Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

What a punch in the gut. This is so unbelievable. A good kid and a good driver. Sympathy to his family.

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

The Throttle, The Gasser, Stomp and Steer, The People's Champion, The Demon, Coondog...the list is endless, but it won't ever be the same without "The Rocket." You left us far too soon Jesse, give 'em hell on the dirt tracks in heaven.:(

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

Rip!!

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

We got to know Jesse over the last couple of years since we raced with him on numerous occasions around the country. It was 2 years ago that is most memorable for us. We were racing the TNT Tour when Jesse had run out of Tear Offs. No one had any to fit his style Helmet. He walked into our trailer with his Helmet and I recognized that style immediately. Coleman had worn that type of Helmet the year before and I had a pile of Racing Optic Tear Off's. I couldn't get them to him quick enough. It was a really muddy night so Jesse came back again, almost apologetic. I said, "Are you kidding me"? I handed him the stack and said, "Any time Rocket". From that point on, he seemed to always find Coleman or me and make sure we knew if we needed anything...

Perhaps one of the biggest compliments Coleman ever received came from Jesse's Mother. After spending some time together on the road during TNT, Jesse's Mom told Jill, Coleman's mom, that "Coleman reminds me so much of Jesse at that age; quiet and polite". Now that's a compliment.

Coleman is a pretty reserved guy; hence the nickname Iceman. But when I spoke with him last night about the incident, it was very emotional. He had just lost one of the guys that he loved to race with and one that he looked up to as much as anyone.

It is a sad day for all of us. But a true tribute is this: Look at the response Jesse is getting from around the World. I think all of us could only hope we had this much impact on someones life. It is amazing.

Our hearts hurt today for the Hockett's. But we are so grateful that we got to know Jesse. Thanks Rocket..

CGR.

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jesse's family and friends. It is clear by the out pouring of of support here that he was truly a well loved member of this community.

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

Man what is it about this time of year. Was not a a big fan, but he was the type of driver you always kept your eye on. When everyone else was running nose to tail he was the type that would try to make something happen. Probablly hurt more than it helped, but at least the kid was tring! The racing world lost a very good driver. Thouts and prayers are with the family. RIP

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

on tuesday afternoon i lost my uncle al,my best racing buddy.he infected me with this racing disease some 40 odd years ago.when i got back last night after taking care of all the things you do in these situations i logged onto iow and saw this.jesse was one of my and my uncles favorites.rest in peace jesse.

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

Sad news for sure. It was an honor to be able to see him drive a sprint car, wingless or winged. One of the nicest guys you could have met. God Speed Jesse, you will be missed greatly and everyone will miss watching you driving a car. :13:

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

R I P Jesse. From the young scared young man I met 8 years ago at PRI to the "Standup in the seat Gasser" you became, I feel honored to have known you and proud to have witnessed alot of your accomplishments, on and off the track. We will miss you. May God be with everyone at VKCC and all of your family.
From the Benic family,Benic Enterprises and 2B Racing

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

Rest in Peace friend.A tremendous loss to all race fans.It will be very tough to watch at Grandview Tuesday nite and not shed a tear, after his win 1 year ago!:13::13:

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

Rest in peace ROCKET!!!

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

Truly a sad day as he was one of our favorite drivers, winged or non-winged. R.I.P., Jesse,: you will be missed by all.:13:

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

R.I.P. Jesse....thoughts and prayers to the family and friends. A terrible loss!!

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

To a true racer and inspiration - RIP Jesse Hockett!! You were someone who worked their butt off to do what you loved! We lost a great racer! :(

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

Such sad news. Thought and prayers to his family. We lost a good one.

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

Do not know if this had been posted or not. A Tribute on youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dA6w...yer_embedded#!

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

As a long time crew member and crew chief on Silver Crown cars, Parked next to Kasey Kahnes car at Indiana State Fairgrounds, asked Willie who was driving for them, he said he didn't know him, somebody named Jesse the Rocket. First lap of hot laps he stuffed it in the fence! They fixed it and he was fast after that. He was a natural behind the wheel. I offer my respects to his family and friends. Kyle Clearwaters

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

Just read this terrible news on the USAC website. Shocking.

Thoughts and prayers to the Hockett family.

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

We have lost one of the last true outlaw racers. I always liked Jesse's style of racing and living his life. GIT ER DONE...whatever it takes. RIP, Dude and Godspeed

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

What a sad day. Living in central Indiana we only got to see Jesse a few times a year but you can bet the times he did come up he was up front and on the gas. A few of my friends and I would drive anywere just to see Jesse run. I was planning on heading west this summer with another friend just to watch him race. So glad I went to Twin Cities this spring. That was the last race I saw him run in so my last thought of him will be in the victory circle! He was my favorite driver and ALL will miss The ROCKET. R.I.P.

