LAS VEGAS, Nev. --When Round 1 of the NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Tour thunders into action, February 2 at Phoenix International Raceway, hot shoe Jason Allen will be ready to power his # 74 Pontiac Grand Prix right into Victory Lane.
Debuting in the NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Series, this Las Vegas resident has already carved a name for himself in just two short years. "We are really excited about this upcoming season," says Allen, who earned the NASCAR Late Model Division Championship and Rookie of the Year honors last season and Rookie of the Year in Legends Cars the year before. "Our goal is to once again earn Rookie of the Year, which would give us three for three. Obviously, we want the Championship title too!"
While he may be fairly new in the fast paced stock car arena, Allen has already learned what it takes to be a winner. "Not only do you need a really good crew and a well-dialed machine, but you need to exercise a lot of patience," he explains. "Consistency is what it takes to win a championship and that requires patience. You can't just go for it. You have to chip away at the field and always be ready to take advantage when the guy in front of you makes a mistake. Last year we won the championship with two wins, 19 top 5's and 23 top 10's out of 26 starts. This year, our plan is the same."
While the Phoenix track didn't favor him the last time he raced there, Allen has high hopes this time around. "I really like the track," he says. "It is fast and fun. Last year, we had an engine problem and that took care of our chances. This year, I'm sure things will be better". Page 2
It is this positive attitude, coupled with his finely honed skill behind the wheel that first attracted team owner Mary Wolfe. A former LPGA Tour player, Wolfe has high hopes for her young driver. "He really is good," she says with obvious conviction. "I know he is going to just keep moving up. I really enjoy working with him and the entire team. You won't find a more determined and dedicated group anywhere. I feel that we will be able to go a long way in the NASCAR arena."
"We're going in with the same momentum as last season," adds Allen. ""We are
all on equal footing at this first race and we will have to see what shakes
out. I might feel a little more pressure this year to try and take
back-to-back titles, but then there's always pressure. If we pace ourselves
and have top finishes at every race; we'll definitely be a contender for the
title in the end. We have a great team."
