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JONES’ STELLAR ROOKIE SEASON COMES TO A CLOSE WITH TIGHT SECOND ROUND BATTLE |
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November 16, 2008:
The Quarter-Max Mopar Dodge Stratus team headed by noted chassis builder, Rick Jones and driven by son Rickie Jones, wanted to make a statement at the end of their rookie season, proving their ability for contention in the 2009 Countdown battle. They accomplished just that by getting past ’08 Countdown contender Dave Connolly in round one, then losing by a slight three thousandths of a second to veteran racer Kurt Johnson in round two.
This was the first match up for Jones and Connolly but the race wasn’t much of a contest as Connolly went into early tire shake and Jones motored on by with a 6.715 at 206.76.
Rickie Jones’ second round looked much different than the first, this time a battle to the wire. Jones treed Johnson off the line, .018 to .059 and looked like he’d hold on to take the win. However, Johnson had enough race track to get back around Jones by .003. Jones posted a 6.683 at 207.30 to KJ’s 6.639 at 208.55. Despite the tough loss, Jones was happy with the day’s outcome.
“We had a good day,” tells Jones. “We were up against some tough competition and I was proud of the way the car and team performed. We’re ending this year on a good note, giving us something to look forward to next year. I appreciate the fans coming out this weekend and supporting us all year long. It’s really cool to have them come up and wish me luck at each race. The fans are really what make this sport what it is.”
With the conclusion of the Auto Club NHRA Finals today, the 2008 POWERade Champions were crowned in each of the professional categories. Jones gives his perspective:
“I had the opportunity to watch the champions be crowned today and it was pretty amazing. The Countdown format to crowning world champions is a cool deal. Hopefully someday soon our team will be up there taking the trophy. Congratulations go out to all the 2008 NHRA World Champions.
“I really can’t say enough about what this team has done this year, as well. My parents, Rick and Bonnie Jones, have obviously been the glue of this program. Their experience and support is invaluable to this team. Rick Varnold and Steve Day have worked hard on this Quarter-Max Stratus all year long and we couldn’t have done it without them. They’ve done a great job for us and I couldn’t ask for a better team. We’ve accomplished a lot in our rookie season and the credit goes to the crew for making it all happen.
“Everyone at Larry Morgan Racing Engines has been wonderful to us this season. They’ve supported us and done an exceptional job and I’m proud to be running one of their engines.
“I’ve also got to hand it to all the guys who keep things running back home at RJ Race Cars. We’ve got a great group of employees there who are constantly working to provide our customers with the best race cars and parts in the business. And many thanks to all RJ Race Cars and Quarter-Max customers. We appreciate their business and standing behind us and our products. We’re here to serve them and seeing them succeed in our cars gives us the greatest satisfaction.”
Jones finishes out the year 16th in NHRA POWERade Pro Stock points standings, a huge accomplishment for a young driver in his first year of competition. Jones’ standout season led to a nomination for the AAA Road to the Future Rookie of the Year Award. The winner of this award will be announced at the NHRA Awards Banquet Monday evening.
“It is such an honor to be nominated for Rookie of the Year,” Jones says. “It’s been a phenomenal rookie season and I’m very happy with it. And I’m already getting pumped up for next year!” |
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JONES MAKES SATURDAY IMPROVEMENTS, QUALIFIES ELEVENTH |
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November 15, 2008:
Rickie Jones sat outside the field up until the final two qualifying runs. On the third session Jones' posted a 6.675 at 206.51 in his Quarter-Max Dodge Stratus, putting him in the show at eighth. Jones fell slightly off his earlier pace with rear end problems in the final session running a 6.696 at 205.79 but stayed in the show at eleventh. Less than seven hundredths spreads the entire Pro Stock field with all 16 cars under 6.70. Tough qualifying competition forecasts an intense battle in eliminations at this final event of the year.
"I'm pretty happy with qualifying eleventh," says Jones. "We probably could have held on to the eighth or ninth spot, too, but the rear gear locked up on that last run. We got the car fixed now, though and we're ready for tomorrow. Larry Morgan and his guys are always good to us. We had to change motors last night and I want to thank those guys for helping us out again. They always do a great job."
