CJ Faison Anxious To Make Most Of Kentucky Speedway Opportunity

Two weeks ago, CJ Faison had no plans to run in Thursday night’s UNOH 225 at Kentucky Speedway, but when opportunity knocks, you answer.

Faison, the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East (NKPSE) driver made his inaugural NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) debut earlier this month at Dover (Del.) International Speedway and even though the upcoming driver didn’t earn the finish he was looking for, the experience he inhaled will further accelerate his learning curve behind the wheel of the No. 81 SS Green Light Racing Toyota Tundra this week.

“I’m so thankful and appreciative to Bobby (Dotter, owner) and the entire SS Green Light Racing team for the opportunity to race at Kentucky,” said Faison. “It’s very humbling for me to drive their No. 81 Toyota Tundra in their 300th NCWTS race. Hopefully, we can have a good night of racing and bring home a solid finish.”

Luckily for the Seaford, Delaware driver he won’t have to look very far for advice or experience as former racer himself, Dotter, as well as close friend and his NASCAR K&N Pro Series crew chief, Mark McFarland, will be on-hand for his run in the “Bluegrass State.”

“I’ve known Bobby (Dotter) for over a year now and he is a great guy. Straight shooter and a pure racer,” Faison mentioned. “He is hands on in the shop every day, looking over every part that is put on the truck, which in return makes me feel that much more comfortable and confident in the truck I’ll be racing. Words can’t describe Mark (McFarland), he’s just awesome and someone that cares about my career. I know with both of their help, I’m in good hands for Kentucky.”

While the 19-year old’s main objective in the eighth race of the season is to see the checkered flag, he is also hoping to earn the respect of his fellow competitors, as further NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races, pending sponsorship remain on the horizon this year.

“I’m a racer, so naturally, I want to win, but I’m being realistic about Thursday night,” the teenager explained. “If we could finish inside the top-20, Kentucky will be a complete success. I’ve been able to lean on Timothy Peters for his input. His experience has surely helped me get around the track a lot better. So, he’s someone from a racer’s side that I’ll lean on again, he’s usually pretty good there.”

He added, “I have a lot going, but it’s all positive,” Faison added. “We still have some races on the table for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series, as well I’m working on a deal to run with a dirt late model team, plus (hopefully) some more NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races too. I would like to for sure run Texas to get my approval for the entire schedule next year. I really would like to run the full schedule next year, sponsorship permitting of course.”

Sponsorship is an active word for Faison. He’ll run a bare No. 81 Toyota Tundra at Kentucky, but the former go-cart racer is optimistic.

“It’s unfortunate that we don’t have a sponsor this week, but we’re actively searching for marketing partners for the rest of the year and next. We’re working hard and hoping for the best, we just have to see how it all pans out.”

Knight Management PR