Jordan Anderson, Forest
Acres teen, "Takes Two"
First back- to- back Legends
Car Pro division winner
By Tom Poland
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Jordan
Anderson gives an interview following
his win in the Quaker Steak and Lube
Legends Car Pro Division.
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In one of
the greatest comebacks in the 15- year history of the
Summer Shootout Series at Lowe's Motor Speedway, Jordan
Anderson of Forest Acres, S.C., won a repeat
championship in the Quaker Steak and Lube Legends Car
Pro Division. Anderson stands alone in the record books
as the only driver to repeat as a consecutive champion
in the Pro division.
The 10- race Summer
Shootout Series presents drivers a stern test. The
finest drivers in the country compete using their best
equipment. Anderson knew it would not be easy. "I did
all I could this year with the help of Nick Pistone
Racing to get my car and equipment ready." With stiff
competition, Anderson said he had to reach deep inside
to achieve this unprecedented achievement.
Finding ways to win is
nothing new for the 17- year- old racer. Anderson, who
races out of Forest Acres, has enjoyed more than 200
trophy wins, including a Nationals Title in 2005 and
three championships in 2007.
Jordan has worked hard to
build sponsorship, which is the lifeblood for his racing
program. Jordan Anderson Racing, at present, has
sponsors from 14 states. Major sponsors include The City
of Forest Acres, Dick Dyer Toyota, Leon Jones Insurance,
and Suburban Extended Stay Hotels.
Doug Stafford of the
Suburban Extended Stay Hotels is a supporter and
advocate, graciously allowing the Anderson family to
stay in his hotels when away from home racing, a great
blessing. To keep partners like Stafford informed on the
latest races, Jordan produces a newsletter to keep
sponsors apprised of JAR's accomplishments on and off
the track.
A Summer of Sacrifice
When most young men are
enjoying the summer and working at a summer job, Jordan
Anderson was busy trying to build a future. For ten
weeks this summer, Anderson lived in Mooresville, N.C.,
also known as "Race City USA." Bryan and Pam Beam opened
their home to Anderson.
The Next Step
The goal for Jordan
Anderson now is to go to the next level in racing, ARCA,
the Camping World East Series, and Late Models are in
the plan as he lays the groundwork for sponsorship that
can fund this move.
He's become friends with
Humpy Wheeler, long one of NASCAR's foremost promoters.
Wheeler has given Anderson encouragement and direction
over the years.
Back at Home
Jordan's parents, Clif
and Sherry Anderson, and 11- year- old sister, Jennifer,
give Jordan full support and a wholesome environment
that helps him remain grounded with his head on
straight.
Jordan, with his parent's
blessings, has elected to undergo home schooling his
senior year to better manage the demands of academics
and racing. He'll be studying under the direction of
Abbington Hill. Anderson then plans to enroll in the
prestigious Belmont Abbey College's Motor Sports
Management program of studies.
Back to the Future
It was just 11 years ago
that a six- year- old Jordan Anderson, dreaming of
racing some day, sat in a plain white Legends car at the
Lowe's Motor Speedway during the Coca- Cola 600 and had
his photo taken. This summer, Anderson built his own
show car that was on display for 10 weeks at Lowe's
Motor Speedway.
Despite all the demands
racing makes, Jordan Anderson still finds time to
perform community service.
Eight years ago at the
age of eight, Jordan met the late Kenny Irwin, a young
and talented NASCAR driver whose life was cut short in a
racing incident. Irwin shared his great passion for
racing with Jordan, and Jordan has never forgotten that.
From that encounter, Jordan saw that no matter how far
you go in life, there will always be that one person who
is looking at you who might just give you hope that can
jump start your dreams.
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