MichiganCircleTrack.com is the online home of the MARC Times Racing News & Michigan Racing Scene and MARCTimesTV.

Jamie Hedlund and Bill Deflosse have two things in common. They both started their racing career at Norway Speedway in 2002, and through hard work and determination, they both held the title of Norway Speedway's 4 Cylinder Track Champion, Jamie in 2007 and Bill in 2006.

When asked about the upcoming season, Jamie optimistically said that "I think 2009 will be a successful year at Norway Speedway. I know the area is feeling the stress of today’s economy, but we have some of the best fans any track could ask for. I know we have some big special event nights including ADA Midwest Tour, Super Stock Auto Value Challenges, the Driveline 100 and the Bark River Off Road Trucks."

Bill echoed Jamie's thoughts saying that, "This year will bring a lot of great events, including more special events than, I think, has ever been in one season. I've also heard there are some things in the works that will make things much more exciting. The fans, drivers and club are in for a great year"

Bill and Jamie also expressed their personal goals for the 2009 season. Bill, competing in the Super Stock Division, said "I'd like to finish the season somewhere in the top 5 of the Super Stock Division." Jamie hopes to end the season with a bang. "Hopefully the end of the season will end with a championship. I am very optimistic as I am starting with a new car this season. I just hope to win some races and hope to take home another championship."

In good sportsmanship, Jamie and Bill tell me about the competitors that they most admire. Jamie went on to say "There are 2 competitors that I admire and this past year they both moved up into the Super Stock Division and had a great rookie season. Jesse Hedlund, my twin brother, Bill Deflosse. These two guys are competitive and fun to race with. They won't give you an inch no matter what, and I respect that, but at the same time they won't wreck you. I have had an awesome time racing with those guys and I hope to
join them in the Super Stocks in the future."

Bill said that the competitor that he most admires is a no brainer. "It's hard not to say Ron Jenshak. He has won the last three Super Stock Championships."

With almost all racers I have talked to, most have memorable moments when meeting and talking to fans. Bill and Jamie are no exception. Looking back, Bill said that "Fan appreciation last year was exciting. All of the cars were parked on the track, and the fans were walking around to see the cars and meet the drivers. Meeting all of the kids and seeing the excitement on their faces is always something I will remember."

Jamie thinks back. "I remember a young boy that came up to me after the races and asked if I could sign his hat. When I grabbed his hat, I noticed it said "Big Bird Racing." Big Bird was my dad’s nickname and this was on of his old racing hats. I looked on the brim and noticed where my dad had signed the middle and Jesse (my brother) had signed one side. I looked at my dad and he was smiling ear to ear as I signed the other side."

Jamie's dad was also his mentor. "My dad, Ed, used to race and was very familiar with the sport and is the reason we got into racing cars. He always taught Jesse and I to look at the big picture, be patient and make the right moves, don't try to win every race. Stay
consistent and the main objective was a season championship."

Bill's mentor was his father-in-law. "My father-in-law, Dale Boland, drove a Late Model when I started racing. He helped me build my first car and gave me some pointers."

Everyone has a "big fish story." You know, the one that got away. As much as racers try to avoid break downs, pile ups and bad luck, sooner or later you will experience one of them.

When asked what their "big fish" story was, Bill looks to the 2008 racing season for his story. "Last year in the Super Stock Division, my worst qualifying effort landed me on the front row, outside of the main feature. I battled for the lead with the inside car for 5 or 6 laps. Then, my tires heated up and I started to drift back. I felt like I let the best opportunity for a win last year slip away."

Jamie looks back to the 2007 season to an eduro race. "In 2007 my car was amazing. The enduro was 200 laps. I took the lead and led over 100 laps, there were only 2 cars on the lead lap, myself and my good friend Bill Deflosse, who was about a half a lap behind. I was checked out but then on lap 163 I was collected in a lap car incident that forced me into the pits with a DNF."

The 2009 season at Norway Speedway looks promising, and with champions like Bill and Jamie, who would want to miss all of the excitement?