Jim Pettit II tested at the open test Friday night at Irwindale Speedway. It was a rare occurrence. Pettit was at a racetrack, while many competitors and onlookers may not have known he was even there. The veteran driver, who can normally be found by looking in the crowd at the pit area, was busy figuring out the set-up for his new car. This new car, with Jim's classic color scheme, marks the end of the transition from BayPac Racing to Jim Pettit Racing.
The year 2000 was last time that Pettit II drove the blue and yellow 03 for Jim Pettit Racing. During that year Pettit won nineteen main events and three championships. It was this success, with at that time new Crew Chief Duane Sharpe, that led Jim to the AutoZone Southwest Series. In speaking with Pettit about climbing back in the blue and yellow 03, he seemed concerned only with performance. Pettit II is currently in the 2nd position in the AutoZone Southwest Series points standings. After the first five races Pettit is 32 points out of first and looking towards Irwindale to recapture the lead. Coming off his only finish out of the top ten, Pettit is more determined than ever to get the 03 back up front.
The inaugural Toyota All Star Shoot-out was the last time the 03 was at Irwindale Speedway. The Jim Pettit Racing team earned their way to the shoot by finishing 3rd in 2003 season ending points. Competing against the top 40 Elite Division drivers in the country, every driver looked to see how they would stack up. After an early incident in his 50-lap qualifier Pettit found himself at the back of the 20-car field. Showing why many fans feel he is the best elite division driver in the country, Pettit climbed back through the field and won his qualifier going away. NASCAR fans all over the country watched his dominance on Friday night and knew the 03 would be the one to beat on Saturday. The final night saw Ron Breese Jr. from the Midwest and Jim Pettit II nose to tail for the first 75 laps. Pettit and Breese quickly made their way back to the front around the two car invert as soon as the green flag fell for the final 25 lap shoot out. The two racers battled for the final 25 laps with Ron Breese Jr. coming out on top and Pettit finishing 2nd.
This Saturday night, the 29th of May, the AutoZone South west Series will make its only appearance at Irwindale Speedway before the Toyota All Star Shoot-out. This will be the 6th race of the 14-race season. If you can make only one race in Southern California this should be the one. Irwindale is a completely paved facility that caters to the fans. Without a bad seat in the house, the half-mile track fills up fast on Saturday night. Jim Pettit Racing invites all fans to meet Jim at the autograph signing on the track before the race.
As always, all fans are encouraged to meet Jim and the crew for autographs in the pits after the race. Jim Pettit Racing recognizes and thanks California HotWood, DPI, LRP, and Top of the Hill Performance, fans and family for their continued support. The 03 team looks to hand them all their second win of the year this week!
