Corliss Hopes for Less Dramatics in 2022 ACT Midsummer Classic

Jason Corliss won the 2021 ACT Midsummer Classic 250 at White Mountain, but he's hoping for a less dramatic outcome should he repeat in 2022.

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Over his racing career, Jason Corliss has risen to become one of the top marks whenever he competes at his home track of Thunder Road in the Late Models. Last season, the Vermont driver finally scored his first major victory out-of-state, winning the fourth running of the 250-lap Midsummer Classic at White Mountain Motorsports Park in New Hampshire along with the $10,000 winner’s check.

Running a pick and choose 2022 schedule in the bigger Late Model races at Thunder Road and on the American-Canadian Tour, with select Super Late Model appearances in the Pro All Stars Series, Corliss is getting ready to try and become the first Midsummer Classic repeat winner, as the ACT Late Model Tour returns to White Mountain this Saturday, July 30.

Corliss’ eagerness was evident when he spoke with Racing America on Wednesday.

“I always like racing at White Mountain and it’s definitely neat to be going back after winning last year’s race. Hopefully we can repeat the magic. But this time, I’d like to be able to see the checkered flag this year, little less dramatics would be nice. But as long as the end result is the same, I’ll take it however we can get it.”

Why couldn’t the former ‘King of the Road’ see the checkers last year you may be wondering. Here’s a quick recap from Corliss on what went down in the 2021 Midsummer Classic 250.

“We were racing three-wide for the lead, Nick Sweet on the bottom, D.J. Shaw up top, and I’m in the middle. Ran like that for over a lap, got to turn three, and Nick bounced off my door and spun out. He decided I was at fault for spinning, he waited for me and brake checked me after I had cleared D.J. for the lead. When that happened it broke the hood-pin bar and with four to go it broke and the bar went with the hood, pins still in. The way it broke, I couldn’t see at all out the windshield, I got down to the inside and followed the white line the last few laps.”

That all coming after having to deal with the highest lap count the ACT runs during a racing season, 250 laps around the high-bank quarter-mile oval that is White Mountain Motorsports Park. With such a lap count, it also presents the ACT field with a challenge not found during the rest of year, in race pit stops.

“It's a long race for sure, I’m taking the time this week to deal with hydration, luckily it doesn’t look like it’s going to be nearly as hot as it’s been. During the race the key is to just get into a rhythm and not burn up your tires. It is an eight-tire race, so we get pit stops which is a different angle than what we’re used to on the ACT Tour. It’s about getting into a good position and having a good car late in the race.”

One advantage to running a more scattered schedule is that the No. 66VT team has had the time to be thorough in their preparation of the racecar. That, Corliss feels could prove an even bigger advantage with a rigorous race such as this Saturday night.

“We’re in really good shape. Not racing every week, so far so good. Last race was a win so we feel good about where the car is now. It has given us the time to put in some extra preparation to the car, maintenance and what not; normally the last few years we’re coming off of a Thursday race at Thunder Road to turn the car over Friday before we head to White Mountain Saturday. So, it’s all ready to go.”

Not only will Jason Corliss be looking for a second-straight win on his racing schedule and the Midsummer Classic 250, he will also be looking to back-to-back in ACT Late Model races featured on Short Track America which will air later this year on MAVTV. The 2018 Milk Bowl at Thunder Road being the first.

But, there’s also a fourth item that is lined up for Corliss as well should he another $10,000 this Saturday.

“That was so cool, hopefully we can repeat that same magic as well. Another cool piece that lines up as well is the company that I work for, Milton CAT is sponsoring the race. They’ve been doing all kinds of racing stuff the past few years, but this is the first time they’ve done anything with ACT. It’s like multiple worlds combining for this one event, hopefully we can put on a good show and I can take some of my company’s money.”

While the Milton CAT Midsummer Classic 250 will be shown on MAVTV later in 2022, those unable to make it out to White Mountain Motorsports Park on Saturday can watch the ACT Late Models and all racing divisions on the schedule live on RacingAmerica.tv. The stream goes live at 5pm ET with post time for racing scheduled for 5:15.