TURNER — After several years of success racing in Oxford’s now-defunct Mini Stock class, one veteran from Turner is enjoying an impressive rookie season in the hotly-contested Street Stock division. 

Twenty-five year-old Calvin Rose Jr. stepped up to the bigger cars for 2015, with on-track performance that proves he was ready for the move. In his first 10 starts, Rose finished inside the top five eight times and was inside the top 10 every time.

“We’re getting better results than we expected in such a competitive class,” Rose said. “It’s my first season in a rear-wheel-drive car, which is a lot different than what I was used to. Corey Morgan built this new car, and he did a very nice job. It’s working out nicely for us.”

Rose got started in racing in 2007, running a partial season in Mini Stock. He dove in with both feet the next year, and quickly became a top contender.

“My father put in countless hours maintaining that car, just as he does with our brand new one this season. Even at that level, it takes work to ensure the car is competitive every week. I am so thankful for all he’s done for me; and the guys that help out at the track, as well.”

Like so many other local short track teams, Rose Racing is a family operation. Calvin Sr. has been around the sport for decades, working as a crewman for several prominent drivers before his son climbed behind the wheel.

“There are a lot of families who don’t spend this kind of quality time together,” Rose added. “My father and I both enjoy working in the shop and being together at the track. We love this sport, and it just wouldn’t be the same without that family support. I know I’m fortunate to have these times together.”

Between 2007 and 2013, the final season for Mini Stocks at Oxford, Rose won a dozen features and notched more than 100 top three finishes. His career in the little cars redefined consistency; always near the front contending for wins despite some stiff competition.

“It was never easy in that division, it was for the most part, just as competitive as this Street Stock deal is today. But we worked on the car often, tried to keep it dialed in and had a lot of success. I don’t think I had anything to prove after six full seasons in that class.”

In 2014, Rose elected to compete at Wiscasset Speedway. Thanks to his old rival Jimmy Childs, the track runs an ‘Outlaw Mini’ class for hopped-up four-cylinder machines. The division has quickly become a fan favorite.

“We really enjoyed racing down there,” Rose added. “The Jordans treat everybody like gold. I won on opening day, and ended up with three victories last season. We found we could be pretty consistent on that track, as well. It’s a fast place, with a lot of good cars.”

After the 2014 campaign had concluded, Rose and his father began discussing options for this year. The decision was made to return to Oxford and step up to Street Stock.

“We felt like it was time to take on a new challenge. We had a Camaro just sitting in the yard, so we decided to have Corey build us a Street Stock,” Rose said. “He’s a smart guy, and he really came through for us. With guys like Zach Emerson and Josh Childs running this class, it takes a good car to be competitive.” 

As with many other local teams, Rose and family didn’t start the season with points chasing in mind. Yet they now find themselves second in the standings behind Emerson at the halfway mark. For a rookie season, it’s been far beyond what they anticipated. 

“There is a lot of racing left to go,” Rose added with cautious optimism. “We know anything can happen in the coming weeks. It’s been satisfying to run up front in this class; now we just have to maintain this level of performance. I’m hoping for a few more top three finishes.”

Rose is one of those racers who seems happy just to be involved and running every week. Yet he’s also a serious competitor, striving to succeed against others with the same goals.

“It’s only hobby-level short track racing, but we still want to do well. For all the effort we make, it’s nice when we get a good finish. I’ll just stay focused these next several weeks and try to give this team my very best. No matter the final result, we’ve had an incredible season.”

pwhipple@sunjournal.com