For Jake Lesnick, racing is second nature. In the 2023 racing season, he added a Pro ET Championship to his mantle.
In the 2023 racing season, Lesnick battled against a slew of heavy competition through the season. Starting the year off right with a pair of late finishes over the first three events. After a mid season slump from the 4th to 6th race, Lesnick turned on the heat with a semi-final finish and a win at the 8th event of the season. Combining this with a couple of win lights over the last two races put him 31 points ahead of second place Blaine Anderson to claim the championship. Overall, there was only 52 points TOTAL separating Lesnick from 6th place in the points!
For Lesnick, the 2023 season was highlighted by two weekends in particular. “Being able to win my first Wally last year was something special. To see all of my family’s hard work and effort rewarded was an amazing moment. Then to follow it up the next weekend with another Wally…it was almost indescribable!” exclaimed Lesnick.
Lesnick gets to enjoy wrenching on his z28 Camaro during the weekends and during the week, at the family run Jake’s Quality Auto Repair in White Bear Lake MN. It’s fair to say that for the entire Lesnick family, their entire life revolves around automotive! “It’s great being able to work at the auto shop during the week days because it helps me be more in tune with the car on the weekends. Being able to tinker on the car with my mom and dad (Kory and Brad) during the week makes me confident we’ll have the best hot rod on property!”
Outside of racing, Lesnick enjoys a more relaxing environment—photography! Behind the lens of the camera helps Lesnick practice calm under pressure to get the perfect shot, just like at the dragstrip. Whether it’s at the track taking photos and videos for his friend’s YouTube channel (2nd Gen Outlaws with Cole Carpenter and Cole Kellar), or in a scenic field, Lesnick is never far away from his trusty camera equipment.
Lesnick also spoke about his ambitions to grow within the sport of drag racing. While currently honing his skills in a variety of categories at Rock Falls Raceway and other facilities, Lesnick dreams to somebody compete in the Top Fuel category. Understanding that the opportunities there are few at times, he also plans to look for a role as a Top Sportsman pilot, at a much more moderately paced 200+ mph!
Lesnick extensively thanked his mom and dad for their support of his racing career. “Their unwavering support helped me through some of the most challenging times of my racing career, and life. Without the two of them I literally would not be able to accomplish what I have.” Lesnick said with a smile. Lesnick thanked his amazing girlfriend Hailey for her support through his good times and bad, and for always helping to put a smile on his face. Congratulations to Jake Lesnick, your 2023 Rock Falls Raceway Pro ET Series Champion!