A Second Chance for Erik Jones at the Tricky Triangle
The ARCA Racing Series Presented by Menards is set to return to Pocono Raceway on Friday August 2, and no driver is more excited than 17-year-old Erik Jones. In early June, Jones put on one of the most exciting races of the year. Leading for over a quarter of the race, it looked as though he and his No. 15 Venturini Motorsports team were going to wrap up their very first victory in the ARCA Series, but a miscalculation of fuel left Jones scrambling. Storming past every car with only a few laps remaining, Jones left the “Trick Triangle” in the runner up position to Chase Elliot. Unsatisfied with their performance, Jones and Crew Chief Kevin Reed are eager to go back and get the victory.
“I don’t think I have ever been so excited to get a second chance before,” said Jones. “I felt like we had the best car there the last time, but the fuel miscalculation just took us out of the race.”
Even with the bitter taste of a second place finish, Jones is 100% confident returning with the same Venturini Motorsports crew and is excited for his second superspeedway start.
“Pocono is now one of my favorite tracks. It’s just neat and the three unique turns makes it a challenge for the driver and crew chief. I really enjoy working with Kevin Reed, we have some pretty good chemistry for only working together the one time. The Venturini Motorsports team builds great racecars, and I know the No. 15 Toyota Care Camry will be even faster this time around.”
With the return to Pocono, Jones not only has a second chance at a victory, he also has the chance to steal the title of youngest driver to win on a superspeedway from Chase Elliot. However his sole focus is on improving from last time.
“I’m not concerned with gaining the title of youngest driver to win on a superspeedway. I am just going out there like it’s another race, and another chance to win. I really like racing with Chase, we have been great competitors for years now and I am sure we will have many more duels in the future.”
The ModSpace 125 will begin with practice from 3:00-5:00pm on Thursday, August 1. Menards Pole qualifying is to follow on August 2at 1:15pm with the drop of the green flag at 5:15pm.
