November 30, 204 – Bill Bigley Memorial 128 – Bradenton, FL
Jett and his team took to the historic Freedom Factory on Saturday, November 30th for the 9th annual Bill Bigley Memorial 128, eager to defend his legacy on one of the fastest 3/8-mile tracks in the South. Known for its 12-degree banking and reputation for intense competition, this speedway set the conditions for a thrilling night of short-track racing. Jett went in feeling confident at such a familiar venue, reminiscing about when he brought home the biggest prize in his career only a year ago.
The day started with promise. Jett placed third in the final practice session, showcasing his car’s potential amidst a tightly packed field where times were separated by mere tenths of a second. “Jett has a very solid car to defend his win with,” said a member of Jett’s team, capturing the optimism felt by all. Having a reliable and capable vehicle is always essential to good race performance, but even more so on a course like this where the win will come down to who’s car can last the longest.
As the race got underway, Jett had to battle hard, starting from the 29th position. Gradually, he made it through the field, moving with precision and speed. By the halfway mark, he had cracked the top ten and seemed poised for a solid finish. However, the track’s intense conditions took an unfortunate turn for the worst. A multi-car incident on the front stretch unfolded just ahead of Jett, and despite his quick reaction, he made just enough contact to cause some hidden suspension damage.
The team’s hopes for another win were dashed a few laps later when the damage forced Jett to retire from the race, resulting in a 20th-place finish. While the night didn’t go as planned, without the dedication and work Jett and his team had put in over this last year of racing, he wouldn’t have done nearly as well under the circumstances.
This weekend’s outcome serves as a reminder of the challenges and excitement that make racing so special, and that there’s more to be gained than just a title. As always, we’re grateful to Cohen Law Group and Noland’s Roofing for their unwavering support, and to our dedicated crew for keeping us in the fight. Stay up to date with Jett’s socials and race schedule to see what’s up next for Jett Noland Motorsports.