Season finale gives rjr motivation for 2012

SEASON FINALE GIVES RJR MOTIVATION FOR 2012

Pomona, Calif. – The 2011 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series came to a close for the Santa Clarita, Calif. based Rick Jackson Racing Top Alcohol Funny Car team with a costly second round loss to John Lombardo Jr. at the final event of the NHRA season, the AAA of Southern California NHRA World Finals contested at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, Calif. The final event of 2011 also provided some much needed rest and preparation for the Centre Pointe Collision Center sponsored team moving forward.

Team driver Tony Bartone, who captured six-NHRA National Event titles driving team owner Rick Jackson’s Ford Mustang TAFC and will finish second in the season championship points chase, entered final eliminations in the number two position once qualified ended. Bartone lowered his event best elapsed time to a great 5.504 second, 262 mile per hour run to open up eliminations, but bowed out in the second round to Lombardo with some engine damage slowing the Centre Pointe Mustang to a 5.59 ET at only 239 miles per hour.

“This was not the way we wanted to end our season at Rick’s home track, but all in all, we can say 2011 was our best season to date,” noted Bartone. “We started the season with a brand new two-step combination which after the first three races we won caused quite a stir amongst the other teams. We were told we couldn’t use this device and went back to the traditional set-up and still won events. That just shows you how good this team at adapting to changes and adversity. I am very proud of the efforts we all made this season. Yes, we came up short in the National Championship, but rest assured, we’ll be ready for another run at the title next season.”

The Centre Pointe team did a masterful job during the 2011 NHRA campaign. The Rick Jackson Racing team entered a total of 10 NHRA National Events, winning six, reaching the final round in 7 of the 10 events, recorded low elapsed time in 6 of those events and won two Divisional Events this season. The team also captured its second consecutive Division 4 Lucas Oil title. For team owner Rick Jackson, the efforts put forth by the team pale in comparison to the final win/loss record.

“Sure we won some great races this year, but the work our guys did this season was nothing short of masterful,” Jackson stated. “Steve Boggs has an amazing tune-up and we are privileged to have him on our team. Chris Perl did a great job managing this team and making sure we got from point ‘A’ to point ‘B’ on schedule and on time. We can’t thank Darren Mayer enough for his contributions and of course, the work from Scott, Javier, Lew, the support from our fans, our friends and our outstanding marketing partners allowed us to keep focused and put forth a great product on and off the track this season. We’re not quite sure of next year’s exact plans, but no matter what we do next season, we’re proud of this year’s effort and will strive to improve moving forward.”

The Rick Jackson Racing team would like to extend their heart-felt condolences to the Staff at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the loss of Track Announcer and Video Specialist Dan Lea. Lea was a strong supporter and friend to the Centre Pointe team and wish to extend their thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.

To learn more about Rick Jackson Racing, please visit the team’s website at http://www.rickjacksonracing.com.