Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

Submitted by MIR

Racers, pit crews and fans stood to honor the late Mitch Jock, an avid racer who was well known at Mohawk International Raceway. Photo by Mike Watts

Friday night’s racing events at the Mohawk International Raceway were conducted with a heavy heart as the Seaway Valley racing community was stunned to learn of the passing of young 358 Modified star Mitch Jock during the week. Jock had been struck by an illness over the winter months but was still deeply involved in racing, including competing in several events early in the Spring. Jock was well respected by competitors and very popular with the fans. He was regarded as one of the sport’s rising stars and captured his first track championship at the age of 14 back in the late 1990s in the Bandit division. After several outstanding seasons in the tough Pro Stock division, Jock moved up to the 358 Modifieds in 2008 and was MIR’s 2008 358 Modified Rookie of the Year, finishing second in points and scoring a memorable win at Autodrome Edelweiss in a prestigious Syracuse Qualifier extra distance event. Jock finished fifth in MIR’s 2009 point standings.

Before racing began on Friday, Jock’s Warrior Racing #14 Modified was driven around the track by his sister-in-law, Jenna David, and all of the drivers in attendance assembled in turn four in silent salute to Mitch’s memory. Mitch’s #14 Modified was also the pace vehicle for the 358 Modified feature event. The officials and staff at MIR express their deepest sympathies to Mitch’s family and our thoughts are with them in this difficult time.