Multi-time Ransomville Speedway go-kart titlist Jacob Stefanski is looking the bigger picture.
     After several successful seasons in Ransomville Speedway’s Thursday night program, Jacob will change his weekly schedule to Friday night’s competing in the track’s tough Street Stock class for the 2010 season.
     “I’m excited,” said the 15 year old tenth grade student at Starpoint Central School. “I didn’t expect to be running the Street Stock division this early in my career. It’s going to be a tough challenge, but I’m really looking forward to it.”
     Jacob hasn’t had any experience in a stock car as of yet but it might be a problem. The youngster comes from a long line of successful Stefanski racers, including his uncle, Pete Stefanski. A four time Mr DIRTcar Pro Stock champion and former Ransomville Speedway Pro Stock champion.
     A certified winning team, Jacob will certainly benefit from the experience of Pete’s race team, which also includes Jacob’s dad Jim and his uncle Rob.
     “We’ve got a lot of knowledge with a race car,” says Jim. “We actually had a chance to drive a Pro Stock or a Sportsman but we felt that Jacob needed some seat time in a Street Stock.
     Jacob will drive a Street Stock built by Pro Stock racer Don Barnes. The car was owned by Brett Dalbey but he only ran the car on a short time basis. Jacob recently obtained the car and realizes what’s in store for him when the Ransomville Speedway schedule begins on Friday, April 30th.
     “I’m certainly going to have to work harder than I ever did. This is a tough class to race in.”
     Jim feels that Jacob will use his knowledge well.
     “I think he can be competitive. Hopefully by midseason, he can be in the top five. I’m hoping that he can get at least one win this season.
     Jim is also hoping that Jacob can follow in the path of current Ransomville Speedway Sportsman drivers Nate Reynolds and Ryan Susice, who both had success in the Street Stock division as teenagers. Susice was a Street Stock champion as well as last season’s Sportsman titlist.
     Both Jacob and Jim credit Ransomville Speedway’s Go-kart program with the reason for Jacob’s entrance into the Street Stocks in 2010.
     With Jacob’s family name and his success in the go-karts, many eyes will be focused on the young talent as he begins his move into the popular Ransomville Speedway Friday night program.