Alligator farmer races to title

By day, Cut Off native Jerry Savoie is an alligator farmer – a Cajun man who spends a lot of his time cruising the swamp.

But this Cajun also has a need for speed, and after what happened this weekend in Pomona, California, no one can argue that Savoie is among the best in the world at his chosen craft.

Savoie is an accomplished drag racer – a passion he’s held for almost his entire life.

This past weekend, the racer won the Auto Club NHRA Finals, clinching the NHRA Mello Yello Pro Stock Motorcycle title.

At the wheel of the White Alligator Suzuki, Savoie outlasted the best challengers in the country to secure the title – a victory that is being called an “improbable championship run” in the world of racing.

“I can’t believe it,” Savoie said after the race. “I went to church this morning and the message was encouragement and to get encouraged and people inspire you. There is a God and he is watching, and I want to thank everybody. … I don’t know

what to say, but especially thank you to the fans. Without you guys, this would not be possible. You make our dreams come true, and you guys are my family.”

Savoie’s win is redemption for a couple close calls that have haunted his past.

He was awfully close to the title just one year ago.

In the 2015 season, Savoie earned top billing to the Auto Club NHRA Finals, but had his championship-hopes dashed by a spat of tough luck.

In the second round of the race, Savoie’s bike spun its tire, which caused him to be eliminated far earlier than expected.

But this time, he finished the deal and solidified himself as the lead dog in the sport.

Entering the finals, Savoie, Andrew Hines and Eddie Krawiec were all separated in the points standings by just a couple points, making the weekend’s event one of the most anticipated in the sport’s history.

But Savoie was red-hot. He won in Las Vegas two weekends ago and entered in the points lead – a spot he’d held for the first time this season.

At Pomona, Savoie’s competition bowed out early – both in the second round, which secured his victory and a $75,000 prize for being the sport’s world champion.

Savoie said he knew early in the season that he had a championship-caliber team and championship-caliber support.

He said to be able to put it all together is one of the best feelings he’s ever experienced.

“Look man, I’m just a Cajun country boy doing my thing,” Savoie said. “I’ve got the best guys in the world. I love them all.”

The victory is the high point of Savoie’s racing career, but it’s not the only bright moment.

Savoie, 57, was a rookie in the 2011 season and enjoyed immediate success, advancing to the sports finals at Indianapolis in his inaugural campaign.

Since that time, Savoie continued to blossom, including a runner-up finish in 2013 – his first – and then his first career victory in 2014.

Last year, Savoie won three times and nearly took home the sport’s season title, securing a runner-up finish.

But this time, the alligator farmer didn’t take no for an answer, sealing the deal and bringing back the trophy to Louisiana.

“It’s a great achievement,” Savoie said. “It’s a wonderful honor. I just am so thankful – to everyone. I cannot say enough about all of the people who have helped me along the way. Every, single person has a part in this and has helped me to reach this goal.”

Cut Off native Jerry Savoie poses with his prize – a trophy and $75,000 check for winning the NHRA Mello Yello Pro Stock Motorcycle Series Title. Savoie clinched his victory on Sunday in California.

COURTESY

Jerry Savoie sits on his bike, called the White Alligator, while hoisting one of his many trophies. Savoie said he’s so thankful to his team for his career successes.

COURTESY PHOTO