CRA: Jim Crabtree Jr pleased with series development

Salem, Ind. (March 3, 2002) -- Jim Crabtree Jr. has seen the CRA stock car circuit develop from eight events at four Indiana tracks into a 19-race tour that features premier Midwest short track talent.

"With a lot of the original drivers that first started the series still part of it, that shows how well it has developed," said Crabtree. In the series' 1997 inaugural season, he finished fourth in the standings behind Kenny Tweedy, Brian Ross and Brian Rievley.

"The first season, if you didn't make the eight-car inversion, you were off the pace. Things have really changed lately with Scott Hantz, Junior Hanley and other top drivers joining the series. The level of competition gets tougher every year."

Crabtree, of Muncie, Ind., finished fourth in the standings in 1998 and was fifth in 1999. In 2000, he suffered a relative setback, placing 12th, but 2001 saw a significant rebound with his first career victory and a respectable seventh-place finish in the final point standings.

The former mini-stock competitor experienced his racing highpoint by winning at tricky Shadybowl Speedway in DeGraff, Ohio. He finished ahead of some of the series' best drivers, including Scott Hantz, Brian Ross and J.R. Roahrig.

"It was an awesome feeling to get my first career win beating some of the best drivers in our series. I have a lot of respect for Hantz, Ross and Roahrig, so that was a big honor and also a huge confidence booster."

The 2002 Sunoco Super Series season brings additional optimism to Crabtree.

"In my opinion, the schedule is the best in series history and I'm looking forward to being part of another great year," he stated. "The number one goal for our team is to finish in the top five. If we consistently finish up front, then we will win some races and the points will take care of themselves. It's going to be tough, so I'll be thrilled if we can win a race."

Jim Crabtree Jr. and the number 63 Jim's Automotive Pontiac are looking for additional sponsorship for the upcoming campaign. Interested parties can contact Crabtree Motorsports at (765) 284-2867.

The 2002 Sunoco Super Series season opens at the quarter-mile Anderson (Ind.) Speedway on Saturday, April 20. For the latest, up-to-date coverage, visit www.sunocosuperseries.com.

-cra-