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Dirt tracks not too rich for Jackson

Rick Sheek Dirt tracks not too rich for Jackson Mike Jackson is the epitome of the American businessman. He's a millionaire who has made his fortune in air purification systems. He has a somewhat of a hobby, though. He likes dirttrack racing. racing notes The Minnesota native is now residing in Greeneville. He's a weekly Late Model competitor at Volunteer Speedway in Bulls Gap, and is part of team with two-time track champion Vic Hill. Jackson is sixth in the Volunteer points. He's lived here four years after sewing his racing roots on the midwest short tracks. He's now delved into the ultimate dirt project. His company, EcoQuest International, is sponsoring the Living Air 100 for Hav-A-Tampa dirt Late Models on June 2 2-3 at Bristol Motor Speedway. It's all part of two weeks of dirt action which also features the Pizza Plus Invitational for UMP Modifieds and a on June 9-10 the Channellock Challenge at Bristol World of Outlaws for dirt sprint cars. "I'm very excited about racing, period," Jackson, 43, said Thursday. "I think there is a huge future in dirt racing, especially Late Model and World of Outlaws. Of course it wasn't that long ago Winston Cup was not as big as it is now. It took some visionary to get it where it is now. "When we heard they were going to put dirt down at Bristol, we thought we would help with that venture." Preparation for the first dirt events at the half-mile concrete oval is currently in full force. Red clay is being hauled in from a neighboring farm. Jackson has no doubt that the latest brain scheme of Speedway Motorsports CEO Bruton Smith will work out. "I think it's going to be a huge success," Jackson said. "I travel 100 to 150 days a year around the country. Wherever I travel everybody talks about Bristol Motor Speedway putting dirt down, and the want to be there. "Cleaning up the dirt isn't going to be any real trouble. It's going to be lightning fast. I have 500 to 1,000 people from my company just coming into see the event." Jackson points out it. shouldn't be such an oddity that a powerful figure in the business world likes spending his weekends at dirt bullrings. He didn't race at Volunteer in last week's Southern All-Stars race, but he got a good feel of the infield crowd. "I was standing next to a doctor, who was standing next to a jet pilot, who was standing next to another entrepreneur," Jackson said. "All four of us are highly successful in our endeavors, but we were at a dirt track." Nine years ago Jackson attended his first race along with his then 12-year-old son. He bought a modified car, went racing and has been hooked ever since. However, racing on the flat midwest tracks didn't compare to the high-banked Volunteer. Jackson and his people were struggling to find the right combination to get around the oval on a competitive basis. That's where Hill came into play. He and Jackson joined forces and run a shop in Mosheim where engines are built and race parts are sold not only locally but throughout the country. "Who knows where it ends?" Jackson said. "It kind of gets in your blood. It starts with the car, you start racing and you get into the business. Then you're sponsoring a race at Bristol Motor Speedway." Jackson said southern dirt Please see SHEEK, Page 30 back from to bear in
Article from 28 Apr 2000Johnson City Press(Johnson City, TN)
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