Vermont native Jamie Aube became a household name in New England during the 1980s, along with short track icons like Robbie Crouch, Joey Kourafas, Randy Lajoie and Tommy Rosati. If you went to a major race in the Northeast, chances are that Aube was listed among the favorites to win.

When the North Ferrisburg native hooked up with Allen Avery’s Mountain Racing organization, his career really took off. Avery was a smart businessman who loved racing and had the desire to do it right. Together, they won the famed Oxford 250 in 1987 and again in 1989 against stiff competition.

“Both of those wins were huge highlights in my career,” Aube said. “We used the same strategy in 1989 that we used the first time, and it worked again. Those 250s paid well. Back in those days that was a lot of money. I know it sure helped our team’s bottom line and allowed us to keep racing.”

Winning the 250 twice in a three-year span put Aube and Mountain Racing above the competition. He drove for the team nine years, creating a potent combination that earned three consecutive NASCAR Busch Grand National North championships in 1988, 1989 and 1990. They were, indeed, untouchable.

“Those were great times in my career,” Aube said as he reflected with great pride. “We had such great owners in Peter Smith, Allen Avery and Patrick Henry. Those guys loved racing and started out by supporting Peter in the political world. Somehow I got hooked up with them, and it was a great run.”

Like so many others before and after him, winning the Oxford 250 opened doors for Aube. By 1989, the race had established itself as one of the nation’s richest and most prestigious short track events.

“I think those wins still get mentioned more than my championships,” Aube added. “People talk about the Oxford 250, and if somebody has me coming to their race track and wants to build up the hype, you always here them say something about the 250. I think it definitely changed my career path.”

Never one to slow down, Aube still races weekly at Devils Bowl Speedway in West Haven. He also serves as crew chief on the Trans-Am road racing circuit. At 63, he still manages to find the drive and energy to work on race cars, drive a race car and do more traveling than most men his age can handle.

“I’m still having fun and enjoying it, but I think I might be getting too old,” Aube said via telephone while driving to southern Vermont last Saturday afternoon. “Actually, the racing part is awesome, but driving down there and back is a pain.”

Another great source of pride for Aube along with his well-documented on-track career is his daughter, Heather. To no surprise, she has taken a huge interest in racing and absolutely loves going to the track with her father. With a strong work ethic, respect for others and magnetic smile, she is true Aube’s pride and joy as his racing career nears the end of its incredible run.

“Whenever I can spend time with her, I’m as happy as can be,” Aube said. “She keeps me motivated and informed about local racing, like who the contenders will be in this year’s 250, for example. I’m very proud of her and all she’s accomplished. Heather is the reason I’m still racing; she makes it fun.

“I do still miss racing at Thunder Road, but we have a good program going down at Devils Bowl. I may have to slow down here at some point, but right now, I’m just having too much fun.”

pwhipple@sunjournal.com

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