Byron, Michigan (7/3/13) – Since claiming the title of Snowball Derby Champion, Erik Jones’ career in stock car racing has skyrocketed. Racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with Kyle Busch Motorsports as well as select events in the ARCA Racing Series, Jones is left with little free time for late model races. Yet, the 17-year-old from Byron, Michigan along with his Snowball Derby Champion Crew Chief, Rich Lushes, have created a list of “Must Do” races for 2013, beginning with the ARCA Midwest Tours’ Swiss Colony Howie Lettow Memorial 150 presented by raceteamgear.com at the famed Milwaukee Mile on July 9.
“This race being dedicated to Howie Lettow makes it a huge deal,” stated Jones. “Howie did so much for young drivers coming into the sport. It would mean a lot to both Rich and I to bring home the win in his honor.”
“I’ve ran Milwaukee one time before back in 2010 in a crate car. It’s a big track for these types of cars and is completely flat making it a unique challenge. It’s going to be very important for us to get the car to roll in the center but still drive off strong. I remember there being two solid grooves to run in, which will make for a lot of side by side racing for the fans to enjoy.”
The Lettow 150 has an outstanding entry list overflowing with talent that stretches from local short tracks to the stars of NASCAR. Quite possibly the biggest race of the summer, the pressure to perform is at its highest. Jones is no stranger to the stakes that come with racing fender to fender with the best and the rewards that come after a respectable performance.
“This is only the second year for this race,” said Jones “but it is quickly turning into one of the biggest events of the year in the late model world. Since it’s held in the middle of the week it allows for a lot of the cup drivers to enter and when you get the chance to run with those guys, you go out to prove something. Although I have been racing for Kyle (Busch), I haven’t had the chance to compete against him since the Derby. He is a fierce competitor and hopefully we find ourselves contending with him again.”
ARCA Fest on track activities will begin with practice on Monday, July 8 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. followed by an evening of concerts behind the main grandstands. On Tuesday practice will resume at 9 a.m., qualifying at 12 p.m., and then the command for the Howie Lettow Memorial 150 at 6:30 p.m.. For more information on times and ticket sales go to www.arcafest.com.
We would like to remind fans to use the hash tags #Lettow150 and #ejr4 in all your race related conversations!
To learn more about Erik Jones Racing be sure to check out www.erikjonesracing.com, follow him on twitter @erik_jones, and “Like” him on facebook. For more media information please contact Stephanie Bigelow, sbigelow@erikjonesracing.com.
