Rick Jackson season preview

JACKSON AND BARTONE LOOKING FOR 2010 IMPROVEMENT

Santa Clarita, Calif. -- Many racers would consider winning three NHRA events in one season a successful accomplishment. Not the Rick Jackson Racing Top Alcohol Funny Car team however.

The potent Top Alcohol Funny Car team based in Santa Clarita, Calif. concluded the 2009 season with a sub-par, tire-rattling first round exit. The run was a microcosm of the entire season. "We did a great job last year finding out every possible way to lose a race," noted team owner Rick Jackson. "From breaking a few connecting rods in the engine, to a $0.50 cent part failing, we learned more how to lose a race than how to win. Several of these instances were not our fault, but the teams who always finish on top minimize their mistakes. I feel last season was a very solid learning opportunity, which we plan to implement for the 2010 season."

Jackson's Centre Pointe Collision Center / FireIce.com Ford Mustang TAFC captured victories at the season opening Winternationals, the NHRA Summitracing.com Nationals in Las Vegas, Nev., and the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event in Belle Rose, La., in route to a 4th place finish in the 2009 NHRA National point standings. With 29-time NHRA National Event champion Tony Bartone behind the wheel and legendary Alcohol tuner Steve Boggs turning the wrenches, the Southern California based team heads into 2010 with visions of a Lucas Oil World Championship in site.

"Last year was a learning experience for our entire team; especially myself," noted Bartone. "After driving the Jim Dunn Racing Nitro Funny Car for a few seasons, getting back into the groove of driving the Alcohol Funny Car took some time. Towards the end of the season, we started to gel as a team. And since we have nearly our entire team intact for 2010, I'm confident the Jackson Racing Funny Car will challenge for the season championship."

The crew of Chris Perl, Lew Larson and Javier Gonzales will join Jackson and Boggs in preparing the 3,500 horse-powered Blown Alcohol Funny Car for its mid-five second, 260 mile per hour assaults on the quarter mile. Combined with the continuing support of marketing partners, Centre Pointe Collision Center, FireIce.com, Hussy Copper, Simpson Performance Products, Weld Racing, ARP, Red Line Synthetic Oil, Moroso, Jaz Products and Goodyear Racing Tires the Jackson Racing team is planning on a very successful 2010 season.

-source: rick jackson racing