Abingdon, VA — Highlands Motorsports, a prominent team led by veteran crew chief and team co-owner Josh Reeves, is excited to announce a new strategic alliance with Rette Jones Racing and Port City Racecars. This collaboration aims to elevate competitiveness through shared expertise, innovative engineering, and advanced chassis development in the ASA STARS National Tour.
Mid-Season Transition to Port City Racecars and Ford Bodies
Beginning mid-season, Highlands Motorsports will transition to Port City chassis and Ford bodies, aligning more closely with Rette Jones Racing’s established setup and engineering philosophy. This strategic move is designed to optimize performance, enhance handling, and provide a competitive edge as the team advances through the latter part of the ASA STARS National Tour season and prepares for the 58th running of the Snowball Derby.
“We’re excited to partner with Rette Jones Racing and Port City Racecars and integrate their proven chassis and engineering support,” said Josh Reeves. “This move strengthens our program and equips our driver with the tools needed to succeed at the highest level of super late model racing. I’m genuinely excited about what this partnership will bring for Highlands Motorsports and our future in racing.”
Expanding the Rette Jones Racing Family
Mark Rette, co-owner of Rette Jones Racing alongside Terry Jones, expressed enthusiasm about the alliance:
“This partnership adds another team to our Rette Jones Racing/Port City Racecars family,” Rette stated. “We’ve seen the success Port City Racecars can deliver led by Gary Crooks and we’re eager to bring Highlands Motorsports and veteran driver Derek Thorn into the fold. Sharing resources will help us all reach new heights.”
Josh Reeves, owner of Highlands Motorsports, again shared his excitement:
“Rette Jones Racing and Port City Racecars are leaders in short-track racing, and to be partnering with them is a huge step forward for our program. We’re confident this alliance will bring new levels of performance and driver development to Highlands Motorsports.”
Veteran Driver Talent Integration
A key highlight of this alliance is the inclusion of Derek Thorn, one of the most respected and accomplished drivers in Super Late Model racing. Known for his dominance in recent years at the Snowball Derby and a 2022 winner along with multiple championships, Thorn’s move to Port City chassis with Highlands Motorsports marks a significant milestone in his career, adding valuable experience to Highlands Motorsports, Port City Racecars, and Rette Jones Racing.
“I’m excited to start this new chapter,” Thorn said. “The partnership between Highlands Motorsports, Port City, and Rette Jones Racing is outstanding. We’re eager to finish the ASA season strong and set our sights on the Snowball Derby in December.”
Thorn will join a talented Port City Racecars driver roster that already includes up and coming Kyle Steckly, veteran Kole Raz, and NASCAR Cup star Noah Gragson.
Adding to the excitement, Noah Gragson, a NASCAR Cup star, and co-owner of Port City Racecars, shared his enthusiasm:
“This is badass! I can’t wait to get to Pensacola this year and have Thorn “the Goat of Pensacola in our camp.” said Gragson.
Looking Ahead
VP of Business Development Greg Zipadelli stated, “We are all very excited and optimistic about the future, with the alliance poised to deliver improved performance, innovative engineering, and opportunities for driver development”. Fans can expect to see Highlands Motorsports competing with new equipment and a revitalized focus as they target strong finishes in upcoming races.
About Port City Racecars:
Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, Port City Racecars has quickly established itself as a leader in high-performance race chassis manufacturing. Known for their innovative engineering, durability, and meticulous craftsmanship, Port City Racecars is a trusted partner for short-track competitors across various racing series, including Super Late Models, Modifieds, and Late Models. The company works closely with drivers and teams to develop custom chassis tailored to maximize handling, performance, and reliability on the track. Their dedication to engineering excellence and customer success has earned them a top reputation among racing teams striving for victory and consistency at the highest levels of short-track racing.
About Highlands Motorsports
Founded in 1995 and based in Virginia, Highlands Motorsports is owned by the Lopez and Reeves families. The team achieved back-to-back championships in the CARS Tour Pro Late Model series in 2022-2023. In 2024, they committed to Super Late Model racing, gradually building their program. This year, they signed Derek Thorn to a multi-year deal to pilot the #96 Appalachian Sucker Punch car in the ASA STARS National Tour full-time.
About Rette Jones Racing
Established in 2014, Rette Jones Racing has become a formidable competitor across the ASA STARS National Tour, NASCAR ARCA Menards Series, and NASCAR Euro racing series. Known for engineering excellence and driver development, the team continues to push the boundaries of short-track racing. Co-owners Mark Rette and Terry Jones lead the team’s efforts to cultivate top talent and innovate in the sport.
