BOISE, Idaho — Jeff Jefferson from Naches, WA and driver of the ESI Construction Chevrolet will make his first start of 2009 in the NASCAR Camping World Series-West at Colorado National Speedway this weekend for the running of the Toyota/NAPA “150” at the 3/8-mile paved oval just north of Denver. Jefferson is thrilled to be back in a NCWS car and racing at a track where he has had success.
"I am really excited to get back to the West and looking to have a lot of fun this weekend"— Jeff Jefferson
Jefferson, currently racing on the CarbonX Rocky Mountain Challenge Series tour where he is second in the standings, will switch to the heavier NASCAR touring stock cars this weekend bringing together a lot of friends for the effort. Tom Hill, owner of ESI Construction and who Jefferson drives for on the RMCS, will be the primary sponsor on the Chevrolet that Jefferson owns and veteran championship racer Craig Raudman will be the crew chief.
“I am really excited to get back to the West and looking to have a lot of fun this weekend,” Jefferson said. “When Tom (Hill) said that he wanted to do a West race I just couldn’t believe it. I have had more fun racing for Tom this season in the RMCS then I can remember. I know we have a good car and I know we can run competitively at Colorado thanks to Tom and ESI Construction.”
For his part, Tom Hill is excited to support the effort even though he will not make it to the race. “I can’t be at the race due to other commitments with my son but I am really happy to support Jeff this weekend,” Hill said. “Jeff is just a great racer and a great person on and off the track. I will be there in spirit and keeping up with the race on ‘Near Live’.”
Jefferson knows he can be competitive but also knows there are more variables to consider. “We know we have a good car and we plan on racing to win but we also know there is a really good point’s battle in the series and we will not get in the middle of that,” Jefferson said.
“Craig (Raudman) knows how to set these cars up and has a lot of wins in the series so that gives us a lot of confidence even though we have not raced the car all season,” Jefferson continued. “Well, Jonathon Gomez rented the car from me for Iowa and ran 11th so we know the car is good. I can’t wait to get in the car and turn some laps. Colorado is such a fun place to race with some of the best fans in motorsports.”
Jefferson drives a Chevrolet which is powered by a NASCAR Spec Engine on top of a Hopkins chassis. Jefferson has 36 career NCWS starts with one win, 9 top five and 16 top ten finishes along with two Coors Light Pole Awards. He is also a three-time NASCAR NW Tour champion (2003-2005) and has claimed 24 career NASCAR Coors Light Pole Awards (2 NCWS, 22 NNWT). Jefferson has five top five finishes in NASCAR action at Colorado National.
The Toyota/NAPA “150” at Colorado National Speedway is round eleven of the 13-race NASCAR Camping World Series-West schedule for 2009. CNS is hosting its 7th NCWS race this weekend and the race will be televised on a tape-delayed basis on SPEED Channel Thursday, August 20 at 1pm MT. 2009 is the 56th year of competition for the NASCAR Camping World Series-West.
