Keller Auto Speedway in Hanford, Calif., will be busy again this weekend as the NARC-King of the West Series invades the track. (Devin Mayo Photo)
NARC action at Keller Auto Speedway. (Devin Mayo Photo)

Jarrett & Steven Soares Set To Tackle NARC Schedule

After several years success racing with the Hunt Wingless Tour, Jarrett Soares will be making a comeback with the NARC 410 Sprint Car Series.

Notably, Soares and his father Steven were always one of NARC’s biggest supporters as they didn’t miss a NARC King of the West event from 2013-’16. 

“I really missed the NARC family the last few years,” admitted Steven Soares. “We were going to come back sooner but then COVID hit, and nobody knew what was happening and everything got super expensive. I grew up watching guys like Brent Kaeding, Chuck Gurney and Tim Green.

“Then I later helped out Bobby McMahan. The quality of the drivers and teams is second to none. We are a small family team but I told Jarrett ‘I have a couple years left as an owner, and I want to run NARC to finish.'”

The driver from Gilroy, Calif., competed at 20 events with the wingless tour last year.  His efforts produced 11 top-10 finishes, including eight in the top five and a pair of hard-fought victories.

Jarrett Soares is eager to get back to 410 sprint car racing and showcase his refined skills. Even with his success with the non-wing tour, Soares’ decision to return to NARC King of The West was an easy one.

“The series and competition is second to none,” began Soares, “so it did not take much convincing. The team and I jumped on the opportunity to go back to King of The West as soon as the opportunity arose.”

Will this newly found success translate over to a 410 sprint car? Soares seems to think so.

“Non wing racing has taught me patience with the car, learning when to be aggressive in a race, and has also helped me develop a better race craft that I hope will turn some heads,” Soares said. 

Soares is also excited to make a return to the Tulare Thunderbowl, the one-third mile steel-lined bull ring.

“My biggest supporter without a doubt has been my dad, Steven Soares,” said Jarrett. “His passion and true grit for this sport is admirable. I feed off of his energy and we have made a great team throughout our racing career. He has a no quit, never say die attitude that has made my racing adventure beautiful.”

The feeling is mutual. Steven Soares has watched his son blossom into the driver he is today. Throughout Jarrett’s non-wing sprint car adventure, he has watched him improve all of the skill sets of his racing game.

“The biggest difference is that he has matured,” explained Steven.  “We ran NARC in 2014-2017 when Jarrett was only 15. He now understands how to put a night together and where to put the car.”

Collectively, they both feel the entire team has improved.  “We as a team learned how to run up front and be consistent,” Steven continued. “We also learned what Jarrett likes and how to give him the car he needs. We are building a new car and working hard to finish a good motor so we can run as many shows as our budget allows.”