UARA National Series
Jesse Love Returns to SRL With Sights Set on Rattler 250 Glory
Feb 23, 2023
Bakersfield, CA - The onslaught of West Coast teams continues, with 2022 Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series Rookie-of-the-Year Zach Telford making the trip to Opp, AL for the “47th Annual Hardee’s Rattler 250” at South Alabama Speedway (AL). Telford is the fifth driver entered for the March 17-19th event, that hails from west of the Mississippi. Round #2 of the SRL National season will pay $25,000 to the winner of the 250-lap affair. Telford will be in a Fury Race Cars Super Late Model prepared by Garcia Racing, with Maine’s Shane Tesch acting as Crew Chief for the effort.
Telford competed for the Spears Southwest Tour Series championship in 2022, finishing seventh, while collecting two top-10’s and the rookie title. He earned a win and a second, in the Speed Tour Super Late Models at Magic Valley Speedway (ID) and Meridian Speedway (ID) respectively. He made his first trip to Tri-City Raceway at RMEC (WA) and finished seventh in the “Fall Classic 125” for the Northwest Super Late Model Series.
Telford also branched out to compete in the Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway (FL) in December, while making the trip to race with the SRL National at Mobile International Speedway (AL), finishing eighth. The Middleton, ID driver is excited to return to Alabama for his third career SRL National start, at another new facility.
“It isn't my first trip to Alabama to race, but it is my first time at South Alabama Speedway, and I’m super excited”, Telford told the SRL National. “I’ve seen some great racing there.
It isn't my first trip to Alabama to race, but it is my first time at South Alabama Speedway, and I'm super excited. I've seen some great racing there.
— Zach Telford
Telford has nearly 70 victories in his young career. He was the youngest NASCAR Super Late Model, as well as Division 1 Modified winner, in the Idaho Region, as well as a Young Lion Legends Series champion. In 2021, he also took his family-owned Super Late Model to Slinger Speedway, finishing 10th in the prestigious “Slinger Nationals”. In four starts in the “NAPA Auto Parts 208” at Merdian Speedway, he has three top-10’s with a best finish of second in 2021. Telford will now add another marque event to his resume, hoping to continue to improve upon their racing program, while racing with the best competition.
“I mean, I am just happy to be able to race in a race like this, and I hope I can make it memorable”, Telford began. “I hope to gain and learn a lot that weekend, while I also hope to compete with the best. “Our car has been wicked in the past few races, so hopefully we can find some good speed.”
Telford is thankful for his sponsors which include STR Race Cars, HIXCO Supply, All-Pro Coatings, David’s Racing Products, Gibson Performance Diesel, ROW, Builders First Source, James Hardie, Project Filter, Mendiola Custom Homes, and MTFX Graphics .
The "Rattler 250" will take place from March 17th - 19th. It will pay $25,000 to the winner with $1,600 to start. It is the first time the event has been sanctioned by the SRL National and will be Round #2 of the season series. For those unable to attend, they will be able to watch the event LIVE on Racing America, with a subscription to RacingAmerica.TV.
Friday evening will see feature action for the Mini-Sportsman, Mini-Cups, Coyotes, Cuplites, and Super Stocks. Saturday night will see features for the Modifieds, Road Runners, and the “Baby Ratter 125” for the Pro Late Models. The three-day event will be capped off by the 47th Annual “Hardee’s Rattler 250”, scheduled to roll off at 2:00 PM.
-SRL National Tour Press Release
