On October 30, 2003, Jim Pettit II took the lead on lap 76 of the 125-lap season finale at Phoenix International Raceway. He had the field in his rear view mirror until a late race pit stop for fuel with two laps remaining ended his magnificent run. Remarkably, he still finished eighth.
2003 had its upside for Pettit, he receieved his first win at Stockton, nine top ten finishes, and a third place overall Series finish in points. He also won his qualifying race and finished second in the main event at the first ever Toyota All-Star Showdown seen live on SPEED Channel. After being named "Sportsman of the Year" in 2002, he was the 2003 PowerAde “Move of the Year” award winner. This leaves only one award to win—the Championship.
That was then, this is now. 2004 will start Pettit’s fourth full season on the NASCAR AutoZone Southwest Series. I asked the veteran about his thoughts on the new season.
Exit: What do you think of the 2004 schedule?
Pettit: The added races at Stockton 99 and Madera really
helps out our team. The short travel and our familiarity with
the tracks can only help our run at the championship. We also
have a great fan base at both tracks and it’s great for our
fans that travel. They will not have to go as far on those
weekends.
Exit: What does a team have to do to go from a third place
finish to first place?
Pettit: Have better luck. We had two DNFs last year. Other
than that we ran up front. The only time we did not run up
front, it was due to things out of our control. I know Duane
(Crew Chief) has spent a lot of time on the cars, and he is
as good as it gets.
Exit: At the banquet in December a couple of the younger
drivers, who had also finished in the top ten, mentioned that
you had helped them out with different aspects of the tour.
How did that make you feel?
Pettit: I like a lot of the younger drivers. I was there and
I know what it is like to not get a lot of help. Like anyone
else it makes me feel great when they mention it, but it is
not necessary. I was no different than they are and I am just
glad I can help.
Exit: What 2004 sponsorship deals can you tell us about for
the 03 Ford Taurus?
Pettit: There are a lot of things in the works, but nothing
is on paper at this time.
Exit: With 20 years of experience do you still get nervous
before a race?
Exit:
Pettit: I would not say nervous is the right word. You just
have to be on your game. There are a lot of great drivers and
everyone wants to be where we are.
Pettit: If they can not make it to a race they can go on our
web site at www.jimpettitracing.com. But if they are at the
race, we always stay until the last fan is gone. We know that
without the fans we would not be here, and the team really
enjoys interacting [with them]after the work is done.
Still seeking his first tour Championship, Jim Pettit II
seems more determined than ever to make 2004 his year.