Jones is set to face off against a fellow young gun of the sport, Dave Connolly (6th, 6.650 at 208.46) in Sunday's eliminations.
"I'm looking forward to running Connolly tomorrow. This will be our first time running, and I always like to take on new challenges. He's been pretty tough to beat this year, but we're locked and loaded for tomorrow so we're going to give him a good race."
The NHRA Championship Tour concludes tomorrow with the running of the Auto Club Finals. Jones and the Quarter-Max Mopar Dodge Stratus team will round out their rookie season, looking for a win. |
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HECTIC DAY LEADS TO FIRST ROUND LOSS FOR JONES |
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November 2, 2008:
The Quarter-Max Dodge Stratus ran its best number of the weekend during round one of eliminations, but it wasn't enough for driver Rickie Jones to take out eventual winner, Jeg Coughlin. The two were identical on reaction time, but Jones' 6.747 was outrun by Coughlin's 6.719, a number that was tied for quickest elapsed time of the round. Jones was lucky to even make it to eliminations however, as a series of engine trouble nearly caused the team to miss the round. Jones elaborates:
"We thought we hurt the motor that we qualified with, so after qualifying was over last night we switched motors. This morning when we started the engine to warm up it dropped a valve. By this time they had already started the pro round, and we didn't know if we'd even have enough time to put in another motor. We had to do a mad thrash on the car; Larry Morgan and his guys helped us out, and we barely made it for the round. I was really happy with the way it ran considering how we had to throw it in at the last minute. Many thanks go out to Larry and his guys for all their help. We couldn't have done it without them. We gave Coughlin a run for it, but it wasn't enough this time. He made a great run against us and he's obviously the man to beat this year. I want to congratulate him on his win today and the great season he's had."
Despite the first round loss, Jones didn't leave Vegas in the hole.
"It was cool to experience Vegas and spend time with my family that lives here. It was really great to see them. I'm not a big gambler, but I made it to the black jack table one night and won some money. So I'm leaving Vegas ahead, can't complain about that!"
The 2008 season wraps up in two weeks with the Auto Club NHRA Finals in Pomona, California. Jones and the Quarter-Max Mopar Dodge Stratus team will round out their rookie season there.
" Pomona is always a great race," continues Jones. "Everyone seems to get pumped up for that event and I'm already looking forward to it. With only one stop left on the tour I really want to have a good showing. This team has done an awesome job all season long and I can't say enough for them. We've got one race left as rookies so we're going to give it all we've got to put a great cap on our opening season." |
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JONES LOOKING FORWARD TO FABULOUS LAS VEGAS |
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October 9, 2008:
As Rickie Jones' rookie season quickly comes to a close, Jones is anticipating the final two events of the year, hoping to wrap up the season in style. Jones, whose crew includes father and well known chassis builder Rick Jones, has had a stellar rookie season, one that many more experienced teams would envy. Jones will likely finish in the top 16 this year, even with skipping several stops on the tour. A potential candidate for Rookie of the Year, Jones has established himself as a force in the Pro Stock world and has a promising career ahead of him. Right now though, Jones is only focused on the task at hand, the upcoming ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals.
“We've had a couple of weeks off now and I'm ready to get back to racing,” says Jones. “We skipped the spring Vegas race, so I'm excited to go to The Strip this weekend and try my hand at another track. We've been busy at the shop [RJ Race Cars] these past few weeks, getting everything ready for winter and playing catch up from when we've been on the road so much. It'll be nice to switch things up a bit and get back to the track.”
Although Jones' main focus is obviously on the drag strip, he hasn't forgotten the other attractions in fabulous Las Vegas.
