GARY HUNT’S US 131 RACER OF THE WEEK 

HUNTINGTON IS ‘ROAD MASTER’ IN US 131 OPENER

MARTIN, Mich. – When one thinks about race cars, the Buick Roadmaster probably isn’t the first vehicle that comes to mind. Nevertheless, Jake Huntington is doing his part to change all that.

The Waltz resident drove his hulking Roadmaster, a car he calls “Uncle Buck” because of its resemblance to the vehicle John Candy drove in the movie of the same name, to a pair of Street ET victories in the opening weekend of the Lane Automotive Bracket Series at US 131 Motorsports Park.

As a result, he is Gary Hunt’s inaugural Racer of the Week for 2019.

Huntington, who works at Frazier Rentals in Taylor, bought the Buick for $650 with every intention of flipping it. But, after entering a race at Milan Dragway and reaching the final round, he decided to keep it as his own and has been racing it for the last three years.

Dad Eddie, the 1993 Super Pro champ at Detroit Dragway, gets credit for fostering Jake’s interest in the sport which culminated last week in his earning more points in two days than he did in the entire 2018 season.

En route to becoming 131’s newest “road master,” Huntington shut down past track champion Donnie Hagar in the quarterfinals on both days. He then beat Jordin Wilhelm in the May 4 final and Tyler Nelkin a day later with a .027 final round package.

Congratulations, Jake, from Gary Hunt and everyone at US 131 Motorsports Park.

ABOUT GARY HUNT

Gary Hunt is in his 12th season as the track announcer at US 131 Motorsports Park, a track on which he won seven championships in Stock Eliminator and the brackets. His experience as a race car driver has served him well behind the mike and while he often misses the thrill of competition, his “desk job” is not without its benefits. “It’s given me the best seat in the house, which is always climate controlled,” he said. “I never break any parts, don’t have to wait in line and I leave with a little bit of money every week.”