Berlin Raceway up Next for the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour
Erik Jones Takes over Championship Points Lead
Salem, IN (September 6, 2011) – The JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by GM Performance Parts will head to Berlin Raceway in Marne, Michigan this Saturday for the Berlin 100 Presented by JEGS.com. Saturday’s race will be the ninth event of the inaugural 11 event season for the crate motor late model series sanctioned by Champion Racing Association. While this will be the first JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour at the 7/16’s mile oval, CRA has sanctioned 12 CRA Super Series events there including the Rowdy 251 in June that was won for the second season in a row by NASCAR Superstar Kyle Busch.
Heading the list of entries for Saturday’s event is the series latest winner and new points leader 15 year old Erik Jones from Byron, Michigan. Jones got the win in last Saturday night’s event at Owosso Speedway by passing Josh Nelms on lap 83 and going on to get the victory at his former home track. Jones also claimed his fifth Keyser Manufacturing Fast Qualifier Award of the season, earning the event maximum of 110 points to vault into the series points lead by 11 points after an oil line problem regulated former points leader Eddie Hoffman to an eighth place finish. Jones and Hoffman lead the series with two victories apiece so far this season, Hoffman looks to try and get the points lead back this Saturday at Berlin.
Nelms, who is third in series points, is entered and is still seeking his first series win. Also fourth place in points Chad Finley and fifth place Canadian teenager Brandon Watson are entered. Other top series drivers who are entered include Brent Downey, Wes Griffth Jr., and Jack Smith. 15 year old Cody Coughlin, who is leading the Howie Lettow Rookie of the Year Award Presented by Howe Racing points after eighth series events, is also entered along with fellow series rookies Tom Woodin, Jimmy Novak and Matt Puskarich who are all from the state of Michigan.
The event has several local racers entered who have been competing at Berlin in the Premier Boyne Machine Super Late Models this season. Former ARCA Champion Tim Steele is entered along with his daughter Kelsey and nephew Brandon Hermiller. Also entered to date are top locals Chris Anthony, Chris Koslek, Terry VanHaitsma, Seth Moody and Lauren Bush.
There will be an open practice on Friday, pits open at 3:30pm, practice will go from 5 to 8pm. Pits will open at 11am Saturday. The series will have two 30 minute practice sessions beginning at 1pm. The series will qualify at 6 pm. The night’s race program will begin at 7:00pm and will include the Berlin 100 Presented by JEGS.com for the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by GM Performance Parts. It will be Championship Night for all the Berlin local divisions including the Outlaw Super Late Models, Super Stocks, Pro Stocks, Modifieds and 4-Cylinders.
More event information is available at www.berlinspeedway.com. More information on the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by GM Performance Parts is available at www.craracing.net.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Erik Jones Pulls the Hometown Trifecta, Takes Pole, Race Win and Points Lead at Owosso in CRA JEGS All Stars Competition
Erik Jones Pulls the Hometown Trifecta, Takes Pole, Race Win and Points Lead at Owosso in CRA JEGS All Stars Competition
51 Sports PR
All the stars lined up perfectly for 15-year-old Erik Jones at Owosso Speedway in Michigan Saturday night. Jones swept his way through the CRA/JEGS All-Stars Tour event at Owosso by taking the pole in qualifying and putting on a winning performance in the feature in order to jump to the point lead in the series.
Making the night’s sweep even more special was the fact that the win came in front of a hometown crowd, as Owosso is located just a few miles from the young driver’s hometown of Byron, Michigan.
"It was probably one of the coolest feelings I have ever had to win a race," said Jones. "I had run there (at Owosso) so many times in 30-lap features, so to get a win in a big race like that was really cool. We did in front of the hometown fans too and that was special."
The post-qualifying redraw placed Jones’ Paragon Corvette Reproductions Chevrolet fifth in the starting lineup, but he patiently worked his way forward. As he was trying to get his No. 4 machine to the front, a tricky track and a pack of tight competition made it tough for the new point leader.
"Normally there are three grooves there, but on Saturday it seemed like the only lane that was working was the top one," said Jones. "We picked our way up to the front and got the lead after a red flag."
From there on, Jones was in business as he led the final 17 laps to pick up the win at the hometown track. Just two seasons ago, the young driver was racing a Street Stock at Owosso Speedway. Now, he is a winner on the competitive regional Late Model tour there.
"There is always a little more pressure going into your home track," said Jones. "Last year we were leading there in another Late Model series and the fuel pump broke, so the place kind of owed us one."
Jones’ heartbreaking finish at Owosso in 2010 came in the Varney Late Model Series, the series in which he won his first-ever Late Model race and challenged veteran short tracker Eddie Hoffman for the series title. His bid came up short as he finished third in his first full season of Late Model racing, but 2011 now finds him taking the points lead, from Hoffman, with only three races to go.
