The beginning of the year started really great for this very popular Soperton, Ga. driver. He got the first win of the year at Dublin's 441 Speedway for their first race of the year. I think it's every driver's hope to win the first race of the season for a hot start right out of the gate. Along with driving at 441 Speedway, Jimmy drove at East Alabama Speedway, Cochran Speedway, North Florida Speedway, Screven and Gordon Park.
Jimmy also won the Harold Mason Memorial at Swainsboro this year which was a feat in itself because that made it three years in a row that he has won the race. He won the Georgia State Championship at 441 Speedway, the Triple Crown at North Augusta and won the last four series races in a row for the Bobby Piper Superstreet Outlaw Series at 441, East Alabama Speedway, Gordon Park, and back at 441 Speedway. In his year this year he won about 10 races this year. Impressive when a lot of drivers are struggling to get one.
What makes him a good driver is experience and learning from one of the best, his father, Jimmy Sharpe Sr. who himself had a stellar career in racing. Jimmy Sharpe Jr. has been involved in racing his whole life thanks to his father's involvement and has been racing himself for 17 years. He has had a while to amass the talent he has shown on the track. He has the experience, support and knowledge that comes along with being a good driver. As far as plans for next year, Jimmy doesn't know if he'll be returning to the Superstreet Outlaw Series since he has been offered a late model ride and is ironing out the final details for the ride as we speak. The fan support he has received this year and along with the Driver of the Year nomination has been a surprise for him and has been overwhelming for him. He didn't know as many people supported him as they have and it's been a blessing to know he has their support.
The highlight for him this season was when he had his helmet painted pink and raced for a little 9 year old girl with terminal cancer who's wish was to win a race. Jimmy got in touch with her family to get to know them better and after the race got all the drivers to sign the helmet and sent it to her. Also, this past weekend he donated half his winnings which were $1000 plus $600 he raised himself by walking through the stands with his helmet for a 19 year old girl by the name of Laura Smith who herself is battling cancer. He definitely has a huge heart and shows that there are more important things in life than racing. Jimmy's belief is if you put good things out there, good things will come to you. Definitely something we can all strive to remember.
