Jenkins takes second in wild late-model stock car race

PORTLAND, Oregon – Friday practice at Irwindale went well for rookie Scottie Jenkins, who enjoyed consistent times and smooth laps the entire evening.

“We tried a few radical adjustments to the suspension just to see what would happen, but worn-out practice tires really limit performance so we went back to our race-proven setup,” said Jenkins.

Saturday afternoon Jenkins qualified second, only to be moved back to the sixth starting position (behind his three Justice Brothers / High Point Racing teammates) by the inversion reshuffle. Jenkins held the sixth position for more than twenty laps of the forty-lap race, driving his E.F.I. #51 car conservatively while analyzing the competition. “Last race I tried to get out front early. This race I decided to watch the dogfights from behind and make my move after things shake out.”

And shake out they did; three-quarters of the way through the race Jace Meier, Chris Carmody and other racers were duking it out and running three-abreast for more than six consecutive laps.

On lap thirty a multi-car collision ensued, spinning out Carmody and Meier, who took a direct head-on hit from an oncoming car. With only inches to spare Scottie evaded the carnage to claim fourth before track officials red-flagged and paused the race.

After the restart and with less than nine laps to go, Jenkins passed two more competitors - including Irwindale veteran racer and H.P.R. team owner Tim Huddleston. Firmly in second place and gaining fast on leader Aaron Staudinger, Scottie ran out of laps and finished a mere 0.301 seconds behind Staudinger.

“I’m just glad Jace is okay. Considering all the mayhem tonight, it’s amazing we were able to take second without even a scratch on the car,” grinned Jenkins enthusiastically.

An environmentally-conscious racer and businessman, Scottie Jenkins is the Plant Manager for Environmental Fibers International, Inc., a family-owned and operated recycling company located in Portland, Oregon. For more information about Scottie Jenkins and valuable sponsorship opportunities, visit scottiejenkins.com or contact: Scott Jenkins Motorsports, LLC., 4325 N. Commerce Street, Portland, Oregon 97217 (503) 737-2100. Direct media inquiries to Drew Persson at MediaTurbo.com. Photo by Marv Keller at marvsphotography.com.