Drag Illustrated Issue 151, December 2019 | Page 90

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JUSTIN JONES
■ THE WAY Justin Jones has performed in a
Pro Mod, it’s like he’s been driving for years. In
reality, it’s been a baptism by fire for the talented
20-year-old.
“I’ll get people who ask me what I drove before
and I always answer, ‘All I’ve driven is my pick-
up down the road.’ I jumped straight into this
headfirst. It just kind of came natural,” Jones says.
What’s been evident is Jones has a natural
talent for the sport, becoming a standout per-
former in the Mid-West Pro Mod Series in just
two seasons.
He picked up his first career win earlier this
year in his blown C7 Corvette, finishing second
in the points in what has been a breakout year.
It may look like second nature for Jones, but
he’s quick to point out he’s surrounded by a bevy
of talent, led by his father, Jeff, and standout tuner
Brandon Pesz. It’s allowed for a seamless transi-
tion into the sport, one Jones is positive wouldn’t
have been possible otherwise.
“I’ve been surrounded with the best people.
They’re all so supportive and I learn so much
every time I go racing with Brandon,” Jones says.
“If it would have been someone else who didn’t
have as much experience or know-how, I think
it would have been a lot harder and taken a lot
more time to get where I’m at now. Everybody
tells me I’m a good driver, but I feel like I’ve
got so much room to grow and so many more
things to learn.”
Jones is anxious for the opportunity to do that,
making major strides in 2019 following a produc-
tive rookie season in 2018. The win in Memphis
was a definite highlight and Jones hopes to use
that momentum for something big in 2020. He
plans to race the full NHRA Pro Mod season next
year with his father and Pesz, forming what he
expects to be a formidable three-car team on Pro
Mod’s biggest stage.
It’s a big jump to quarter-mile racing against
talented competitors, but Jones is anxious for
the challenge.
“Brandon has been doing a whole bunch of
R&D,” Jones says. “We expect to go in there
and be one of the top-running teams. We have
high expectations and we’re definitely setting
the bar high, but we’re ready to take that next
step.” – J O S H H AC H DI
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I l l u s t r a t e d | DragIllustrated.com
Issue 151