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Hockett Family. Truly sad for all of us who knew Jesse personally and all the race fans whom sat on the edge of their seat an watched a great racecar driver give it his all everytime he went out on the track. However, we all know that Jesse is already racing with some of the best racers of all time in heaven.
God Bless You Jesse and thank you for all the people you touched in your life.

The Pottorff Family,
Cam, Brent, Crystal and Larry

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

I'd like to share a memory of Jesse.In 2008,after sweeping all three nights of the 360 portion of the Western World at Manzanita,and doing 5 or 6 flying donuts down the front straight of the third,we went in the pits to congratulate Jesse and the Massey team.When we got there,we found Jesse removing the hood and stacks from the #2 car for post-race tech,because the Massey team doesn't normally run two cars,and they were short on crew.I thought then(as I do now),"This is a true racer." R.I.P. Jesse,you will be sorely missed. :13:

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

Jesse

I just can’t say R.I.P. you are way to young for that.
Go to the big track in the sky Jesse and race with all the great ones who has left us.
All though you were way too young when you left us you do belong with the great racers of old.
You truly were a outlaw in best of ways. You raced when and where you wanted.
The great ones will have there arms open for you and we will have a void in our hearts.
I pray for your family to get through this hard times. We know your in good hands.

GOD speed Jessie

Mark Fritz & Family

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

Rip

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

I am still in shock over this tragedy. I never got to race against Jesse too much but was looking forward to having him at some of our ASCT events he said he would run this season. Now I will never get the opportunity.

He was one of the best of the last 5 years and will always be remembered for his smile and his talent behind the wheel.

GOD SPEED JESSE!!:13:

J.T. Stapp

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

My sincere condolences to the family. RIP, Jesse.

Sharon Bank
Silver Crown #90

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

I had the pleasure of meeting Jesse when he came to Indiana run the Pearce 26 entry for The Mopar Million ... We all hung out for the week before had a great time... Over time after the million we all became pretty good friends, and obviously it has been an honor to get to know him... He was a True Outlaw... Knew No Fear and would give anything to race anything every night of the week....

Very tough loss R.I.P Rocket

Now that hes teamed back up with Daniel... Well the dirt tracks in Heaven will never be the same!!:22:

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

Tina Vanderplasse Visitation for Jesse will be Monday May 31 from 5-8p.m. in downtown Warsaw, MO at the Reser Funeral Home 101 W Main Warsaw, MO and the Services will be held on Tuesday June 1st at Warsaw High School at 2:00p.m. Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers.

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

R.i.p.

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

So very sad to hear, the racing community has lost one of the greats. Thoughts and prayers go out to the Hockett family and all of Jesse's friends and fans.

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

Wow is all I can say right now. I was so shocked when I logged on this evening and seen this. We will definitely be praying for Tina and the whole family. Sad, sad.

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

We are still in shock and feeling pretty empty right now, words can not express the pain we feel for the loved ones Jesse left behind. Just be sure to tell the ones close to you how you feel as I am sure Jesse knew the love his family and friends held in there heart for him.
I will ask one favor from Jesse and that is to watch over Josh and the rest of the racing family.

Until we meet again.

Jerry,Sarah,Paul,Josh & Sonny Spencer
stida.com

Thoughts and Prayers to Jesse's family and friends from AWC Motorsports. Jesse was a joy to watch. Definately a one man show.
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

As several have already said he was a true racer. Can't think of anyone who had more dedication to the sport. It was nothing for him to travel several hundred miles between race nights. I now only wish that I had spoken to him more than what I did and had a picture with or an autograph from him. RIP Jesse, you'll be a champion forever!

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

Jesse,
I just keep on thinking that you're gonna walk around the corner or pop-up on a race result....love ya

Tbird

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

Speechless....I am in a state of disbelief, the past several weeks I have been out of touch with the racing world and IOW dealing with my 27 month old grandsons surgery and recovery process. I was shocked to learn of Jesse's passing from such a tragic accident. I Miss Manzy mentioned Jesse winning all three nights at the 2008 Western Worlds, I also was there that year watching Jesse rule the weekend. He was a true racer and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Jesse's family, freinds, fans and race crew.

RIP Jesse

Patti

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

Thoughts and Prayers to Jesse's Family what a Racer wing or Non-Wing going to be Missed for Sure.

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

just doing my best to keep jesse where he belongs....at the top. Want this thread to stay near the top for as long as possible, its just how i feel....

Tbird

Re: R.I.P Jesse "The Rocket" Hockett
 

There is an article in Wikipedia for Jesse Hockett. Most of it involves his fatal accident. His career highlights consists of a single sentence. It would be great if some of us with a wealth of knowledge on Jesse Hockett's career could help to fill out his racing highlights and personal biography a lot more indepth than it is now. He needs something worthy of the great racer he was. You don't need to be a wordsmith like Dave Argabright.