If you are Ford fan looking for a driver to cheer when the Southwest Tour visits your home track, the choice is obvious. The Pettit Racing 03 Ford Taurus is a crowd favorite, and consistently runs up front. In a series where there are not a lot of Fords, Southwest Tour fans know the 03. Known throughout NASCAR and the Southwest, Jim Pettit II, the charismatic Prunedale, CA resident is ready to once again put the weight of Ford fans on his back and drive into 2004.
The season gets its traditional early start this weekend at the Phoenix International Raceway. At last count there were 44 cars pre-registered for the 100-lap race with a few more expected to register on Friday. The Southwest Tour, Elite Division will share the stage with the NASCAR West Division and it is always a great show. Jim will be at the AutoZone store located at 12230 Cave Creek in Phoenix from 12:00-3:00pm on Friday afternoon. There will be an autograph session at the raceway Sunday morning from 9:30-10:30am outside of Turn 2. Everyone is encouraged to come and meet Jim Pettit II. The team also welcomes all fans to visit them after the race has ended on Sunday.
Finishing as the top Ford in his first three years in the
tour, there is no reason to believe this year will be any
different. After consecutive 3rd place finishes in points the
03 team with Crew Chief, Duane Sharp have all sights set on,
not only being the first Ford, but also being the champion. I
had the privilege of spending time with the team at the
awards banquet in December and it was clear that they were
ready for the season to begin. 2004 marks Jim Pettit’s 4th
year as a full time driver in the Tour. After his runner-up
finish at the Toyota All-Star Showdown, all indications are
he is the driver to beat.