“We have family that lives in Las Vegas, so it'll be great to see them. Plus, the last time I was in Vegas I was 13 and couldn't really take everything in. I'm sure it'll be an entirely different experience this time. Hopefully I can take some time and check out the sights and see how Vegas does Halloween. I'm sure that will be interesting. We're planning to have some trick-or-treating at the track for the kids, which I'm looking forward to as well. There's so much excitement surrounding Vegas, especially with the Countdown heating up. A lot can happen in these last two races. Hopefully the RJ Cars that are in the Countdown can make some moves this weekend and this Quarter-Max Mopar Dodge Stratus team can make a presence and finish out our rookie year strong. It's been a great year and it's hard to believe it's coming to an end… but it's not over yet! I'm looking forward to putting a great finish on my rookie season at these last two events.”
The Quarter-Max Mopar Dodge Stratus team would like to thank Strange Engineering, Mopar Performance, Aurora Bearing, Browell Bellhousing, C&R Radiators, Computech, Davis Custom Carts, Drag Racing Online.com, Goodridge Hose & Fittings, Impact Racing, Inland Empire Driveline, Intercomp, Kirkman Composites, Larry Morgan Racing, Lucas Oil, Magna Fuel, Meziere, MSD Ignition, PAC Springs, Penske Racing Shocks, Pro Jack, Pro Stock Cars.com, RacingJunk.com Classified Ads, Ram Clutches, S&D Enterprises, Sticker Dude Designs, Suspension Spring Specialties, and XS Power. |
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JONES RECORDS CAREER BEST |
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October 9, 2008:
Rickie Jones and the Quarter-Max Mopar Dodge Stratus Team traveled to Maryland International Raceway for a test session en route to this weekend's Virginia NHRA Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park. Jones completed five runs down the quarter-mile during yesterday's test session, varying from a 6.59 to a 6.62 and marking his career best elapsed time. “We're making steps every time we test,” says Jones. “We're running some great 60 foot times and continuing to improve our back half combination. It was great to run that 6.59 - that's our quickest run yet. Hopefully we can duplicate that at Richmond this weekend. We put down good, consistent numbers all day long, so I feel like we've got a good set up ready for the race this weekend.
MIR also hosted the U.S. Pro Stock Open yesterday, an eight car Pro Stock run-off in conjunction with the test session. Jones qualified seventh, but fell in the first round to Mike Edwards. The two competitors were nearly identical in reaction time, but Jones' 6.62 was outrun by Edwards' 6.58. “The Pro Stock Open was a cool deal to have leading up to the Richmond National,” Jones continues. “Edwards made a great run against me and we just didn't have the power to run with him, but it was a good race. I like to get as much seat time as possible, and it's even better to do that in a competition format. “Richmond should be a great event. Things are really heating up with all the excitement surrounding the Countdown and only three races left. Hopefully this Quarter-Max Mopar Dodge Stratus can be a force to shakeup the Countdown a bit. “On October 1st we lost a longtime friend and employee of RJ Race Cars, Joel Graham. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Paula, and his entire family. Everyone who knew him will really miss him.” The Quarter-Max Mopar Dodge Stratus team would like to thank Strange Engineering, Mopar Performance, Aurora Bearing, Browell Bellhousing, C&R Radiators, Computech, Davis Custom Carts, Drag Racing Online.com, Goodridge Hose & Fittings, Impact Racing, Inland Empire Driveline, Intercomp, Kirkman Composites, Larry Morgan Racing, Lucas Oil, Magna Fuel, Meziere, MSD Ignition, PAC Springs, Penske Racing Shocks, Pro Jack, Pro Stock Cars.com, RacingJunk.com Classified Ads, Ram Clutches, S&D Enterprises, Sticker Dude Designs, Suspension Spring Specialties, and XS Power. |
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Joel A. Graham |
 Joel was born December 30,1947 in Nashville, TN the son of Robert A. and Shirley Dredge Graham. He married Paula Carlson on Septmber 25,1968 in Trinity Lutheran Church.
He graduated from Galesburg High School in 1966. He was in the US Air Force from 1968 to 1972, serving in Thailand during the Vietnam War. He worked for Butler Manufacturing until his retirement in 2004 and was then employed by RJ Race Cars, Inc. He was an avid NASCAR fan and in July of this year he was able to drive a NASCAR in Dallas, TX. In April 2005, he traveled to Columbia, South America to install a large kiln in a factory there. In October 2007, Joel and his wife visited friends, Charles and Pat Brown, in Beijing, China.
