Giannetto Returns and New Drivers to Knoxville!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Returning Favorites and New Drivers to Knoxville
(Joanne Cram) - The red and black number D1 will again run at Knoxville! Knoxville favorite, Jesse Giannetto will once again be racing weekly with the 360 class on Saturdays at Knoxville Raceway. Giannetto took the opportunity to purchase Johnny Anderson’s equipment at the conclusion of last season, when Anderson decided to put driving on hold. Giannetto will run a Maxim chassis- Ostrich Engine combination this season, hoping to be a top contender this year in the 360 class.
Giannetto spent time last season racing with Smith Racing’s number 86 car, running some Knoxville shows and other races with the Winged Outlaw Warriors. Jesse will continue to run a limited schedule with the Smith’s, including a pre-Knoxville race on April 5th in LaMont, Missouri.
After last season’s horrific crash at the 360 Nationals, Giannetto underwent surgery to repair a ruptured disc in his lower back, an injury he is all to familiar with- having the same injury several years back. This time around however, Gianetto’s recovery has not been so speedy. With the fall and winter off to recoop, Jesse is in great shape to compete this spring.
Gianetto returns to Knoxville Raceway as both the driver and car owner of the D1, and is looking for sponsors to help with the weekly expenses of tires and fuel. Fans have always been a huge help to their favorite drivers in the area of fuel sponsorship! Product sponsors this season include Bell Helmets, DMI, DMI Bulldog Rearends, Butler Built Seats, and Afco Shocks. Crewing this season for Jesse are Brian Deeds, Jordan Ross, and Adam Kinear.
If you are interested in helping with fuel or tires this season, drop an email to jcramit92@aol.com and I’ll be sure to direct it to Jesse, or simply stop by the D1 pit after the races.
Larry Ball Jr. however, will not be returning to Knoxville’s weekly show this season. Talk in the rumor mill had that as an early possibility, but Ball tells me that he is focusing on his new business with go-karts. Larry’s son, Jamie, is also racing this season and Larry and his wife, Jeannie want to focus on Jamie’s racing. Jamie hopes to run a sprint car at Knoxville, following in his father’s footsteps.
Look for more on this topic as I find out details from other drivers!
(Pictured): Jesse Giannetto celebrates his 2006 360 Nationals Championship with Josh Higday (2nd, left) and Brian Brown (3rd, right)
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