Story By: CHRIS MOORE / SHORT TRACK SUPER SERIES – SUSSEX, NJ – Jetting south. For the first time in his illustrious career, Brett Hearn will chase a Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series (STSS) Fueled By Sunoco championship.
Hearn is teaming up with Empire State car owner Gary Miller to follow the NJ Quality Drywall South Region in pursuit of the $15,000 top prize.
Hearn, regarded by many as the greatest Northeast Dirt Modified driver of all time, has run in STSS races before, but never chased points.
That will change in 2024 starting March 9 at Del.’s Georgetown Speedway with the $8,500-to-win Jake Marine Memorial.
“Gary Miller has got some cars and with help from the Madsen family we’re going to run as many STSS races as we can,” the 900-plus-time winner offered.
Hearn will enter the season prepped with two TEO RXD chassis and a Wegner Automotive ‘Weekend Warrior’ for the ’24 campaign.
While he is looking forward to the opportunity, Hearn knows a challenge lies ahead.
“The series has some great drivers and it’s going to be a challenge,” he explained. “It’s not the first challenge I’ve ever faced in my life though and we’re gonna tackle it head on.
“I want to continue to help develop these RXD chassis and hopefully we can run well along the way,” he continued.
Part of the challenge for Hearn? Competing at tracks he hasn’t visited in a while.
“I won the first time I ever went to Georgetown in 1981, but the last time I was there was in ’16 with the Petruskas,” he explained. “Delmar (Del.) I was a semi-regular in ’88. I think the place is better now than it was back then.
“I don’t even remember the last time I raced at New Egypt (N.J.), and I’ve never been on the new configuration at Bridgeport (N.J.), so it will all be new.”
Another of Hearn’s upcoming challenges is the American Racer tire brand.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been on American Racers too,” he explained. “I’m confident we can figure it out, I’ve won on them before, but it’s definitely been some time.”
Hearn’s career accomplishments are as extensive as anyone to ever strap into a Northeast Modified.
Now, the ‘Corporate Jet’ will look to add the Short Track Super Series to his long list of accomplishments as the new year approaches.