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At the age of 12, Eric Jones is an Owosso Speedway young gun. He will driving the black No. 3 every Saturday night with the help of his father. This young man physically outgrew his ¼ midget and decided to move up to the Pure Stock ranks at the “Big O”.

Eric Jones started his racing career at the age of seven, driving ¼ midgets traveling to tracks throughout the Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio area every weekend. While most kids are playing video games, ball games, or just hanging out with friends, Eric is driving a full sized racecar several years before he can even get his driver's license. This is not a easy task for such a young man “I have to maintain good grades and help out with the house and the racecar”.

For this 7^thgrader going to Iron Jr. High, whose favorite subject is history, his normal weekend is getting to the track in the familiar black No. 3 which looks like the car of his all time favorite driver Dale Earnhardt. “I am out there to earn respect” said Jones. “My biggest competitor this year is going to be the No. 17 of Kevin Atkins - 2008 Pure Stock Champion,” he said.  Eric's goals for this year “I want to win at least one race, and get rookie of the year at Owosso Speedway." Not a small task for anyone let a alone a 12 year old.

“When I am not racing I am either playing basketball for the Iron Eagles or playing Nascar Racing 2003 on the computer with friends,” stated Eric. The main goal for Eric is to get track time racing in all types of divisions. “I would love to end up racing Nascar but, if it isn't meant to be I will probably end up racing Sprint cars sometime in my future.”

With close to 100 checkered flags Eric just might be the one to beat in any division he drives.

Asked what might surprise race fans about Eric? “I am a certified scuba diver," Jones said. “My family went to Cozumel Mexico during spring break and I got to scuba dive there. I really saw a lot of cool stuff!”

Eric is no stranger to victory lane. While driving the ¼ midget's Eric won the 2007 Waterford track Championship, rookie of the year, track records, youngest winner and a National win in the Alcohol division in Connecticut. His advice for anyone that wants to get involved in this sport includes “being good to the fans, doing well in school and helping out around the house."

When Eric was three or four, his family remembers that he told his Uncle that he was born to race, and sure enough Eric is making his spot in the racing world. Eric stated “if I could have any crew chief out there I would pick either Ray Evernham or Chad Knaus because they stay so cool during the races and talk to the driver about strategy.”

While Eric may be the youngest driver at Owosso Speedway there are a couple drivers not much older. Mad Max Thompson is 13 driving the No. 01 in the Pro Stock division and Matt “Rooster” Vainner is 14 driving the No. 07 in the Sport Stock division. It should be a great season watching these young men making their mark at Owosso Speedway!

Eric would like to thank his Mom and Dad as well as his sponsors Simpson and Paragon Reproductions. Eric will always be racing in memory of his grandfather Bert Eckert who passed away just before Eric started racing.

 

cws