Meet California Lightning Sprints Driver, “Rockstar” Jon Robertson Name: Jon Robertson Nickname: Rockstar Age: 65 (just had the 40th anniversary of my 25th birthday) Birthplace: Torrance, California Current City: Torrance California / Bass Lake California Pets: 2 Dalmatians (Lucky and Pepper) and 1 Beagle (Strider) Occupation: Senior Manager/Software Architect for a worldwide database company Street Vehicle (s): Explorer, Expedition, Tremor and an ’85 Trans Am Favorite Restaurant: The San Franciscan Favorite Food: Oink or moo, it’s all good if prepared properly (and simply, nothing fancy). Least Favorite Food: anything that used to swim Favorite Thing To Cook: Pizza Favorite Beverage: Iced green tea from Starbucks, I live on that stuff Favorite Vacation Spot: Bass Lake Favorite Sport (other than racing): Used to be a big hockey fan, I still appreciate it but can’t be bothered with any other stick and ball sport. Favorite Sports Team: LA Kings Least Favorite Sport: It’s a tie between golf and watching my lawn grow Favorite Music: Rock and Roll (is there any other kind?) although I like big band music as well as I’ve played in many of those bands in my lifetime Favorite Musical Artist: I don’t think I have a single favorite artist, I like a lot of the metal acts I shared the stage with on the Sunset Strip (Steeler, Dokken, Armored Saint, Great White, etc…. everyone from that era) to Iron Maiden, Triumph, Alice Cooper, Y&T, Frank Zappa, Pat Travers, Steve Vai, Darkness…. see the trend forming here? I even got to meet Chuck Berry once as he was playing at the same club we were on the next night and stopped by. Wait, what was the question again? Favorite Song: I’d Love to Change the World (Ten Years After) Favorite Movie: Don’t really have 1 favorite film, I like a lot, especially old films as found on TCM. If I had to pick this week’s favorite I’d say The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension Hobbies: Music, riding watercraft, hiking, building and fabrication (metal and wood cabinetry, furniture, race cars), Disneyland aficionado., old time radio How Long Have You Been Racing: I started way back when dirt was new. I’ve been in and out of various forms of racing for well over 45 years. What Types Of Racing Have You Done: ¼ mile drag racing, pavement karts, USAC midgets (pavement and dirt), non wing sprint cars and now winged lightning sprints. Why Do You Race: During my formative years and throughout the 1980s and 1990s, I was a professional musician and recording engineer. I worked in recording studios and was the lead singer and guitarist for one of the many top bands trying to make a name for themselves on the Sunset Strip. The adrenaline rush from performing was incredible, but when I realized I needed to provide for my family and make regular house payments, I knew it was time to find another passion that allowed me to maintain a steady job. Surprisingly, transitioning from the stage to open-wheel racing felt like a natural progression. Biggest Moment In Racing: I've had many highlights in my career, but the pinnacle has been the honor of leading the California Lightning Sprints. This series marks my twilight years in racing, allowing me to race alongside veteran friends and mentor the rising talents who join our ranks. It's been a joy to share my passion for racing with such a dedicated community and to see the next generation of racers grow and thrive. Funniest Thing That Has Happened To You In Racing: I used to travel all around the country racing with Rickie Gaunt. At one time we had this big funky looking 5th wheel trailer that really gave no indication as to what was inside. Inevitably every time we’d stop someplace (fuel, food, whatever) someone would ask “what’s in the trailer?” . If we answered “sprint cars” it would then consume the next 20 minutes of our lives explaining what a sprint car was, “no it’s not a dune buggy” , “how fast it goes depends on the size of the track….” Etc… Finally at one point in time I figured I’d just pick something outlandish and we could get out of there faster. Obviously I didn’t think this through well enough as I replied “circus cannon”. That lead to “what does it shoot?”. So now I’m wandering into unknown territory so I replied “midgets”. And the conversation degenerated from there with the gas station attendant wanting to come along and join the circus……….. Goals In Racing: As an old geezer with one hand on the wheel and one foot in the grave my goals are a little more centric to survival. As long as I’m still having fun and being competitive that’s all that really matters. Sponsors: I've had many sponsors over the years, but it takes a lot of effort to convince them to support your passion. Now, I focus on securing sponsors for our club while funding my racing addiction on my own. Our lightning sprint is powered by the enthusiasm, dedication, and financial support of my family. This press release was produced by Scott Daloisio Sports (909) 226-7768 mailto:sdaloisiosports@gmail.com