By Bill Klingbeil
INDIANAPOLIS (July 24, 2012) – Levi Jones is already one of the most decorated drivers in United States Auto Club (USAC) history, but the driver of the Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing No. 20 Chevrolet Performance/Curb Records Maxim continues to add to his legacy. Jones collected more hardware for Tony Stewart Racing’s trophy case by coming out on top in the USAC National Sprint Car Series’ 25th annual Indiana Sprintweek final standings.
“We definitely wanted to win races, but we were in the hunt every night and put together a great week,” said Jones, who joined Kevin Thomas as the only drivers to have won four Indiana Sprintweek titles. “It’s an awesome week with great fans, and it’s great to drive for this team.”
Jones, the five-time USAC National Sprint champion, earned six top-fives and an eighth-place finish to capture his fourth Indiana Sprintweek title. His run to the championship began with a third-place finish at Gas City I-69 Speedway. He trailed Bryan Clauson by 11 points entering night two at Lawrenceburg Speedway, where he bounced back from qualifying 28th by charging through the field to finish fifth. He built a 23-point lead with a pair of fourths at Kokomo Speedway and the Terre Haute Action Track. His best finish came in the second-to-last race at Tri-State Speedway, where he finished in the runner-up spot. In Sunday’s finale, Jones topped the field in qualifying and finished fifth to clinch the championship.
“Every night, you are faced with different challenges,” said Jones, who previously earned Sprintweek titles in 2004, 2008, and 2009. “Everyone just kept plugging away. It was a total team effort and I’m just thrilled we can reward the hard work with another crown.”
The successful run through Indiana kept Jones in the conversation for the 2012 USAC championship. He entered the week trailing Jon Stanbrough by 26 points, took the lead following the Kokomo stop and currently trails Stanbrough by six markers with 19 events remaining this season.
“We still have a long way to go if we want to win another championship,” said Jones, who has seven USAC titles, tying him with legends Rich Vogler and Mel Kenyon, and trailing only A.J. Foyt, who totaled 10 USAC titles. “To be only six points back and still not have a win this year shows how important consistency is. If we can continue to be in the hunt every night, I’m confident we’ll get some wins and be right there with a shot at another title.”
Final USAC Indiana Sprintweek Standings: Current USAC National Sprint Car Series Standings:
1. Levi Jones … 391 1. Jon Stanbrough … 1,138
2. Bryan Clauson … 384 2. Levi Jones … 1,132
3. Jon Stanbrough … 371 3. Dave Darland … 1,047
About Chevrolet
Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 3.5 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. In the U.S., the Chevrolet portfolio includes: iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs, such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers, such as Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers “gas-friendly” solutions, such as Chevrolet Cruze Eco with an EPA-estimated 42 miles per gallon highway, and the Chevrolet Volt offering 35 miles of electric driving and an additional 344 miles of extended gasoline range, according to EPA estimates. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions and OnStar availability can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
About Chevrolet Performance
Chevy Performance fuels the passions of automotive enthusiasts with factory-engineered and fully assembled crate engines, engine parts and vehicle accessories, including specialized licensed parts and accessories. Chevy Performance is the only source for brand-new classic small-block and big-block crate engines, which use all-new parts, including the cylinder block, rotating assembly and cylinder heads. GMPP is also the leader in “LS” performance, with a full range of production-based crate engines and the growing family of LSX maximum performance engines and parts. GMPP’s LS-based E-ROD engine systems include emissions equipment that meets California requirements for pre-OBD-II vehicles (E-ROD LS3 systems carry CARB EO D-126-30), delivering high performance with low emissions. No other manufacturer offers a comparable system. Customers can view information and purchase engines and parts at www.gmperformanceparts.com.
About Curb Records
Curb Records is one of the world’s leading independent record companies. Owned and operated by Mike Curb since 1962, Curb Records has achieved more than 300 Billboard No. 1 records. Today’s roster includes some of the top names in country, Christian and pop/rock music. Curb Records was honored as Billboard Magazine’s 2001 Country Music Label of the Year and Radio & Records Magazine’s 2005 Overall Gold Label of the Year. For more information, visit www.curb.com.