ESR Development Driver Finishes Eighth in the PASS South Carolina Clash 150

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Focused on developing his racing experience during the 2012 season, ESR development driver Brandon Jones made his debut in a super late model car this weekend at Dillon (S.C.) Motor Speedway and brought home an eighth-place finish.  With over 70 cars competing in seven different classes at the 4/10-mile paved oval, Jones raced his No. 33 Rheem Chevrolet in the main feature of the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) South Carolina Clash 150 on Saturday afternoon.

Leading up the race weekend at Dillon Motor Speedway, the ESR team traveled to South Carolina for a brief test at the 4/10-mile oval.  The session allowed Jones to get familiar with track and left the Eddie Sharp Racing crew feeling confident about their chances on Saturday afternoon.  The weekend did not go quite as easily as planned though as a mechanical failure put the team behind during practice on Friday afternoon.  Once the problem was discovered, the team quickly changed out the part on the No. 33 Rheem Chevrolet and Jones got busy practicing for Saturday’s 150-lap feature.

After qualifying in the 17th position of 24 cars, Jones developed a rhythm in the race to pass cars and work through the field.  An early 60-lap green-flag run left Jones’ car loose during the first half of the race, but after the No. 33 team made a few changes during their pit stop, Jones was comfortable in his car.  The 15-year-old from Atlanta, Ga., ran a smart, methodical race; he stayed off his competitors and kept the fenders on the car.  With his brakes worn out, Jones crossed the finish line in the eighth-position in his first ever super late model race.

“I am very happy with my finish in my first PASS race,” commented Brandon Jones after the South Carolina Clash 150 at Dillon Motor Speedway.  “My Eddie Sharp Racing team did a great job of getting the car set up for the race; it handled great and allowed me to make several passes from 17th to eighth.  I am looking forward to next week in Hickory, N.C., for my first UARA race with ESR and Rheem.”

Jones will return to the track next weekend to kick off the United Auto Racing (UARA) season and Hickory Motor Speedway.  Gates open for the event at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 10th, with qualifying set for 5:00 p.m.  Jones will join the other UARA drivers for a 30-minute autograph session at 6:20 p.m. and the race will immediately follow at 7:00 p.m. ET.  Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the gate.

Under the leadership of ESR and with the backing of his sponsors, Jones will spend 2012 competing in an extensive schedule including more than 30 races.  In addition to racing in some of the larger late model events nationwide, Jones will compete in UARA, PASS, and Champion Racing Association (CRA) Series races across the Southeast.

ESR PR

Speedway Digest Staff
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