ICAR Modified graduate regrouping for a title run in ARCA/CRA in 2016
Gaylord, Michigan (Thursday, August 20, 2015): When Jordan Pruitt made the decision to move up into the ARCA/CRA Super Series Powered by JEGS for the 2015 racing season and compete for the series’ Rookie of the Year title, he knew it would be a big step up the ladder. After two impressive starts in the series between the end of the 2014 racing season and the beginning of the 2015 campaign, he felt he was ready for the 2015 campaign with a good chance at the freshman title.
After a few races into the year, Pruitt knew that things weren’t right and the team made the decision to take a couple of races off to regroup and reorganize. After missing a total of three races, the Gaylord, Michigan driver returned to ARCA/CRA Super Series action on August 15th at Flat Rock Speedway (MI) for the 7-Up 125 and armed with a brand new car, he was rewarded with a career high fifth place finish at the fast 1/4 (0.250) mile high-banked paved oval located south of Detroit in Flat Rock, Michigan.
“We had a very strong car at Flat Rock probably good enough to win the race, but things didn’t quite go our way during the race. However a solid top five is something to build off from after the rough season that we have had.” Stated the 28-year-old Northern Michigan based competitor. “Our team is looking to push forward after building a little momentum at Flat Rock. From here on out we will be going for wins. We’re definitely too far out of the points races right now, so we’re just going out and learning as much as we can for next year as we will run for points in 2016.” He added.
Prior to the Flat Rock event, Pruitt made the decision to park his Howe Racing Enterprises chassis in favor of purchasing a new Port City Racecars machine. “I think we made the right decision. I am going to have the Howe car re-clipped and make it a JEGS/CRA All Stars Tour car to run in some event next year.” Pruitt continued. “So far it’s been a very tough season for us between mechanical failures and just plain struggling with finding a good setup for the car. So we felt we needed to make a change there and even though it’s only been one race, it’s paid off.”
In addition to new equipment for Pruitt, the open-wheeled Modified graduate has also added the services of esteemed Crew Chief, Gary St. Amant, the former ASA National Tour star for the remainder of the season. St. Amant, who also calls the shots for Two-Time Reigning ARCA/CRA Super Series Champion, Travis Braden as well as JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Rookie points’ leader, Quinnton Bear has added the Pruitt team to his client list.
“Something else that I am doing is surrounding myself with the right people. I think we have a nice little team forming for the rest of the year. Gary (St. Amant) is an awesome guy to work with and it helps to have the experience from a guy like him.” Offered Pruitt. “I think we have one of the better tire guys in the business right now as well. also Chase Lane is not only a good friend but very smart with tires and is always thinking of ways to be better. We’ll be good the rest of this season and with a strong finish to 2015, we’ll hopefully get a nice jumpstart on next year.” He ended.
Despite a trying rookie season for Pruitt in the ARCA/CRA Super Series and even with missing three points races; he is still ninth overall in the standings as well as fifth in the Rookie title chase. His first top five finish at Flat Rock also accounts for his lone top 10 showing and in four of the seven races he has taken the green flag, those events have resulted in at least a top 15 finish.
For the remainder of the 2015 racing season, both of Pruitt’s black #8’s, one an ARCA/CRA Super Series Super Late Model and the other an ICAR Top Speed Modified Tour ride, which he will make limited appearances in toward the end of the year, will sport sponsorship decals and support from Gaylord Machine & Fabrication as well as Gaylord Ford-Lincoln, Electric Sun, W.L. Snow Enterprises, Top Speed Fabrication and M.P.H. Promotions.
For more information about Jordan Pruitt and to inquire about sponsorship opportunities for the rest of the 2015 racing season, email the team at: jpruitt@gaylordmachine.com You can also check out the Jordan Pruitt Racing Facebook Page by going to the link provided: www.facebook.com and searching for ‘Jordan Pruitt Racing’ and also on Twitter as well at: www.twitter.com/8Jordanpruitt
