SEIVERVILLE, TN :: For Blake Jones, returning to Kingsport Speedway this year brings renewed confidence in his first full season driving Nate Monteith’s Late Model Stock Car. Jones, who is coming off an impressive performance at the Thanksgiving Classic at Southern National last year looks to impress at the concrete jungle, Kingsport Speedway in Tennessee.
Jones had several runs at the end of 2012 that really turned people’s heads, one of which being the UARA-STARS race at the Rockingham Speedway in November. Jones was quick throughout the weekend, but bad luck would strike twice during the weekend. Jones was able to rally from engine woes and bring home his best performance at the high banked mile oval.
2013 brings about change for Jones. He goes from driving for his father, Teddy Jones’ team to driving for long time mentor and friend Nate Monteith. Jones will be piloting the car dubbed “Lightning” in 2013.
When asked about the opportunity to drive for the track champion at Kingsport the past two seasons, Jones said he was looking forward to the challenge.
“Driving for Nate (Monteith) is the chance of a lifetime, and one I look forward to” said Jones in a phone interview. “Nate has helped me tremendously throughout my career, and now the chance to drive “Lightning” will put me in one of the best cars around.”
Jones has had impressive runs at Kingsport in years past, but has never tasted victory lane. He all but had a UARA-STARS victory in the bag until he was deemed to have jumped a restart and penalized with a drive through penalty back in May. Several second place runs in 2012 also leave Jones looking to find victory lane for the first time at his home track.
“I’m just ready to get the monkey off my back and bring home a victory. Kingsport will be a tough place this year, but I think we have the right car and equipment, along with the right people to get the job done,” said Jones.
Along with races at Motor Mile, Jones is also scheduled to run select Revolution Oil Pro Cup Series races at several different tracks throughout the southeast. One thing Jones is really looking forward to his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut in April at the Martinsville Speedway.
“With NASCAR changing the age limit, we’ve working on a deal that would allow me to run several races on the schedule at tracks under a mile in length. I’m excited to venture out to places like Dover International and Martinsville.” Jones mentioned.
Blake will also make a select few starts in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Division, with his first start coming on March 16th at the Bristol Motor Speedway.
When asked what Jones would consider a successful season, he commented with, “Winning races at Kingsport and potentially having a shot at the track championship.”
If Jones can contend for the track championship, he’ll have to compete with the likes of Adam Long, Lee Tissot, Daniel Pope II and many of the outside invaders that will invade Kingsport weekly.
Jones also just announced a new sponsor for his campaign at Kingsport this year. Airport Auto Auction of Alcoa, Tennessee will serve as Jones primary sponsor on his #80 Chevrolet Camaro entry at Kingsport. Jones is excited to have a local company backing his efforts this year.
Blake Jones kicks off his 2013 season this Saturday at the Kingsport Speedway for their season opener. RACE22.com will have you covered with LIVE Coverage throughout the day.
