Jean Nesser 

My interest in racing started about 11 years ago as a spectator. I quickly became addicted to racing and couldn't get enough. I guess you could say I'm a self-described "adrenaline junkie". I joined FASCAR (Fans Associated in Stock Car Auto Racing) and got involved with the local track raising money for the drivers points fund. I told my husband I thought I could go racing. He said if I could find a way to afford it, I had his support. Where there is a will, there is a way! I started searching for sponsors and purchased my first race car in 1997.

I work as a Administrative Assistant at the Baptist Youth Ranch which is a home for abandoned and abused children. We have a limited recreational budget so I approached the track manger to see if we could get discounted rate tickets so the kids could come watch the races. He was generous enough to allow all the children and staff at the Ranch to come in free every weekend throughout the racing season. This has been a ongoing tradition for 5 years now, you couldn't ask for a better bunch of people.

In 1998 I started my racing career in NASCAR Winston Racing Series AKA NASCAR Weekly Racing Series at San Antonio Speedway. I took the car I had purchased out for practice once and had my first race finishing 3rd. While I did not win any features, I had 17 top 5 finishes and 3 top 10 finishes in 20 starts. I was consistent and determined and finished my Rookie year tied for 3rd overall in points for the season and was voted FASCAR Driver of the year.

During the 1999 racing season I was the only female NASCAR driver competing in the Winston Racing Series in the state of Texas. I was interviewed on FOX 29/WB 35 out of San Antonio on the show Focus on South Texas. The season was a good one for the team. I won 3 heat races and 2 features this season. Along with my wins, I had 18 top 5 finishes and 1 top 10 finish out of 21 races. Most of the year I was 2nd in points but with a few weekends left in racing I had engine problems, therefore I placed 3rd overall in points only loosing out to 2nd by 7 points. I was awarded by the track as the Most Improved Driver for my class. My husband Dennis Nesser was voted as True Value Mechanic of the Year for our class. Even with the disappointment of not finishing 2nd in points I still accomplished what I was aiming for which was a feature win and a NASCAR plaque.

In the year 2000, I decided to take a year off actually driving to get acquainted with our new foster son. I still pursued the racing world. I was a Trophy Girl a few times and decided to commit myself to being a track official. I have run the scoreboard, the pit board and also was the pace car driver. So I guess you could say that I have just about tried it all. While it was fun, my heart is still committed to being behind the wheel of a race car.

I incorporated my race team Nesser Racing in 2001. I also moved up a class to the Charger Division of NASCAR Weekly Racing Series at San Antonio Speedway. I was again was the only female competing in this series in the state of Texas. I finished 13th in overall points after a couple disappointing blown engines and a couple serious wrecks.

In 2002 we built a new car and are competing in the Charger Division. We had hopes of finishing in the top 10 in points, however the car took longer than anticipated and we missed the first 4 races. It always takes a few weeks to setup and tweak a new car but we are progressing and look forward to a competitive remainder of the season if funds permit. We lost our major sponsor because his business closed and are currently seeking new sponsors.

In 2001 I started raising funds to build a playscape at the Baptist Children's Home. In 2002, I officially started Nesser Racing For Kids (A non-profit corporation) I am please to report that all of the $10,000 needed for the playscape have been raised. The playgscape is currently in production at the manufacturer and will soon be constructed at the children's home. I will continue to raise funds for different children's charities. We are currently looking into other projects for next year. Details on donating is located on my website.

I am very involved with the community. I belong to several charitable organizations and throughout the years I attended numerous car shows. These car shows include the Special Olympics, Children's Home, Boy Scouts Pinewood Derbys, Cellular on Patrol as well as numerous businesses. These car shows not only give positive influence on communities but gives my sponsors the recognition they deserve.

All of this would not have been possible without the support of my sponsors, crew, family, friends, employer and fans.

CREW: Andy Stremmel; Steve Witt; Dennis Nesser; D.W. Nesser

2002 SPONSORS: Fireman's Friend; Parks Engine Service; Banner Solutions; M & M Performance; Simpson Race Products; English Color; General Welding; Illusions Studio; The Climbing Thing; Kevin Hunt; Gonzales Storage Units; A to Z Transmission

You can see more about Nesser Racing Inc. at our website www.nesserracing.com The site includes racing stats as well as lot of pictures and information.