"Eddie's a good racer and he's been around a long time," said Jones. "I know we have improved from last year to this year. I have learned a lot from a year ago to now. It's all coming together. It's really made for a great year."
Jones will look to keep up his hot streak when the CRA/JEGS All-Stars head to Berlin Raceway in Marne, Michigan on Saturday, September 10th. Jones got some laps in earlier this season with the CRA Super Series at Berlin, but the local regulars plus the JEGS tour’s top talents will make the Berlin event a tough one.
“I like Berlin. It's a cool place to race at I learned a lot about conserving tires when we ran the Rowdy 251 back in June. We think we'll have some good notes to be strong again.”
For more information visit www.erikjonesracing.com or email Elgin Traylor at Elgin@51sports.net
51 Sports PR
All the stars lined up perfectly for 15-year-old Erik Jones at Owosso Speedway in Michigan Saturday night. Jones swept his way through the CRA/JEGS All-Stars Tour event at Owosso by taking the pole in qualifying and putting on a winning performance in the feature in order to jump to the point lead in the series.
Making the night’s sweep even more special was the fact that the win came in front of a hometown crowd, as Owosso is located just a few miles from the young driver’s hometown of Byron, Michigan.
"It was probably one of the coolest feelings I have ever had to win a race," said Jones. "I had run there (at Owosso) so many times in 30-lap features, so to get a win in a big race like that was really cool. We did in front of the hometown fans too and that was special."
The post-qualifying redraw placed Jones’ Paragon Corvette Reproductions Chevrolet fifth in the starting lineup, but he patiently worked his way forward. As he was trying to get his No. 4 machine to the front, a tricky track and a pack of tight competition made it tough for the new point leader.
"Normally there are three grooves there, but on Saturday it seemed like the only lane that was working was the top one," said Jones. "We picked our way up to the front and got the lead after a red flag."
From there on, Jones was in business as he led the final 17 laps to pick up the win at the hometown track. Just two seasons ago, the young driver was racing a Street Stock at Owosso Speedway. Now, he is a winner on the competitive regional Late Model tour there.
"There is always a little more pressure going into your home track," said Jones. "Last year we were leading there in another Late Model series and the fuel pump broke, so the place kind of owed us one."
Jones’ heartbreaking finish at Owosso in 2010 came in the Varney Late Model Series, the series in which he won his first-ever Late Model race and challenged veteran short tracker Eddie Hoffman for the series title. His bid came up short as he finished third in his first full season of Late Model racing, but 2011 now finds him taking the points lead, from Hoffman, with only three races to go.
"Eddie's a good racer and he's been around a long time," said Jones. "I know we have improved from last year to this year. I have learned a lot from a year ago to now. It's all coming together. It's really made for a great year."
Jones will look to keep up his hot streak when the CRA/JEGS All-Stars head to Berlin Raceway in Marne, Michigan on Saturday, September 10th. Jones got some laps in earlier this season with the CRA Super Series at Berlin, but the local regulars plus the JEGS tour’s top talents will make the Berlin event a tough one.
“I like Berlin. It's a cool place to race at I learned a lot about conserving tires when we ran the Rowdy 251 back in June. We think we'll have some good notes to be strong again.”
For more information visit www.erikjonesracing.com or email Elgin Traylor at Elgin@51sports.net
Monday, September 5, 2011
VanDoorn Wins "Finally" at Winchester
Coopersville's Johhny VanDoorn backed up his pole qualifying effort from Friday night and proved when he is not hit with a mechanical failure you better take notice.
VanDoorn Breaks the Bad Luck Streak
Johnny VanDoorn has not had any luck in his CRA Super Series car in 2011. Dropping out due to either mechanical problems or a tire going down with less than 10 laps to go on a couple of occasions VanDoorn broke that streak with a win in the Winchester 100. The weekend started poorly for VanDoorn as he fought a mechanical issue during the practice session on Saturday, and even considered loading up, but his crew solved the mechanical issue and he set fast time for the race. Scott Hantz started on the pole and took off to lead the first few laps until VanDoorn powered past him coming to the flag as they exited the fourth turn to lead the 10th lap. He then set sail with Hantz running with him. VanDoorn hung on through several restarts including a red flag after an accident took out six cars on the 72nd lap.
"This has been rough year. If anything could go wrong it has." VanDoorn stated. "We almost loaded up Sunday, I even cancelled our hotel rooms, but the crew worked so hard they found our issue and we had a really good car today."
Unofficial Super Series Results
Pos No. Name
1 61 John VanDoorn
2 72 Scott Hantz
3 31 Aaron Pierce
4 811 Mason Mingus
5 21 Tommy St. John
6 54 Jeff Fultz
7 82 Donnie Wilson
8 39 Kenzie Ruston
9 4 Derrick Griffin
10 49 Colin Nicolai
11 25 David Carter
12 7 Jason Dietsch
13 40 Thor Anderson
14 45 Danny Jackson
15 84 Jay Niewiek
16 2 Kenny Tweedy
17 28 Justin Alsip
18 184 Donald Karr Jr.
