Jimmy Renfrew Jr: Racer on the Rise
Photo Courtesy of: 3 Wide Media Productions
February 14th, 2024
Introduction
Jimmy Renfrew Jr. of New Hampshire may lack much time and experience in a Late Model, but he is certainly worthy of your attention. Likely still flying under some people’s radar, Renfrew has been especially putting the racing world on notice, tracing back to the 2023 Oxford 250, a pivotal moment in his burgeoning status as an emerging late model racer, and respectable competitor. It was his composure, both on and off the track, that stood out perhaps most of all this past summer.
The Oxford 250: A Crucial Turning Point
At the 2023 Oxford 250, Renfrew Jr.'s racing aptitude was truly put to the test. Starting from a dominant pole position, he was thrust into a challenging situation following an early collision with Cole Butcher. Butcher likely had the fastest car on the track at the start of the race, and only 7 laps in, he drove too fast into a turn, spinning Renfrew in the process, and causing them both to go to the rear of the 42 car field. Undeterred, Renfrew displayed exceptional skill and determination, making an early 2-tire change, and clawing his way back to the second position, behind Curtis Gerry; he even managed to lead a few laps. However, an unfortunate pit stop error would this time be the reason to force Renfrew to the back. Gerry, leading the field, was supposed to be the first driver to pit, if he wished to do so; this occurred at lap 170. Gerry had a miscue, and drove past the pit entrance on his first lap eligible to enter the pit, and Renfrew behind him, followed Gerry. Given the semi-live pit stop format in PASS, where you cannot lose a lap during a yellow, but you can lose track position, Gerry and Renfrew entered the pit after everyone else did. Despite these setbacks, he still finished with a very respectable 14th place, and on the lead lap.
Character and Sportsmanship: More Than Just Speed
Beyond his on-track prowess, Renfrew Jr.'s character shines brightly. His post-race conduct at the Oxford 250, particularly his mature handling of the incident with Butcher, demonstrated his professionalism and respect for his fellow racers, even in the heat of the moment, and faced with the disappointment of the pit stop miscue compounding the situation. Renfrew’s ability to remain composed and maintain a sportsmanlike attitude, sets a commendable example and speaks to his integrity as a competitor in the intense world of racing. First he addressed Butcher personally and directly, and following this, he spoke publicly, providing a calm and constructive perspective, focusing on the need for mutual respect among racers. Renfrew acknowledged Butcher’s level of talent, and expressed respect for him, both that he felt prior, and continues to feel, after, despite being unhappy about the situation. He made it clear that his intention was to prevent this from occurring again. Despite his lack of experience, he clearly recognizes the importance of patience and strategic thinking in long-duration races like the Oxford 250. It deserves to be noted that Butcher apologized publicly for the incident, said that he made a mistake, and said that the things that Renfrew said were correct.
The Snowflake 100: Stepping Up to the Challenge
In his first Snowflake 100 appearance at Five Flags Speedway, Renfrew Jr. in a Donnie Wilson Motorsports Pro Late Model made a significant statement. Securing a 6th place finish in a field teeming with seasoned racers, and some of the hottest young racers there are, he not only demonstrated his racing skills but also his quick adaptability to different racing environments and formats, maintaining a similar position throughout the full feature. This performance backed up his Oxford 250 run, showing himself to be a versatile and rising talent in motorsports, capable of competing at a high level against experienced opponents, and rising stars.
On-Going World Series of Asphalt Pro Late Model New Smyrna Race Week
To date, Renfrew Jr. is just past the half-way point of the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna, showcasing consistent excellence, and exciting racing. His string of top finishes – 1st, 3rd, 3rd, and 2nd – over four nights of intense racing contested against big fields in 35 lap features has been a thrilling watch. He has shared the podium almost every night without fail, with the driver ahead of him in the standings, and the driver below him:
1st place: 26 - Dawson Sutton - 244 pts
2nd place: 00 - Jimmy Renfrew Jr - 240 pts
3rd place: 29 - Hunter Wright - 238 pts
On Night 2, Renfrew appeared to have the fastest car at the end of the feature, and looked faster than eventual winner Dawson Sutton with just a few laps to go. Renfrew would get stuck behind a slower car, in a 4 car cluster of 2 sets of 2 wide, and just lacked the time needed to make up enough ground for the win at the end.
Night 3 and 4, he also looked like he could definitely have a shot at winning.
Renfrew is poised to be a promising up and coming racer, and if you haven’t taken notice yet, then you are missing out.
