When 20 year-old Jesse Dixon takes his place on the starting grid of this years Bathurst 1000, not only will he be making his debut as a V8 Supercar driver but he will also be fulfilling the dream his dying father asked him to chase.
Jesse, a Go-kart track assistant manager from the Gold Coast won this years season of Shannons Supercar Showdown to claim a drive in the historic 50th anniversary of Australias most famous motor race. But turning this dream into a reality has taken 8 long years of hard work, dedication and struggle.
Jesses dad Drew was diagnosed with cancer when Jesse was just 11 year old. Like many fathers and sons around the country they shared a love of motor racing. Dad and I would sit together and watch the V8s together and wed go to the track and the motor show. We shared the passion.
Later that year Drew died but his parting gift was a cheque and a piece of advice that would shape Jesses life. When he died of cancer, he left me a gift to follow my dreams and Im very grateful for that.
Right beside Jesse today and from the beginning has been his mum Michelle.
Shes been there since day one being super supportive. I honestly wouldnt be here today without her support. When I was down, late in dads sickness, she said once we get through this Im going to help you get into Go Karting. It was the first smile Id had on my face in quite a long time."
Michelle has been the driving force for Jesse since his dad died. Being focused on a positive thing helped Jesse to move past his dads illness. Once he started there was no turning back. His passion and dedication and his athleticism is amazing. I have never known anyone to be so driven and passionate.
Michelle is quick to point out that along with older son Jack its been the whole family working together to help Jesse succeed. Jack rarely misses a race and he has contributed financially and helped in every way to make Jesses career possible. Its a real team effort.
Like many professional drivers Jesse started in go-karts and his dads gift helped him to get a break. Finances and funding are key parts to motor sport and to have that boost at the start, is very helpful. Without that I wouldnt have been able to get my start.
But chasing a career in motorsport is a long-term undertaking and Michelle says the family hit a few bumps in the road.
There were times that things were tough. We trusted someone along the way who lost us a great deal of money, including part of Jesses inheritance. Jack, myself and Jesses grandmother all mortgaged our homes to keep Jesse on the track.
Knowing how much his family has done has kept Jesse motivated.
Its made me stronger and it makes you grow up really fast. It makes you tougher, pretty quickly. I think thats why Im so dedicated to succeed in this industry What doesnt kill you makes you stronger. So pushing through the hard times and never giving up, it makes you a much stronger person.
After a stint in go-karts Jesse progressed into National Formula Ford, then to BMW racing and now races part time in V8 Utes. But it was winning Shannons Supercar Showdown that has turned his dream into reality.
The award winning reality TV series broadcast on 7 Mate took 11 contestants, including two from overseas, and pitted them against each other in a series of challenges set out by V8 superstars Todd and Rick Kelly. There are very few opportunities for rookie drivers to get a break into the sport and the reality show presented a massive opportunity for Jesse. Its an incredible feeling. Its one of those feelings you hope for your whole life and now its inside and getting closer to happening. So Ive just got to get as ready as I can and not do anything silly on the first day of practice. Im really looking forward to it. Its going to be awesome.
Jess will not be alone on mount Panorama as his mum Michelle and brother Jack will be there to cheer him on.
I cant believe he will be driving at Bathurst. His Dad would be so proud. I think Drew knew Jesse had it in him. It will be absolutely nerve racking for me to watch. It scares me, not just because he could be hurt, but maybe something will happen to disappoint him and he cant finish.
And his Dad wont be far from Jesse on his big day either.
A drivers helmet is a drivers pride and joy. Its the one thing you love the most. This is where I keep a photo of my dad. Every time I take my helmet out of the helmet case I see the photo of my Dad. It brings back memories and puts a smile on my face. So its good to you know.. remember. I think dad would be proud of where Im at with racing. Hell be on the mountain somewhere, cheering me on. We never actually went to Bathurst together, so this will be the first time.
Watch Jesse take on the mountain in the Shannons V8 Supercar on October 6&7 on Channel 7. You can also show Jesse your support by visiting Shannons Supercar Showdown 2012 on Facebook