19 15 Damon Ecoff
20 111 Peter Cozzolino
21 81 Terry Fisher, Jr.
22 64 Griffin McGrath
23 41 Brent Jack
24 12 Nate Caruth
25 14 C. J. Leary
26 0 Joe Beaver
27 1 Brian Rievley
28 131 Nick Gullatta
29 18 Bubba Pollard
30 11 Jeff Lane
31 26 Rick Turner
DNS 20 Brian Campbell
DNS 92 Adam Purdy
VanDoorn Breaks the Bad Luck Streak
Johnny VanDoorn has not had any luck in his CRA Super Series car in 2011. Dropping out due to either mechanical problems or a tire going down with less than 10 laps to go on a couple of occasions VanDoorn broke that streak with a win in the Winchester 100. The weekend started poorly for VanDoorn as he fought a mechanical issue during the practice session on Saturday, and even considered loading up, but his crew solved the mechanical issue and he set fast time for the race. Scott Hantz started on the pole and took off to lead the first few laps until VanDoorn powered past him coming to the flag as they exited the fourth turn to lead the 10th lap. He then set sail with Hantz running with him. VanDoorn hung on through several restarts including a red flag after an accident took out six cars on the 72nd lap.
"This has been rough year. If anything could go wrong it has." VanDoorn stated. "We almost loaded up Sunday, I even cancelled our hotel rooms, but the crew worked so hard they found our issue and we had a really good car today."
Unofficial Super Series Results
Pos No. Name
1 61 John VanDoorn
2 72 Scott Hantz
3 31 Aaron Pierce
4 811 Mason Mingus
5 21 Tommy St. John
6 54 Jeff Fultz
7 82 Donnie Wilson
8 39 Kenzie Ruston
9 4 Derrick Griffin
10 49 Colin Nicolai
11 25 David Carter
12 7 Jason Dietsch
13 40 Thor Anderson
14 45 Danny Jackson
15 84 Jay Niewiek
16 2 Kenny Tweedy
17 28 Justin Alsip
18 184 Donald Karr Jr.
19 15 Damon Ecoff
20 111 Peter Cozzolino
21 81 Terry Fisher, Jr.
22 64 Griffin McGrath
23 41 Brent Jack
24 12 Nate Caruth
25 14 C. J. Leary
26 0 Joe Beaver
27 1 Brian Rievley
28 131 Nick Gullatta
29 18 Bubba Pollard
30 11 Jeff Lane
31 26 Rick Turner
DNS 20 Brian Campbell
DNS 92 Adam Purdy
Eric Jones wins at Owosso
Jones Takes Win at Home Track
For 72 laps Chad Finley looked like he might earn his first JEGS/CRA All Stars Tour presented by GM Performance Parts win as he paced the field in the Big O Classic 100 presented by JEGS.com. Then a flat tire while the field was under caution after an extended red flag to fix the track lights forced Finley to give up the lead to Josh Nelms. Nelms took the lead after the caution, with Robbie Pyle in second and Erik Jones in third. Jones drove past Pyle in front of his hometown crowd to take second, quickly caught Nelms and slipped under him to take the lead for good to officially lead the 83rd lap. He would not be caught as he drove away from the field. Finley meanwhile restarted 19th on the 72 lap raced his way up to finish third, Pyle finished fourth and rookie points leader Cody Coughlin was fifth.
"That was a hard earned win!" Jones stated. "Chad (Finley) had that flat, but a couple of weeks ago I was leading and I had one go down, it is racing. I have a fantastic crew and family helping me get here. Thanks to all of them."
For 72 laps Chad Finley looked like he might earn his first JEGS/CRA All Stars Tour presented by GM Performance Parts win as he paced the field in the Big O Classic 100 presented by JEGS.com. Then a flat tire while the field was under caution after an extended red flag to fix the track lights forced Finley to give up the lead to Josh Nelms. Nelms took the lead after the caution, with Robbie Pyle in second and Erik Jones in third. Jones drove past Pyle in front of his hometown crowd to take second, quickly caught Nelms and slipped under him to take the lead for good to officially lead the 83rd lap. He would not be caught as he drove away from the field. Finley meanwhile restarted 19th on the 72 lap raced his way up to finish third, Pyle finished fourth and rookie points leader Cody Coughlin was fifth.
"That was a hard earned win!" Jones stated. "Chad (Finley) had that flat, but a couple of weeks ago I was leading and I had one go down, it is racing. I have a fantastic crew and family helping me get here. Thanks to all of them."
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