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Jesse's Bathurst Debut Fulfils Dying Dads Wish

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Published on 02 October 2012

 

When 20 year-old Jesse Dixon takes his place on the starting grid of this year’s 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-cart track assistant manager from the Gold Coast won this year’s season of Shannons Supercar Showdown to claim a drive in the historic 50th anniversary of Australia’s most famous motor race.  But turning this dream into a reality has taken 8 long years of hard work, dedication and struggle.
 
Jesse’s 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 V8’s together and we’d 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 Jesse’s life. “When he died of cancer, he left me a gift to follow my dreams and I’m very grateful for that.”
 
Right beside Jesse today and from the beginning has been his mum Michelle.  “She’s been there since day one being super supportive. I honestly wouldn’t be here today without her support. When I was down, late in dad’s sickness, she said once we get through this I’m going to help you get into Go Carting. It was the first smile I’d 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 dad’s 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 it’s been the whole family working together to help Jesse succeed. “Jack rarely misses a race and he has contributed financially and helped in everyway to make Jesse’s career possible.  It’s a real team effort.”
 
Like many professional drivers Jesse started in Go-karts and his dad’s 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 wouldn’t 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 Jesse’s inheritance.  Jack, myself and Jesse’s grandmother all mortgaged our homes to keep Jesse on the track.” 
 
Knowing how much his family has done has kept Jesse motivated.
 
“It’s made me stronger and it makes you grow up really fast.  It makes you tougher, pretty quickly.  I think that’s why I’m so dedicated to succeed in this industry… What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger…. So pushing though 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.
 
“It’s an incredible feeling. It’s one of those feelings you hope for your whole life and now it’s inside and getting closer to happening. So I’ve just got to get as ready as I can and not do anything silly on the first day of practice. I’m really looking forward to it. It’s 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 can’t 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 can’t finish. ” 
 
And his Dad won’t be far from Jesse on his big day either.
 
“A driver’s helmet is a drivers pride and joy.  It’s 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 it’s good to… you know….. remember. I think dad would be proud of where I’m at with racing…. He’ll 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