SHAKESPEARE, ON- With the OSCAAR Super Late Model season opener just days away, the buzz generated by the tour’s 2014 freshman class has reached an all-time high.
Mixed in amongst a Rookie crop of Modified veterans, Limited Late Model champions and Super Stock standouts is 25-year old Corey Jones. The former Karting regular turned Canadian Vintage Modified front-runner will race fulltime with OSCAAR in 2014, with hopes of attaining the Rookie of the Year title.
“It’s an honour to have the chance to compete with drivers of this caliber”, says the oft-humble Jones. “I consider OSCAAR to be the peak of competition in our province. So, if we want a shot at that Rookie title, we’re going to have to bring our A-Game every single night”
Jones recently took part in OSCAAR’s open test session at Sunset Speedway, and was encouraged by his on-track performance.
“I’m far more comfortable behind the wheel of our car this season”, states Jones. “From last season to now, it’s like night and day. We’ve come so far as a team”
“Part of me wants to come out and start contending for wins right away”, continues the well-spoken freshman. “But, then I remind myself, I’ve only had 4 starts in a Super Late Model. Right now, if we can load up at the end of the night knowing more than we did that afternoon, I’ll be happy”
Jones and his J Star Motorsports team has been busy throughout the off-season, working with chassis legend Junior Hanley in preparing a competitive package for their 2014 campaign.
“We were busy this winter, that’s for sure”, smiles Jones. “Junior upgraded the front clip for us, and made some huge changes suspension-wise. In our 4 races last year, we only ran a conventional suspension, this year we’ve brought it up a notch with brand new Penske shocks and a bump stop package”
The amiable Rookie is forthcoming when asked if he has any jitters in regards to his first full season with the OSCAAR tour.
“I think any driver gets a little worked up before the first race of the season”, explains Jones. “I’m more focused than anything. Our whole team is. We’re inspired to take a run at the Rookie of the Year title. We know that a championship can’t be won on the first night, but it can definitely be lost. With the amount of talent in this Rookie class, it’s going to be paramount to get a solid start and a good jump on my competitors”
Corey will make his 2014 debut alongside the rest of the OSCAAR Super Late Model tour on Sunday May 18th at Sunset Speedway for the 3rd annual Lucie Aylwin Memorial. The event is scheduled for a 6:00 start. Gate times and ticket prices are available at www.SunsetSpeedway.ca
The J Star Motorsports team is proud to carry support from Castle Building Centres, RBC, Accountable Automotive, Dan Simpson – RBC Mortgage Specialist, Anmar Cleaning Services, Inno-Tech, Ken Robinson Refrigeration, Oktane Productions, Epic Racewear and Westmeadow Dental.
Fans can stay up to date with the team via their J Star Motorsports page on Facebook and by following@CoreyJones82Â on Twitter.
By Spencer Lewis (@itsspencerlewis)