He was a member of the First Christian Church and Amvets. Joel was a caring husband, father, son, and brother and a kind , generous and loyal friend. If you needed help he was there. |
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JONES FALLS IN CLOSE FIRST ROUND BATTLE |
Septmber 28, 2008: 
Team Quarter-Max faced off against fellow Mopar competitor, Allen Johnson, in the first round of eliminations today at the O’Reilly Mid-South NHRA Nationals. Unfortunately, that is also where their day came to an end as the close battle landed in Johnson’s favor. Although driver Rickie Jones was slightly better in reaction time, he was unable to hold Johnson off at the finish line. Jones’ 6.669 elapsed time gave way to Johnson’s 6.654, with Johnson taking the win by a mere one hundredth of a second.
“It was a great race,” comments Jones. “We both had great lights, but Johnson had more power, and I couldn’t hold him off. He only had me at the end by a couple feet, though. Runs like that are what make Pro Stock so exciting. Win lights are often determined by only thousandths of a second. That’s one reason why I love this class so much. The competition is amazing and continually gets tougher. I’d love for the win light to have fallen my way today, but either way that round was a win for RJ Race Cars. It’s good to see Allen and some of our other customers go some rounds and move up in the Countdown today.”
After running for three straight weekends on the NHRA tour, the Quarter-Max Mopar Dodge Stratus Team is looking forward to time to perform maintenance, test, and focus on some more important things.
“We think our motor might be hurt. It wasn’t acting real happy and was down on power a bit,” continues Jones. “We’re sending it back to Larry Morgan’s shop to have it freshened up. We want to make sure we have everything right for Richmond. Right now we’re just really ready to get home to check on Joel - an employee of ours - and his family. He’s battling this illness and he’s our main concern at the moment.”
The next stop on the NHRA tour is Richmond, VA. Jones and crew plan to test their newly freshened motor at nearby Maryland International Raceway before heading to Richmond’s National Event.
“I’m looking forward to Richmond. After three races back-to-back a little break will be nice, but mostly just because we need to take some time for maintenance on the car. By the time Richmond gets here I’ll be anxious to get back in the driver’s seat.”
The Quarter-Max Mopar Dodge Stratus team would like to thank Strange Engineering, Mopar Performance, Aurora Bearing, Browell Bellhousing, C&R Radiators, Computech, Davis Custom Carts, Drag Racing Online.com, Goodridge Hose & Fittings, Impact |
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JONES HOLDS ON TO NUMBER 16 SPOT |
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Septmber 27, 2008:
Rickie Jones and the Quarter-Max Mopar Dodge Stratus team will be starting in Sunday's eliminations of the O'Reilly Mid-South NHRA Nationals from the 16th qualified position. Jones made his best run of the weekend during the second qualifying session, clocking a 6.669 at 206.67 mph. That run wasn't enough to put Jones in the top 12 however, so he remained outside the field until Saturday's qualifying sessions. Jones 6.673 effort at 206.67 mph was enough to grant him a spot in the field on Sunday.
“Well, we snuck in another one,” said Jones. “This race we have our old engine back in, the one we've been running all year. It was good enough for qualifying this weekend and we're going to give it all we've got on race day. It's been great weather here in Memphis and a good weekend all the way around so far. I would have loved to be qualified higher, but I'm also happy to just be in the show. On a more solemn note, an employee of ours, Joel Graham, is very ill. He's our electrician and has wired just about every car we've done. Our team would like to let him and his family know that they are in our thoughts and prayers.”
Jones is set to run number one qualifier, Allen Johnson (6.591, 208.52), in the first round of eliminations.
