Thursday, March 4, 2010

Cornelius, NC

GASTONIA, NC - Carolina Speedway has become a key training venue for up-and-coming race car driver Jordan Anderson. The Forest Acres, S.C. native won his first race on dirt at Carolina in the last NDRA crate model race of the 2009 season. Now he is looking to hit the red clay March 12-13 for the 2010 Skyler Trull Memorial season opener.

The NDRA GM Performance Late Models will run for a record purse as part of the 10th Annual Skyler Trull Memorial. The 25 lap winner will take home $2,500

“My very first dirt late model race was at Carolina,” said Anderson who is also a student at nearby Belmont Abby College. A top driver on asphalt, he won the 2007 and 2008 Legends Car Pro Summer Shootout Series Championship at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

This year Anderson is teaming up with Shawn Parker and super late model driver Tim Allen. They are developing a racing program through the Dirt Track Racing School, which runs regularly at Carolina Speedway.

“Jordan is a talented driver with an incredible work ethic,” said Parker.

“We worked with Jordan at the end of 2009 to help his program,” said Allen. “Going forward, he will play an important role as we begin to offer a Dirt Late Model leasing program and racing support through the Dirt Track Racing School.”

Legendary promoter H.A. “Humpy Wheeler”, who signed Anderson to a lifetime contract in the early months of 2009, will still be an integral part of the program. 

“Hooking up with Tim Allen will give Jordan the added impetus to become one of the best late model dirt racers in the country. Tim’s background as a racer and crew chief is just what Jordan needs as he climbs racing’s big ladder,” said Wheeler.

“Humpy told me that to get better, I really needed to try dirt. He explained that it was important to help me advance in the sport. It’s what successful NASCAR drivers like Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon have done,” said Anderson.

Anderson plans to run in the NDRA crate division this year. He was recently at the track and shaking down cars for testing. He feels it is important to be involved with all aspects of the sport and enjoys meeting everyone at the speedway.

“Jordan has done a fantastic job with no more experience that he has on dirt,” said Carolina Speedway’s Clint Elkins. “Jordan has a very bright future ahead of him as he does a great job with marketing and media obligations. The racing industry operates at a rapid pace and Jordan capitalizes on every opportunity to display his sponsors and his race team.”

“I found out how great the people are who came out to Carolina last year. They’re diehard fans who love to be there to watch the races and get dust on their cars.”

“I’m very impressed how the racing community has reached out to put on events like the Skyler Trull.,” said Anderson. “I think it’s important to give back to those who’ve helped you. My main sponsor is my town, Forest Acres, S.C. and many people like my dad, mom and sister have helped me along the way.”

“Jordan will be a factor for the $2,500 first place prize in the NDRA event,” said Elkins. “He really got comfortable toward the end of last season and we are expecting exciting things from his this season at Carolina Speedway.”

The race weekend’s schedule is as follows:

Friday night will see qualifying and heat races for the NDRA GM Performance Late Models along with heats for the Open Wheel Modifieds. The Pure Stock Fours and the ‘wild and wooly’ Renegade’s will do battle in heat race and main event action. The Carolina Clash Super Late Models will have an open practice session. Pit gates will open at 4 pm with grandstand gates opening at 5 pm. Racing will begin at 8 pm. 

On Saturday night the Carolina Clash Super Late Models will qualify, heat race and compete in the 40 lap Skyler Trull Memorial. The NDRA GM Performance LMs will run a 25 lap main event and the Open Wheel Modifieds will do battle in their own 20 lapper. Also on the card for Saturday night will be the inaugural run for the Thunder (crate) Sportsman with a $500 to win main event. Pit gates will open at 4 pm with grandstand gates opening at 4:30 pm. Racing will start at 7:00 pm. Two day pit and grandstand passes will be available.