BEATRICE, Neb. (March 5, 2024) – Johnny Saathoff has seen a lot of change in the motorsports industry over his years as a race car driver and owner of Jet Racing.
He’s also seen some things remain the same over the course of a lengthy marketing partnership with IMCA, the last 13 of those 27 years as title sponsor of the Central Region for Modifieds.
Top 10 drivers official 2024 point standings for that region, which includes tracks in Arkansas, eastern Colorado, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska, receive shares of a $6,000 point fund, provided in part by the Beatrice, Neb., chassis builder and high performance parts retailer.
“I’m proud to be an IMCA sponsor and especially proud to be able to recognize drivers in what has been my home region for their accomplishments again this year,” said Saathoff. “Another thing I’m proud of is that I still own Jet Racing. I’ve been the little guy and hung in there through tough times when other builders didn’t or couldn’t.”
“It’s pretty cool to think that I’ve been involved for this many years.”
The champion of the Jet Racing Central Region earns $2,500 with the runner-up receiving $1,250 and $625 paid for third, $325 for fourth, $300 for fifth and $200 for each of sixth through 10th places.
Central Region drivers must display two Jet Racing logos on their race car to be eligible for point fund shares, to be distributed during the national awards banquet in November or mailed beginning in December.
The first Jet Racing-built Modified chassis rolled off the line in 1995, followed by Stock Car and Hobby Stock chassis beginning in 1999 and Northern SportMod chassis in the early 2000’s. Saathoff also sells used race cars while operating both a pre-driven car lot and towing business on the side.
“We built some of the parts for the first IMCA Northern SportMod,” recalled Saathoff. “I remember going to the IMCA banquet in Des Moines and seeing that car on display. Brett (IMCA president Root) asked for our input on rules and we’ve been proud to be part of the growth of that class, too.”
“We helped out with the aftermarket firewall in the Hobby Stock and also worked with (IMCA Director of Competition) Dave Brenn and Doug at Schoenfeld on the new headers for Hobby Stocks,” he added. “We were happy to have the opportunity to share what we knew when talking with Brett and Dave about rule changes and updates.”
Jet Racing sponsored special events and Stock Car (2004-2009) and Hobby Stock (2007-2009) Northern regions before becoming the Modified Central Region title sponsor in 2012.
Saathoff’s personal IMCA resume includes four national, six regional and 26 track championships, along with 359 feature wins.
“Johnny Saathoff and Jet Racing have a unique association with IMCA,” noted Carson Becker-Gramm, marketing integration and sponsorship director for the sanctioning body. “Modified drivers continue to benefit from that association this season.”
Information about Jet-built chassis is available at the www.jetracinginc.com website, by calling 888 290-9696 and on Facebook.
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