Ladies and Gentleman, I had the opportunity to interview the season opener Street Stock Division winner Austin Jones. In just 43 starts Austin has picked up 26 top 10’s and 17 top 5’s including 3 victories. May I also remind you he is the grandson of the legendary Peewee Jones who was one of the founding members of NASCAR. Peewee went on to be a dominant force at Bowman Gray Stadium, winning six championships there, including a record five consecutive years, a feat that stands for over 40 years.
Q: I’m sure I know the answer to this but what was it that sparked your interest in being a race car driver?
A: Growing up I went to the stadium just about every weekend and always wanted to be apart of it in some fashion. Plus my grandpas history there was always a big reason I wanted to keep the tradition alive.
Q: What motivates you to be a better driver each race?
A: I would say the feeling of winning in front of that type of crowd every weekend drives me to be the best and try to race and compete with the best drivers every weekend.
Q: Who is someone you say you enjoy racing against the most and why?
A: I always enjoy racing with Andy (Southern), we’re good friends off the track and race each other hard and clean on the track.
Q: What is some advice you would give the young kids who are wanting to become a race car driver?
A: Always follow your dreams and keep pushing after it. Hard work will always pay off.
Q: What is it about Bowman Gray that stands out to you compared to all the other tracks you’ve raced at?
A: Just the fans being right on top of you and you can see and hear them in the car at all times. There truly is nothing like it.
Q: With the Street Stock 50 coming up in a few weeks, what would it mean to you to win it?
A: Man that would be big. I didn’t race it last year but we were able to win it with Andy’s car and that was really special. I ran 2nd 2 years ago so It would be really sweet to have a good run and bring it home for my guys.
Q: Some drivers have a story behind the number they run, Is there a story behind the 24?
A: 24 was one of the numbers my grandpa ran and I wanted to keep the tradition going carrying one of his numbers on my car.
Q: Is there a certain driver or drivers (any division) that you lean on for advice? And what’s the best advice they’ve given you?
A: Over the years I’ve gotten close to Bubba Gale and the Gale Force team with Michael Adams. Bubba has taught me so much throughout my career so I would have to say him and Michael for sure somebody I can lean on for advice. Also Spencer and Cale Martin even though they don’t race every weekend we still converse quite frequently and help each other when we can.
Q: You started your season off with a big win in the season opener, how special was that win compared to your other wins? I know you have mentioned during the off season that you had unfinished business left. This was definitely a great way to get things rolling.
A: That first one was special for sure. Ever since I started at the stadium I really wanted that glass trophy on the Hayes 200 night. It’s a beautiful piece and it was really special to win on opening night, always a good way to start the year.
Q: Obviously, you have the same goals and expectations as every other driver. But is there one in particular goal/expectation you have set for yourself this season?
A: I really want the championship. That’s part of the reason I came back to run street stock after being so close 2 years ago. It would be really special to me and my whole team and I look forward to the opportunity. The 50 lapper is also our big race it would be special to have a good run in that also.
Q: You’re still early on in your Bowman Gray Street Stock career, could we possibly see you move up to another division in the future? I know you flirted with the idea of moving up to Sportsman.
A: I would like to run Sportsman one day for sure. Those guys are some of the best of the best in this area and it would be really cool to compete with them. I enjoy the Modifieds also but that would definitely be way down the road.
Q: Last question, it’s something I like to ask drivers. “If you could race against any legendary driver (BGS or NASCAR) who would it be?”
A: That’s a tough one, theres just so many. Obviously Burt and Tim are the greatest of this era that I’ve grown up in, it would be really cool to line up with them.
Austin wanted to thank those people that have helped him get to this point in his career including his sponsors.
Mike Jones
Tim Jones
Bubba Gale
Cale Gale
Michael Rimer
Todd Combs
Andy Southern
Spencer Martin
Cale Martin
Sponsors
Crosswinds Construction
Mountain Fried Chicken
Garage Doors of the Triad
Ally Cain
Kirt Watkins Insurance
Quality Embroidery
Carolina Warehouse
Keith James with Farm Bureau
Gale Force Suspension
Cale Gale Performance
Djs Show Clothes
Randy Wilson/ Twin City Synthetics
Next week the featured races will be twin 25-lap races in the Brad’s Golf Cars Series. In addition, there will be twin 20-lap races in the Law Offices of John Barrow Sportsman Series, a 20-lap race in the QRC HVAC & Refrigeration Street Stock Series, and either one or two 15-lap races Q104.1 Stadium Stock Series. Including a Chain Race.
Podcasts/Media
ACC Football
NFL/Carolina Panthers
You must be logged in to post a comment Login