Erik Jones to Race in Kalamazoo Klash XXIV
As if names like Terry Senneker and Tyler Roahrig don’t draw enough attention to the Kalamazoo Klash, there are always a few NASCAR drivers who bring some added star power. This year defending NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion and current NASCAR Xfinity Series Chase Grid leader Erik Jones throws his name into the lineup of drivers seeking to win the ARCA/CRA Super Series event that runs in conjunction with Kalamazoo Klash XXIV on Wednesday, August 10. Jones will pilot a KBR Development house car for the 24th consecutive running of the event.
Below is a list of accomplishments Jones achieved in 2015 alone:
- Became the youngest NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) champion at 19 years, 5 months and 21 days while also collecting Rookie of the Year honors.
- Finished the NCWTS season with three wins, five poles, 11 top-five finishes and 20 top-10 finishes.
- Won first NASCAR XFINITY Series (NXS) race at Texas Motor Speedway on April 10, 2015 in the No. 20 Camry, starting the race from the pole and leading 79 laps.
- Combined seat time between the No. 20 and No. 54 Toyota Camry’s in NXS for 23 starts, earning two wins, three poles, 13 top-five finishes and 17 top-10 finishes.
- Made official NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) debut at Kansas Speedway on May 9, 2015 subbing for Kyle Busch in the No. 18 Toyota Camry.
- Completed the season with three NSCS starts.
- Youngest driver to complete triple duty after competing in all three series at Texas Motor Speedway November 6-8, 2015. NCWTS Started 5th and Finished 1st; NXS Started 3rd and Finished 4th; NSCS Started 6th and Finished 12th
- Earned the Super Late Model Triple Crown by winning Battle at Berlin 251 at Berlin Raceway on June 16, the Stoops Freightliner Redbud 300 at Anderson Speedway on July 18 and the Winchester 400 at Winchester Speedway on October 11.
Two years ago it was NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Kyle Busch who tried to take on the 3/8 mile track in Kalamazoo, MI. He brought home the win in the ARCA/CRA Super Series event, but was forced to pull out of the Klash just 30 laps in. Last year two-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Matt Crafton raced his way to an impressive fourth place finish in the 125 lap Outlaw Super Late Model event. Other stars who have competed in the Klash include NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Matt Kenseth, NASCAR Xfinity Series champion Johnny Benson, Ken Schrader, Ross Kenseth, Ted Christopher, Scott Bloomquist, Butch Miller, Adam Petty, Mike Eddy, Bob Senneker, Tim Steele, Joe Shear and several others.
The 24th annual Kalamazoo Klash takes place Wednesday, August 10th at Kalamazoo Speedway. The event has a rain date of Thursday, August 11th. For more information please visit kalamazoospeedway.com.
