BARBOURSVILLE, WV-One of the coolest storylines at SOS last season was the emergence of Modified driver Jake Keaton. Keaton has one of the most unique racing backgrounds of any of the drivers that race at SOS. Before he began his dirt Modified career in 2008, the Barboursville, West Virginia driver had a seven year career in the asphalt short track ranks. Keaton’s asphalt short track career landed him all the way to the NASCAR Whelen All American Series before deciding to switch over to dirt.
Now, Keaton is poised to become one of the top dirt drivers in our region and is well on his way to accomplishing that. He has improved each year he has raced dirt and in 2011 was one of the top contenders week in and week out at SOS. Last season he finished second in SOS points with four top fives and six top tens and has his eyes set on a track championship in 2012. We had a chance to sit down with Keaton and discuss his asphalt career, transition from asphalt to dirt, racing at SOS, and what his 2012 plans are.
T. J. Layne: You have a really unique racing background, spending many seasons racing in the asphalt short track ranks. Tell us about your previous asphalt racing experience.
Jake Keaton: I started racing in 2001 in the Classic Cars division at Ona Speedway. In 2002, I started racing Late Models at a track called I-75 Speedway in Kentucky. In 2003, I only made a few starts at a few different tracks including Corbin Speedway in Kentucky, Mansfield Speedway in Ohio, and New Smyrna Speedway in Florida. In 2004, Ona opened up for a full schedule. I was able to win the Late Model track championship there in 2004 and in 2005. In 2006, we decided to make the jump to the NASCAR Whelen All American Series racing in the Late Model Stock Car division. We raced mostly at Motor Mile Speedway in Virginia, but we also went to South Boston Speedway and Martinsville Speedway. For 2007, we decided to race at Ona Speedway again. I was able to capture the Classic Car track championship, and I also won races in the Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, and Late Models– including the Mountaineer 100. And then, in 2008, we made the switch to racing Dirt Modifieds.
Layne: You were a very accomplished asphalt racer and then as you said, made the decision to switch over to dirt in 2008. What led you to make the decision to make the switch?
Keaton: Well, everyone always told me that I needed experience on dirt. I had been thinking about dirt racing for a few years, and then one day I was watching a dirt race on the SPEED Channel and something just sparked in me and that’s what I wanted to do. The close distance of dirt tracks compared to most asphalt tracks also played a factor. One of the biggest factors that helped me to make the decision to switch was the caliber of drivers in the area on the dirt tracks. There are so many talented drivers around this part of the country and I really wanted to compete against them. You know the saying, “to be the best, you’ve got to beat the best.”
Layne: How difficult a transition was it going from asphalt to dirt?
Keaton: It was pretty difficult. In my first dirt race I was thinking to myself, “Man, what have I gotten myself into.” Everything is completely different than on asphalt. The first couple of years were really tough, it took me awhile to get a good feel for the car. In 2010 we started becoming more competitive on a weekly basis. And although we only had one win on the year, 2011 turned out to be a good season for us, and definitely our best one on dirt.
Layne: You ran strong in 2011 at every track you raced at, but you ran especially strong at SOS, collecting four top fives and six top tens. What is it about SOS that seemed to fit your driving style so well?
Keaton: SOS had a great feel to it from the first time I got on the track. It’s fast and a lot of fun to drive. It has a feel to it that reminded me of a lot of asphalt tracks I’ve raced at with long straightaways and fast tight turns, especially when it got slick around feature time. It’s definitely one of my favorite tracks now.
Layne: You competed in the Late Model division in the asphalt ranks. Do you have any plans in the future to compete in the Late Model division here on dirt or do you plan on staying in the Modified division for the forseeable future?
Keaton: For the next couple of years, at least, I’ll be racing in the Modified division. I would love to race a Dirt Late Model one day, but they cost a lot of money. Hopefully one day things will work out and we’ll be able to make the switch from Modifieds to Late Models.
Layne: What are your plans and goals for the 2012 season?
Keaton: For 2012, our plan is to race at Portsmouth and SOS and try to compete for the win at both tracks every week. And I think we’ve also got a shot at the championship at both tracks. I’m really excited about this year and I can’t wait until the first race at SOS.
Layne: Who all do you have to thank on your 2011 season?
Keaton: First, I have to thank my dad. He has supported me since I started racing in 2001 and has spent a lot of money helping me to achieve my dreams. I also have to thank the two guys who work their butts off on the car every week, Gary Workman and Dave Hall. Without those guys I probably wouldn’t be racing at all. I’d also like to thank my wife, Jami, for supporting me and putting up with me and the racing. My mom has also been a big supporter of me and her support through the years has helped me to get where I am today. And last, but not least, I’d like to thank all the guys who work at Keaton’s Collision Center, Barboursville Mini Storage, and JK Auto Supply for all of their hard work which helps pay for our race team, and without them none of this would be possible.