“I'll be looking to get some whole shots tomorrow and do the best driving job I can. If I can get out on him off the line, it'll be up to him to beat me. Allen is a customer of ours at RJ Race Cars so I'd love to see him do well in the count down, but I'm going out there and my race and whoever wins, wins. I'm looking forward to Sunday. This Quarter-Max team is going to give it all we've got.” The Quarter-Max Mopar Dodge Stratus team would like to thank Strange Engineering, Mopar Performance, Aurora Bearing, Browell Bellhousing, C&R Radiators, Computech, Davis Custom Carts, Drag Racing Online.com, Goodridge Hose & Fittings, Impact Racing, Inland Empire Driveline, Intercomp, Kirkman Composites, Larry Morgan Racing, Lucas Oil, Magna Fuel, Meziere, MSD Ignition, PAC Springs, Penske Racing Shocks, Pro Jack, Pro Stock Cars.com, RacingJunk.com Classified Ads, Ram Clutches, S&D Enterprises, Sticker Dude Designs, Suspension Spring Specialties, and XS Power. |
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JONES ADVANCES TO FIRST EVER SEMI FINAL |
Septmber 21, 2008:
Rickie Jones lands his first semi final round appearance of his promising career at the O'Reilly Super Start Batteries NHRA Fall Nationals. The young driver from Galesburg, Illinois has been making waves his entire rookie season, with this being his best showing yet. Jones qualified sixth for the weekend, then steadily advanced through the rounds taking out Johnny Gray and former NHRA Champion Jim Yates before falling to eventual winner Greg Stanfield. Jones was the picture of consistency on race day, varying one hundredth in elapsed time and only one thousandth on reaction time between first and second rounds. Jones treed both Gray and Yates and never looked back to take the win, running a 6.662 at 206.13 and a 6.673 at 205.69, respectively. Unfortunately for the Quarter-Max Mopar Dodge Stratus team, a lifter broke during the burnout of the semi final round, causing the car to lose performance and giving Stanfield the easy win. Jones, however, is thrilled with the Stratus' performance over the weekend. “It's been an amazing weekend,” says an excited Jones. “Except for that last round, the car has been about as close to perfect as you can get all weekend long. We heard something different with the motor after the burnout so we knew something was wrong. I could tell that it wasn't pulling like it should on the run, so I lifted so that it wouldn't hurt the motor any more. “It's awesome to get to the semis today though,” Jones continues. “A lot of people work for a long time and don't make it to this point. I'm very proud to be a part of a team that has accomplished this much in our rookie year. I owe a lot to my dad [noted chassis builder, Rick Jones] for giving me the opportunity to drive for this team. I've learned a lot from him over the years and it's awesome to be out here doing this together. I obviously would have loved to make it to the final round, but hopefully there will be more chances. It was great to see Greg Stanfield go on and win the race. His car owner Greg Hill's granddaughter was killed in a car wreck earlier this week, so I'm glad that Greg [Stanfield] could win this for them. Our thoughts and prayers are with Greg Hill and his family.” The Quarter-Max Mopar Dodge Stratus team has been utilizing Larry Morgan Racing Engines for their rookie season and the Mopar power is proving to be an aggressive force. “We were able to test another LMR motor for Larry this weekend. It's a really good piece with lots of power to run up front and be competitive. During one of our qualifying runs we were tied for quickest e.t. and our 60 ft times were at or near the top of the pack all weekend. Larry and all his guys do a great job and I really want to thank them for providing us with such a great engine to work with.” Jones and crew head to Memphis, TN next weekend for the O'Reilly NHRA Mid-South Nationals. “I'm looking forward to Memphis. Hopefully we can go there and be an upset in the Countdown and maybe help out some of the RJ Race Cars that are battling in the Countdown. We want to keep the momentum from this weekend going and hopefully repeat in Memphis.” The Quarter-Max Mopar Dodge Stratus team would like to thank Strange Engineering, Mopar Performance, Aurora Bearing, Browell Bellhousing, C&R Radiators, Computech, Davis Custom Carts, Drag Racing Online.com, Goodridge Hose & Fittings, Impact Racing, Inland Empire Driveline, Intercomp, Kirkman Composites, Larry Morgan Racing, Lucas Oil, Magna Fuel, Meziere, MSD Ignition, PAC Springs, Penske Racing Shocks, Pro Jack, Pro Stock Cars.com, RacingJunk.com Classified Ads, Ram Clutches, S&D Enterprises, Sticker Dude Designs, Suspension Spring Specialties, and XS Power. |
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JONES LANDS IN TOP HALF OF FIELD, QUALIFYING SIXTH |
Septmber 20, 2008: 
Rickie Jones and the Quarter-Max Mopar Dodge Stratus team are having an incredible weekend so far at the Texas Motorplex. Jones qualified sixth with a 6.642 at 207.30. The rookie has remained consistently in the top half of the field during every qualifying pass and was tied for quickest elapsed time of the third qualifying session. Jones feels confident heading into race day:
“We've got a great car this weekend,” says Jones. “The Larry Morgan Mopar power plant in this Stratus is awesome. I've got to thank Larry for giving us such a great motor to work with. The car has been about as perfect as you can get this weekend. We've made a great pass every time down the track this weekend, so I'm pumped for eliminations. Sunday is always tough, but I think this Quarter-Max team is ready for it. I'm looking to go some rounds tomorrow.”
