Media Contact: Megan Dupuy - woodhullracewaypr@gmail.com
For Immediate Release – August 11th, 2016 – Shane Jackson photo -
They say once you race you never forget it. That racing is like a drug, you become addicted. For this week’s driver he knows exactly how that is. Even though he’s been racing for a while he still has goals he wishes to accomplish.
Brett Marlatt out of Canisteo, New York pilots the number 99 street stock on a weekly basis at Woodhull Raceway. Woodhull is Brett’s home track and loves coming to race every week on the High Banks.
Although he has taken a liking to go to other tracks as well. Marlatt has also raced at Batavia Speedway, Five Mile Point, Outlaw Speedway, Skyline Raceway and Penn Can Speedway.
Brett is like most of us race fans- just a normal guy that who works 40 hours a week, putting his time in at National Fuel. He likes to hunt and fish and just be outdoors in general.
Marlatt started racing at the age of eight in a go-kart division. From the go-karts Brett moved up into the Warrior division- a youth 4 cylinder division for kids ages 12-16.
After racing in the Warrior class, he moved into the adult 4 cylinder division, known as the Mini Stocks here at Woodhull Raceway. After racing the mini stocks Brett moved up into the street stocks.
“And I’ve raced BRP’s too,” Marlatt noted, adding on to his list of cars he’s raced.
For Marlatt, getting into racing was mainly because of two people. “My dad and Barry Paine.”
Brett said after being asked who got him into racing. Berry Paine actually gave Brett his nickname that still gets tossed around today.
”Berry Paine gave it to me and it just kind of stuck from there,” Marlatt said. One thing is for sure if you here “Brett the Jet” then you most definitely will be seeing the number 99 on the racetrack.
“Winning,” Marlatt answered to the question of what is your favorite part about racing? There is no doubt that the feeling of winning a tough race is pure joy. We have seen Marlatt in victory lane once so far this season.
Although this wasn’t asked in the interview, I’m sure he would like to make that happen again. Brett
currently sits fifth in points only 29 points out of first. The street stock division has a tight points race so anyone could win the championship.
Racing for 18 years means 18 years of being able to achieve your goals, however Brett still has one thing he would like to still accomplish.
“I’d like to win the Empire 100 at Outlaw,” Marlatt responded. The Empire 100 being a 100-lap street stock race held in October. It usually attracts a lot of street stock drivers from all over New York and even some out of state. Last year Marlatt finished on the podium after transferring from the consi and leading many laps in the A-Main.
Being only 26, Marlatt still has many years ahead of him. During the interview he was asked if he had any future plans for racing, possibly changing cars moving up into another class?
His response was, “For right now I plan on staying where I am.”
Marlatt is one competitor who is determined to make it to the front. He loves what he does and continues to pursue his dreams like most other racers. Keep your eyes on the No. 99 car as we approach the fall season extra-distance shows for the Street Stocks.