Eddie Sharp Racing (ESR) development driver Brandon Jones returned to Greenville (S.C.) Pickens Speedway on Saturday afternoon to make his NASCAR K&N Pro Series East debut. After rain washed out the schedule Labor Day, Jones returned to the half-mile semi-banked oval for the Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet 140.
Since the original Labor Day qualifying session was canceled due to rain, the field was set according to the rule book leaving Jones to roll off in the 21st position without any points in the K&N Pro Series East.
Saturday’s abbreviated schedule included just one 60-minute practice session. With the 11th fastest car in practice, the No. 33 team knew Jones could make a charge to the front of the field. By lap 30, Jones had picked up five positions to be scored in 16th place. He then picked up another five spots during the next 20 laps to be scored 11th by lap 50. By lap 60, Jones had broken into the top 10 where he remained until late in the race.
Competing for position against some of the most-recognized names of up-and-coming stock car stars, Jones battled hard to gain and hold position. Racing hard through turns one and two, Jones spun coming off turn one to bring out the caution flag on lap 125. Without any damage, the fifteen-year-old driver deftly regained control and continued his charge toward the front of the field.
As the laps dwindled down, the racing action heated up bringing out the caution flag three times in the final 15 laps. As a result, a green-white-checkered finish was slated to determine the winner of the Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet 140. On the white flag lap, Jones was running sixth when he was tagged from behind and spun coming off turn two. Meanwhile, a multi-car pile-up on the front stretch prompted series officials to call the event preventing Jones and others from crossing the finish line. Jones was credited with a 14th-place finish after completing 145 of 146 laps.
“I’ve had so much fun this year racing for Eddie Sharp Racing,” commented Jones. “The ESR guys built awesome race cars and we’ve been competitive most everywhere that we’ve raced. It was really cool to make my NASCAR K&N Pro Series East debut this weekend. We had a great car and were able to log laps inside the top 10. I’m looking forward to racing in a few more of these races again next year.”
Jones enters this weekend’s UARA-STARS Series season finale at Rockingham (N.C.) Speedway ranked fifth in the championship point standings. The weekend will kick off with practice and qualifying followed by a pit party/autograph session on the track’s front stretch on Friday, Nov. 2. On Saturday, Nov. 3, the schedule begins with driver introductions for the UARA-STARS Series at 11:30 a.m. followed by the series’ 75-lap season finale. Next, the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East will have 100-lap race, followed by a 75-lap race for the Kimmel Street Stock Series. Grandstand admission is free for Friday’s events, and tickets start at just $20 for Saturday’s races. Tickets for kids 12 and under are half-price.
ESR PR
- FRIDAY FEATURE – Mike Greci: Veteran Presence - March 29, 2013
- Video: Danica Patrick wrecks out at Phoenix - March 3, 2013
- Danica Patrick Phoenix Accident Quotes - March 3, 2013