The Pro Stock field is as competitive as always, which should make for an interesting race day. Jones will face off against a fellow Dodge runner, Johnny Gray (No. 11, 6.658 206.26).
“There aren't any easy rounds in this field, and Johnny is no different. I know I'll have to bring my ‘A-game' to the table tomorrow, and that's exactly what this Quarter-Max team will do. We've had such a great weekend so far and I just want to carry that on through…hopefully right into the winner's circle.”
The Quarter-Max Mopar Dodge Stratus team would like to thank Strange Engineering, Mopar Performance, Aurora Bearing, Browell Bellhousing, C&R Radiators, Computech, Davis Custom Carts, Drag Racing Online.com, Goodridge Hose & Fittings, Impact Racing, Inland Empire Driveline, Intercomp, Kirkman Composites, Larry Morgan Racing, Lucas Oil, Magna Fuel, Meziere, MSD Ignition, PAC Springs, Penske Racing Shocks, Pro Jack, Pro Stock Cars.com, RacingJunk.com Classified Ads, Ram Clutches, S&D Enterprises, Sticker Dude Designs, Suspension Spring Specialties, and XS Power. |
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JONES HEADS TO DALLAS WITH NEW RESOLVE |
Septmber 18, 2008:
The Quarter-Max Mopar Dodge Stratus Team heads to Dallas, TX this weekend for the O'Reilly Super Start Batteries NHRA Fall Nationals. Coming off of a difficult weekend at the last stop on the NHRA tour, Rickie Jones and the Quarter-Max team are looking to recover what they missed at the Carolinas Nationals.“I was pretty bummed out we didn't qualify in Concord,” says driver Rickie Jones, “but sometimes a little set back will just give you more determination to improve and keep looking forward. That's what Concord did for us. We didn't waste any time getting back up on the horse. It's been a busy week with back-to-back races, but we made time to go testing before we head to Dallas. We were able to make four runs yesterday. They were all pretty fast and consistent. We only varied three hundredths all day. We were able to make some changes that picked us up a bit from what we were running in Concord, so I'm pretty excited about the race this weekend. I don't believe in set-backs, only stepping stones. Dallas should be a good race. We're going to get after it and give it all we've got to get in the winner's circle.”
Determination and hard work are key characteristics of the Quarter-Max team which show in their success both on and off the track. The various “stepping stones” of their rookie year show solid progress as the team is solidifying themselves a force to be reckoned with.
