The steering wheel of the high powered Pure Stock was so hot it was burning his hand,  there were no brakes on the racing machine going into the turns of the high banked DeSoto Speedway, but not to worry since this driver was not going to relax his grip a bit. John Whitesell was having one of the most exciting runs of his life, hoping to capture that elusive first feature win as he drove his #7 Pontiac as hard as he ever had.

John began his racing carrer for the second time in 1993. He had briefly driven back in the 1980’s but kids and family were too absorbing to devote the time necesary. But the dream continued and finally in ‘93 he set out to enjoy his passion. As with a lot of weekend racers it’s been a struggle. A struggle to get the new tires when needed, to get that broken part replaced, and sometimes just to get to the track on Saturday night.

Finally this year all the hard work and steady learning process have begun to pay off for John and his crew. Daughter Colleen is the crew chief and the teenager is right on top of things, even taking the car out on Thursday practice sessions and running it at competitive speeds. If you have never had the opportunity to see the Pure Stocks at the fast high-banked DeSoto Speedway, let’s just say they are doing speeds that equal to or better than Street Stocks at many tracks.
When asked if she might take up driving a car at DeSoto Speedway Colleen just smiles and says “I’m thinking about it”.

Crew Jim Wilson, John Whitesell and Crew Chief Colleen Whitesell

In July John has moved into second place in the tough Pure Stock division at DeSoto Speedway fighting to catch last year’s Champion James Knight. It will be tough as Knight is very consistant with two wins in July. With help from some folks like Dave Blanchard, Garry Montagne, and sponsor Steve White’s Mobile, and the support of wife Valerie, John has a shot at the title.

Like many local short track drivers John Whitesell runs the number of his hero on his racing machine. In his case the number 7 pure stock is in honor of the late NASCAR great Alan Kulwicki. The 38 year old father of two is a big NASCAR fan and has been for very long time.

On this Saturday night he was hoping to catch last first victory, he could taste it, but it wasn’t to be. James Knight edged Bruce Sherwood at the line and John had to settle for fifth place. But there’s always next week and you can count on John giving it his all to accomplish his goal.

When he’s not working a double shift at his retail management job, he’s doing the family thing or like many weekend racers, wrenching on his ride. Preparing for that 20 lap feature on Saturday with the dream that maybe, just maybe, if he can have the car ready and it don’t break, and get lucky, that he can finally bring home that most treasured of all awards and trophies: “my first feature win”.

John Whitesell is a very pleasant and retiringly shy individual, not someone if you met on the street, would you expect to be a guy who craves the speed and excitement of 17 second laps around DeSoto Speedway. His wife Valerie says he’s a tough father to the children, a non-smoking, non drinking regular kind of man, who just loves to race.

Oh yes, there is one other thing about John Whitesell that is a little different. He does it all one handed, but that’s a story for another day. On Saturday nights, he’s proved that’s all he needs besides just a little help from his friends. And John gains new friends everyday. He’s that kind of person.

                                                                 -Jack Smith