In the era of multi-car teams and major sponsorship it is not surprising that more and more fans are noticing the 03; a team on a limited budget that still manages to win races and compete; a group that relies more on hours in the shop and teamwork, and less on the dollar. This remarkable effort in 2004 has many in the West referring to Jim Pettit II as The Fan's Contender.
Jim Pettit II, owner and driver of the 03 Ford, is in it for the win, and that’s obvious. There is no one showing up at the racetrack more determined to win. A man that drives a tractor-trailer truck for 15 hours a day to pay the bills is not showing up on Saturday to finish second. Years of hard work and a sense of responsibility has the owner of Jim Pettit Racing giving all he has to make 2004 the year he wins the championship. As if this is not enough, he has one of the best Crew Chiefs in the business. Duane Sharp is willing to work endless hours a week and countless weekends for the sheer pleasure of winning. Few could argue the loyalty within the 03 team, fewer still could understand it. This is what makes the Jim Pettit Racing team the fan’s contender and a threat, if not the front-runner, to win the AutoZone Southwest Series Championship in 2004.
Saturday, July 31st dates the next stop for the Series. Teams will converge on Stockton 99 for the second and final time in 2004. Coming off of a win at Madera, Pettit looks to extend his winning ways at Stockton—a favorite for Pettit. Pettit was running second with 25 laps to go in this year's first visit to Stockton when he had a tire go down and ended finishing fifteenth. The 03 team is banking on that not happening again.
The Prunedale native has one thing in mind for the season end honors, being the champion. Since entering the AutoZone Southwest Series, Pettit has finished third for the last two years in season ending points and has never finished lower than seventh. With six races remaining he is currently running second and looks to better his current run. Currently thirteen points out of first place, Pettit is chasing a stout front runner in Craig Raudman. Raudman is a prior champion. Veteran Pettit knows this victory will not come easy. Pettit has said he will have to finish in front of the Bakersfield driver every race to have a chance of coming out the champion.
Talking with Pettit this week, it was obvious that there will be no let up in the determination to win the championship. As happy as he was to win at Madera he would not allow himself to be distracted from the chief goal this year. Pettit has won numerous championships over his lifetime but none have meant as much as the current championship he is chasing. The entire Jim Pettit Racing crew shares his determination for winning the 2004 championship. With a win at Stockton, Pettit could place himself in the driver’s seat for the championship. There is no doubt the fans at Stockton will be cheering for the 03 and be behind Jim for the win.
Jim Pettit Racing recognizes California HotWood, DPI, LRP, and Top of The Hill Performance for their continued support. The team also recognizes all of its family and friends for their support. The team invites all fans of the 03 to the pits after the race at Stockton 99.
