When the Southwest Series visits Infineon Raceway on June 26th, Jim Pettit II plans on achieving a goal that to this point has eluded him. This will be earning his first ever Top-10 finish at the Northern California road course. Since Pettit joined the Auto Zone Southwest Series full-time in 2001, Infineon Raceway has not been kind to Pettit. He always seems to run well, but Pettit just has not had any luck. In 2001 while running in the top-10, he was caught up in an accident that led to a 32nd place finish. 2002 brought more bad luck with two flat tires and a 15th place finish. In 2003 Pettit raced the last 60 laps with only high gear. Unbelievably, what may have ended the day for most only dropped Pettit to a 14th place finish.
I talked to the Prunedale, California veteran driver about what the 03 team has done to bring lady luck to their side at Infineon Raceway. This is what he had to say: "We have done everything that we can possibly think of to do. Road courses are real hard on transmissions and this year we have a new one. We have a refreshed engine and all the running gear is fresh". I also asked Pettit to compare this year to the three prior seasons. "In years past we have always started out slow and finished real strong. This year we have had a really good start, and if history repeats itself we should be in good shape. The more you do anything the better you get, and after a great test at Infineon we just hope lady luck is on our side".
I get the feeling after talking with Jim that the preparations and hard work put in by the entire crew will pay off for the 03 at Infineon. Pettit currently sits in the 2nd position in points. With eight races to go, the team is not worried about being able to overcome the 47-point deficit. The team is used to being in the points chase and knows it is one race at a time until the final race in Phoenix in November.
Jim Pettit Racing recognizes California HotWood, DPI, LRP, and Top of the Hill Performance for their continued support. The 03 team would also like to send a special thanks to all of their family and friends. As always the entire Jim Pettit Racing Team welcomes their fans to meet Jim and the rest of the team after the race in the pits at Infineon Raceway.
