JONES' STELLAR ROOKIE SEASON COMES TO A CLOSE WITH TIGHT SECOND ROUND BATTLE
POMONA, Ca. November 16, 2008: The Quarter-Max Mopar Dodge Stratus team headed by noted chassis builder, Rick Jones and driven by son Rickie Jones, wanted to make a statement at the end of their rookie season, proving their ability for contention in the 2009 Countdown battle. They accomplished just that by getting past '08 Countdown contender Dave Connolly in round one, then losing by a slight three thousandths of a second to veteran racer Kurt Johnson in round two.
This was the first match up for Jones and Connolly but the race wasn't much of a contest as Connolly went into early tire shake and Jones motored on by with a 6.715 at 206.76.
Rickie Jones' second round looked much different than the first, this time a battle to the wire. Jones treed Johnson off the line, .018 to .059 and looked like he'd hold on to take the win. However, Johnson had enough race track to get back around Jones by .003. Jones posted a 6.683 at 207.30 to KJ's 6.639 at 208.55. Despite the tough loss, Jones was happy with the day's outcome.
"We had a good day," tells Jones. "We were up against some tough competition and I was proud of the way the car and team performed. We're ending this year on a good note, giving us something to look forward to next year. I appreciate the fans coming out this weekend and supporting us all year long. It's really cool to have them come up and wish me luck at each race. The fans are really what make this sport what it is."
With the conclusion of the Auto Club NHRA Finals today, the 2008 POWERade Champions were crowned in each of the professional categories. Jones gives his perspective:
"I had the opportunity to watch the champions be crowned today and it was pretty amazing. The Countdown format to crowning world champions is a cool deal. Hopefully someday soon our team will be up there taking the trophy. Congratulations go out to all the 2008 NHRA World Champions.
"I really can't say enough about what this team has done this year, as well. My parents, Rick and Bonnie Jones, have obviously been the glue of this program. Their experience and support is invaluable to this team. Rick Varnold and Steve Day have worked hard on this Quarter-Max Stratus all year long and we couldn't have done it without them. They've done a great job for us and I couldn't ask for a better team. We've accomplished a lot in our rookie season and the credit goes to the crew for making it all happen.
"Everyone at Larry Morgan Racing Engines has been wonderful to us this season. They've supported us and done an exceptional job and I'm proud to be running one of their engines.
"I've also got to hand it to all the guys who keep things running back home at RJ Race Cars. We've got a great group of employees there who are constantly working to provide our customers with the best race cars and parts in the business. And many thanks to all RJ Race Cars and Quarter-Max customers. We appreciate their business and standing behind us and our products. We're here to serve them and seeing them succeed in our cars gives us the greatest satisfaction."
Jones finishes out the year 16th in NHRA POWERade Pro Stock points standings, a huge accomplishment for a young driver in his first year of competition. Jones' standout season led to a nomination for the AAA Road to the Future Rookie of the Year Award. The winner of this award will be announced at the NHRA Awards Banquet Monday evening.
"It is such an honor to be nominated for Rookie of the Year," Jones says. "It's been a phenomenal rookie season and I'm very happy with it. And I'm already getting pumped up for next year!"
The Quarter-Max Mopar Dodge Stratus team would like to thank Strange Engineering, Mopar Performance, Aurora Bearing, Browell Bellhousing, C&R Radiators, Computech, Davis Custom Carts, Drag Racing Online.com, Goodridge Hose & Fittings, Impact Racing, Inland Empire Driveline, Intercomp, Kirkman Composites, Larry Morgan Racing, Lucas Oil, Magna Fuel, Meziere, MSD Ignition, PAC Springs, Penske Racing Shocks, Pro Jack, Pro Stock Cars.com, RacingJunk.com Classified Ads, Ram Clutches, S&D Enterprises, Sticker Dude Designs, Suspension Spring Specialties, and XS Power.
For more information on Quarter-Max Chassis and Racing Components visit www.Quarter-Max.com