The Quarter-Max Mopar Dodge Stratus team would like to thank Strange Engineering, Mopar Performance, Aurora Bearing, Browell Bellhousing, C&R Radiators, Computech, Davis Custom Carts, Drag Racing Online.com, Goodridge Hose & Fittings, Impact Racing, Inland Empire Driveline, Intercomp, Kirkman Composites, Larry Morgan Racing, Lucas Oil, Magna Fuel, Meziere, MSD Ignition, PAC Springs, Penske Racing Shocks, Pro Jack, Pro Stock Cars.com, RacingJunk.com Classified Ads, Ram Clutches, S&D Enterprises, Sticker Dude Designs, Suspension Spring Specialties, and XS Power. |
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JONES CLAIMS FIRST ROUND WIN AT MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS |
August 29, 2008: 
INDIANAPOLIS, IN, September 1, 2008: The Quarter-Max Mopar Dodge Stratus Team, although in their rookie year, certainly did not act like rookies at this weekend's U.S. Nationals. Rickie Jones qualified solidly in the number eleven position and captured a round win in the Labor Day eliminations. Jones was pitted against Ron Krisher in round one. Jones had him on the tree .039 to .089 and was able to hold him off despite Krisher's slightly quicker elapsed time. The round win was outstanding for this rookie team. Jones elaborates: “We didn't really know what to expect going into our first race here at Indy. We knew it was going to be tough and we would definitely have to have our game together. We were thrilled just to qualify in this extremely tough field. Winning a round today was pretty special for this Quarter-Max Mopar Dodge Stratus team. We feel that's a great accomplishment for any rookie team running at Indy.” Jones fell in the second round to eventual runner-up Larry Morgan. Jones again had the quicker reaction time, but Morgan got to the top end first by .001 seconds. Overall the Quarter-Max team is extremely happy with their first outing at “the big go”. “It's been a great weekend,” says Jones. “I've done everything from sign autographs to win a twinkie eating contest against Dave Rieff [of ESPN2] to claim my first round victory at Indy. It's been a pretty incredible weekend. The fans are great and the whole experience of Indy is just awesome. I can't wait to come back again next year.” Jones and team Quarter-Max will now gear up for the next stop on the NHRA tour, the inaugural Carolinas Nationals, Sept. 11-14 where they are looking to repeat and further Indy's successes. The Quarter-Max Mopar Dodge Stratus team would like to thank Strange Engineering, Mopar Performance, Aurora Bearing, Browell Bellhousing, C&R Radiators, Computech, Davis Custom Carts, Drag Racing Online.com, Goodridge Hose & Fittings, Impact Racing, Inland Empire Driveline, Intercomp, Kirkman Composites, Larry Morgan Racing, Lucas Oil, Magna Fuel, Meziere, MSD Ignition, PAC Springs, Pro Jack, Pro Stock Cars.com, RacingJunk.com Classified Ads, Ram Clutches, S&D Enterprises, Sticker Dude Designs, Suspension Spring Specialties, and XS Power. |
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JONES MAKES HISTORY FOR QUARTER-MAX RACING TEAM |
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August 28, 2008:
 INDIANAPOLIS, IN, August 31, 2008: Rickie Jones and the Quarter-Max Mopar Dodge Stratus team find themselves in the number eleven qualified position at the end of Indy's three-day qualifying journey. Jones made his best past this morning, running a very respectable 6.684 at 205.98 mph. For Jones, qualifying at Indy means more than words can express: “This is unbelievable! I am so excited that we qualified at Indy. I think that this event is pretty legendary in every racer's mind and to make it into the show, especially on my first time ever entering this event, is huge, like a dream. Everyone on this team works so hard and I'm grateful just to be a part of it. We have a great crew, excellent sponsors, and it's because of all this support that we get to play at Indy on race day. I can't thank everyone enough – our crew, Quarter-Max, Larry Morgan Racing, all our sponsors, and especially my dad for giving me the opportunity to drive. This Quarter-Max Mopar Dodge Stratus team is continually proving that we have what it takes. It's an honor to be out here.” Jones' enthusiasm was obvious after the fifth qualifying session. On his return from the run as he passed in front of the grandstands, he stopped, got out of the car and ran along the fence, high-fiving and shaking hands with the fans who caught his enthusiasm, screaming and cheering him on. Qualifying at Indy is monumental for this rookie team. Even veteran teams often find it difficult to make the show at “The Big Go”. Jones will face off with Ron Krisher first round of Monday's eliminations. “This is really special for our entire team,” continues Jones. “The history and renown surrounding Indy put this race in a league of its own. You can't say you've done it all until you've won Indy. Maybe that will happen someday for this Quarter-Max team… maybe tomorrow.” |
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