SMOLAN, KAN. (May 20, 2010) - - Jeremy Petty is gearing up for a new set of challenges as he transitions into the 2010 racing season. Petty is looking to continue to climb the ladder in the racing world as well as looking to expand his driving portfolio. An economic down turn has put a squeeze on the racing world, effecting drivers and sponsors alike. Unfortunately, Petty is not the exception to the rule. “We would love to have been out there running races already this year,” said Petty from his racing office earlier this week, “but it is really tough out there right now. I have been working really hard and have some really good people working hard as well. We are very close to getting some things to come together. I have no doubts that the team will be out on the track soon: it is not a matter of ‘if’, but when.”
Although he has not been in the driver’s seat yet this year, Petty has still been deeply immersed in the racing scene. . In preparation for the upcoming season, Petty attended the NASCAR Rookie Seminar in Daytona, Fla. on Feb. 9. The rookies listened to stories and advice from current drivers and were given the opportunity to ask any questions or voice concerns. Those in attendance met NASCAR president Mike Helton and CEO Brian France, as well as other rookies going into the all three series, including the Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Trucks. “It was neat to meet and ask questions of people like Darrel Waltrip, Humpy Wheeler, Jeff Burton and other past and present NASCAR racers and legends,” Petty said.
After wrapping up his rookie campaign with 20 events in 2009, Jeremy Petty is looking to move up in the NASCAR ranks to run in the truck series. Petty is optimistic about the change, relying on the experience he gained in the seat last year to help him with the transition.
“I feel that my ARCA experience from last year is really going to help me this year. I got a lot of seat time that will help me in this progression,” Petty said “I’m really looking forward to getting to the first truck race, as running in the series is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time,”
Although truck racing may be the top prize, it is not the only one. Petty also has his eye on getting back on the dirt tracks. Two of Petty’s better runs in the 2009 ARCA season came on the mile dirt tracks of Springfield and DuQuoin. “Those two races reminded me how much I miss dirt racing. There are some big dirt shows around home this year and I don’t think I am going to be able to stay away from them.” One of those big shows Petty is referring to is the Bellville 100 at the famed Bellville high banks, a track at which the Petty family has a hard time staying away from. “My Grandpa won races there back in the 1960’s in an open cockpit sprint car. I would love the chance to add another Petty victory at that track .”
Whether it be national or local, on asphalt or dirt, Petty is sure to be on the track soon.
