Jarrett Butcher Interview - Chase for a Championship & the Power of Focus

Photo Courtesy of: JT Racing Pix

September 19th, 2023

It looks as if history is likely to be made this weekend, September 23rd, at Scotia Speedworld in the ECI Pro Stock Tour finale. If Craig Slaunwhite wins, it will be the first time anyone has ever won the title 3 years in a row. If Jarrett Butcher wins, it will be the first time brothers, or two drivers with any relation have both won a title.

Now in it's 22nd season, Jarrett Butcher from Porter's Lake, Nova Scotia seeks the ultimate cap off to a break-out season, which saw him claim his first checkered flag in a Late Model, along with his second, and third. In fact, he leads the tour in wins. He joined the tour in 2016 with a limited schedule, and by 2019, he placed top-5 in 1/3rd of the races. 2021 his consistency really picked up, and this year has clearly been his breakout season.

He's had a lot of spirited battles, including long battles for the lead with his brother #53 Cole Butcher, or #67 Dylan Blenkhorn, but this year he started racking up the wins.

Building Momentum: You're currently second in the ECIPST championship race. How are you feeling as you approach this crucial weekend?

I'm feeling pretty good. I think we have a shot to win the race, I don't know if we have a shot to win the championship - just, with the points gap. We need a perfect day, which can happen, so I think if we can do our work in the shop, unload, and start the day off fresh, lead as many laps as we can, and win the race, then the rest takes care of itself. Who knows, we might win one (the championship), we might not, but we're going for a race win.

New Heights: Your on-track success this year has matched the eye test. It's clear that you've reached a new level. Taking on some responsibilities that your brother handled seems to have contributed to this. What else has changed for you this season?

A lot of it's my focus towards racing. I've always had a good crew behind me, but having a good crew that's focused and works well with me is probably a big part of it. Also having Cole (Butcher)'s spotter Craig Langille, he's been a big part of my success, as far as on track, being focused. Also just the responsibility, this (race) shop, has probably changed a lot of my focus and a lot of my knowledge towards racing.

Breakout Ambitions: Given that this is your breakout year, do you have any specific goals or plans, both within the ECIPST and in other series/events?

I'd like to win the Pro Stock Championship, because that's what will go in the history books, from now and on into the future. I'd like to win a 250. I'd like to win the IWK 250, would like to win the Scotia 250, either one. I think Scotia just a little more, just because it's my home track. And then I'd like to do Oxford Plains Speedway, providing we either can with two cars, or just one car. It's a lot of work to go there, to say the 250, and do 2 cars, so it's almost easier to do 1.

Are there any particular races that stand out to you as particularly memorable from your career behind the wheel? What made them special?

My first win of the year, Scotia, to be honest with ya. I've had some really cool Legend car wins - the road course (Atlantic Motorsports Park) and stuff like that. But the first race of the year, I was in North Carolina (CARS Tour Pro Late Model Series @ North Wilkesboro) a few days before that, and I didn't make the race there, so it was a pretty crappy feeling. So I said in my head that I didn't wanna feel that again. So then, you know, we went out and won the next race. Won 2 or 3 days later, which took all that feeling away.

[about the qualification]

Can't change it, learn from it.

[It looked like you bobbled a bit during the qualifying run]:

That was the difference. I think I would have made it otherwise. But everything happens for a reason.

Racing Against the Best: What was your experience like running at Five Flags Speedway against some big names? Do you plan on continuing to compete in the Snowflake? You've had some very strong runs there.

5 Flags is definitely an awesome experience. Just the whole week leading up to it, and the atmosphere of the event is unreal. It's not the Snowball Derby itself, but there's still up to 60-70 drivers trying to time trial in to the top 30, and we have been successful at that. Running that race: it's short, it's only 100 laps, but it's cool to race against the bigger names, and you always learn lots.

Acknowledgements: Are there any specific sponsors, mentors, or people you'd like to acknowledge for helping you reach this point?

I'd like to thank my parents, mom and dad, my brother, all the crew guys that have been with me this year, and previous years, and who aren't with me now. They've all kept the confidence in me. Superior Foundations, Route 7 Excavating, Nova Truck Centre, Top Construction, Hangin' On Fisheries, Sammy Keizer Automotive, Murray Davis Construction.


It seems Jarrett is aware of the stakes, and knows the championship is a long shot given the points gap. However, he isn't letting that distract from his immediate task: winning the next race. It shows poise, knowing he can only control the controllable, and letting the larger championship picture take care of itself. His added responsibilities and synergy with his consistent crew/spotter Craig Langille seem to have helped him mature as a driver.

Jarrett has never been shy when it comes to aggression on the track, but his patience and timing seem better dialed in this year. With a heart for his home, striving for the Scotia 250, but eyes for abroad, like the Oxford 250 in Maine, his breakout is accompanied by ambition, and backed with the security of a podium finish in the Snowflake 100 for Donnie Wilson.

In some ways, maybe the DNQ (did not qualify) in North Carolina was one of the best things to happen to him, as he used it to solidify his resilience, perhaps as a mental milestone. Having the fortitude to bounce back from disappointments can separate a good from a great competitor in sports.

This will be a race you won't want to miss, and if this year is any indication, every one should be keeping a close eye on the red #54 next season.