Rickie Jones, the son of renowned chassis builder Rick Jones, who has made quite a name for himself as a driver in the doorslammer ranks in recent seasons, will return to the challenging NHRA Pro Stock class this season. Comes with the announcement is a ten-race schedule with backing from Mark Stockseth, in partnership with Elite Performance.
Stockseth, who also sponsors Matt Smith’s Pro Stock Motorcycle, will serve as the primary backer for the part-time venture, allowing Jones to utilize Elite Performance’s equipment leasing program for both the race car and the transporter. The partnership will also allow Jones and Stockseth with access to Elite’s newly revamped in-house engine program recently purchased from the JEG’S camp, headed up by championship-winning engine builder Nick Ferri. Jones will, naturally, drive a Rick Jones-built 2013 Chevrolet Camaro decked out in the traditional red scheme of Elite Motorsports.
Summit Racing Equipment, Jones’ primary sponsor on his ADRL Pro Nitrous effort, will join the program as an associate sponsor, as will Safety Kleen, RJ Race Cars, and Quarter-Max, at all ten races.
“I’m really excited about this deal,” told Jones. “I’m looking forward to getting back to NHRA Pro Stock. I drove for Richard at a few races last year and it was great to see our fans again. Pro Stock is an exciting and tough class. It’s one of the most prestigious classes in all of drag racing, so to be able to compete there again is an honor.
“We should do well with the team we have,” continued Jones. “With the new RJ Camaro, Nick Ferri working his magic on the engines and Mark Stockseth supporting the team, we have all the facets needed to do well. After scoring my first win with the ADRL last year, I am really hoping for a Wally. Winning an NHRA Pro Stock event has always been a dream of mine. Many thanks to Mark Stockseth and the Elite Performance program for giving me a chance at that dream.”
Jones graduated from the sportsman ranks to Pro Stock in 2008, and was nominated for the Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future award. In 2009, he advanced to his first professional final round with a runner-up finish at the fall race in Las Vegas and qualified for the Countdown to the Championship that year. The Galesburg, Ill. native has reached three final rounds in his Pro Stock career.
Jones and the Stockseth team will begin their 2013 campaign at the third stop on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series calendar in Gainesville, Fla. on March 8-11 for the Gatornationals.
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