BASSETT, VA :: Trey Jarrell was watching the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 from the pits last year.  This year, the 16-year-old will be watching from the cockpit of a Sellers-prepared Late Model Stock Car.  The rookie driver competed at Motor Mile Speedway and Langley Speedway in the 2013 season, recording a top-five finish earlier this year at Motor Mile.

Jarrell came in to Late Model Stock Car racing after recording success in Legends cars, winning several races over two years and finishing third in the INEX National Championship Standings in 2012.

“Butch Hamlet recommended the Sellers team,” Jarrell said about how he landed a ride with Sellers. “They provided this opportunity to watch the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 last year.  We were in Philip Morris’ pits and watched Sellers a little bit and we made up our mind that we wanted to go with the Sellers team.  We looked at schedule options and decided to run at Motor Mile.  We also ran in the Hampton Heat 200 and had a good run going there before the engine overheated.”

Jarrell started his racing career racing in Quarter Midgets and Bandoleros before moving up to Legends.  Jarrell says he learned a lot in Quarter Midgets, Bandoleros and Legends running at tracks like Charlotte and Concord.

Jarrell’s expectations are to make the race and try to finish up inside the top 20.

“I just want to make the race right now but I think we’ve got a good shot of getting a top 20 run once we get in,” Jarrell explained.  “We were good at Motor Mile most of the time and qualified well.  We finally got a top-five at Motor Mile.  If the competition at Motor Mile reflects Martinsville, we’re in pretty good shape.  We were pretty good in the test and I ran quite a bit.  The car was really good.  It’s all going to come down to tires.  If you get on a good set, you’ll be really good.  There’s a huge discrepancy in the tires.  It’s like Motor Mile.  If you’re on a bad set, it’s going to hurt.  It’s a big deal at Martinsville this year.”

After this season, Jarrell would like to expand his presence in Late Model Stock Car racing by running at more tracks and maybe running in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series as well.

“I’m very happy where I’m at but we’re looking at our options and maybe running some K&N next year,” Jarrell stated about where he’s at in his career.  “I’m going to make some starts at South Boston next year and running the Virginia Triple Crown.  I’ve got a decent home in Late Model racing.  I’ve learned so much this year and we’re just getting the fruits of our labor (with a top-five at Motor Mile).  We’ve got a decent platform to build on next year.”

Jarrell’s best career finish was a fifth place finish at the Barnburner at Motor Mile Speedway in September.  He is supported by AutoByNelson.com and VMI Keydet Club.

RACE22.com will have Five Star RaceCar Bodies Live Coverage of the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 presented by JRi Shocks all weekend.