13-year-old Erik Jones prepares for the 2010 racing season with the ASA Late Model Series

13-year-old Erik Jones will make a run at the 2010 Rookie of the Year title in the ASA Late Model Series

13-year-old Erik Jones prepares for the 2010 racing season with the ASA Late Model Series and Owosso Speedway. By Paragon Racing Team / M.P.H. Promotions

Byron, Michigan (Thursday, March 18, 2010): Erik Jones has already started his 2010 racing season by competing in the Crate Late Models division during Florida Speedway at New Smyrna Speedway in Samsula, Florida. Now the real season begins for the Byron, Michigan teenager. For the 2010 racing season, Jones, the 2009 Rookie of the Year in the Pro Stocks division at his home track of Owosso Speedway in Ovid, Michigan will compete for the 2010 Rookie of the Year title in the ASA Late Model Series (Formerly Northern Division).

The 13-year-olds' quest for the Freshman title begins at the fast 1/2 (0.500) mile high-banked paved oval of Toledo Speedway in Toledo, Ohio on Friday and Saturday, April 16-17th in the ASA Late Model Series' 2010 season opener, the Glass Breaker 125.

In addition to his ASALMS schedule, he'll also go after the Rookie of the Year title in Pro Late Models division back at Owosso Speedway and he'll also make select appearances at the Dixie Motor Speedway in Birch Run, Michigan in their Pro Late Models class when his ASA Late Model Series schedule allows.

"Last year was a great learning curve for me and my team. We had a great time racing the Pro Stock at Owosso and I am excited to go back in a Pro Late Model." The 13-year-old stated. "I'm eager to run the ASALMS schedule and at Owosso this year for rookie of the year."

During Speedweeks, Jones' first appearance behind the wheel of a Late Model, he competed in the Crate Late Models division and was impressive throughout the marathon week of racing at the 1/2 (0.500) mile high-banked paved oval as he finished Ninth in the final Crate Late Models Speedweeks Points.

His best finish of Speedweeks was a solid sixth during the 50-lap Speedweeks finale for the Crate Late Models on February 12th. He also scored an eighth place showing on February 9th for his first of Two Top 10 showings.

A 14th place finishing position in his Late Model debut on February 7th and an 11th place finish on February 11th after starting at the rear of the field accounted for all four of his starts resulting in a finish of no worse than 14th in fields of at least 22 cars or more.

"We all had a great time at New Smyrna Speedway, despite the cold rainy weather," The Byron, Michigan teenager continued. "The track was very fast, the fastest I have ever raced on. The car was very good, and I learned a lot about running the track, with the help of (2010 Florida Speedweeks Super Late Models Champion) B.J. McLeod."

Jones also added; "It was great to get to work with Jimmy Smith and Rich Lushes throughout Speedweeks. I'm very excited about the possibilities for the upcoming season." He ended.

Jones began his racing career at the age of seven racing Quarter Midgets as a member of Mid Michigan Racing Association (MMRA) in Waterford, Michigan and was recognized as the MMRA Rookie of the Year. In 2007, he was the MMRA Light 160 Champion.

In 2008 while still in Quarter Midgets, he moved up into the Light AA and World Formula classes and while competing in the 2008 Eastern Grands in Connecticut, he set fast time and a new track record in World Formula. He also qualified his Light AA into the A-Main and finished second overall.

The 2009 season began with Jones competing in the Pure Stock division at the Owosso Speedway and Three weeks into the season, the decision was made to move the then 12-year-old Jones into a more advanced division, the Pro Stocks, and the results were impressive.

He scored one feature win, which came on August 29th after beating defending track champion, Leo Smith in one of the most thrilling races of the season. Overall in 2009, Jones also racked up Three Top Five finishes and an impressive Eight Top 10 showings in 11 starts. Jones also scored Two Preliminary Heat Race Wins as well to finish Eighth in the final points standings and win the 2009 Rookie of the Year title.

For the 2010 season, Jones' #4 Chevrolet Impala will carry primary sponsorship from Paragon Corvette Reproductions as well as additional support from; Simpson Race Products, The Rock Fitness Center, Port City Race Cars, M.P.H. Promotions, and Paragon Racing Team.

The Paragon Racing Team consists of Car Owners and Parents, Dave and Carol Jones with Crew Chief, Jimmy Smith. The rest of the hard working crew includes; Ken Bond, Brandon Rose, Neil Wendt, Steven Wendt, and Tony Youngs.

To learn more about Erik Jones and the Paragon Racing Team, log onto the teams' website at: www.paragonracingteam.com

(Photo): 13-year-old Erik Jones will make a run at the 2010 Rookie of the Year title in the ASA Late Model Series (Formerly Northern
Division) as well as the freshman title in the Pro Late Models division at his home track of Owosso Speedway. (New Smyrna Speedway
Photo)