing action you can visit www.ericjobemotorsports.com.

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