Thirteen year old Jon Denning of Springfield, NJ will be moving into stock cars on the pavement this coming season, in his family owned ride. Denning will travel back and forth from NJ to NC to run at the famed Hickory, NC Speedway. The decision was made for the Dennings to purchase a late model stock car team. Denning’s goal is to become one of the youngest drivers ever to compete in the BGN. NASCAR rules will not allow any individual to run in any of their sanctioned events until age 16. This includes the late model stock division. However, for Denning to be put up for possible approval to run in the BGN when he turns 16, he must have an extensive amount of pavement stock car experience under his belt. Denning just come off a successful dirt sprint racing season, earning a Rookie of the Year Title at the Whip City Speedway in Mass. Denning’s Late Model Stock Car Program is put into place now and he will field his own #00 Pontiac Late Model Stock Car beginning this spring under the ARA (American Racing Association) sanction at Hickory NC, and several other tracks around the southeast where the ARA competes. This series was chosen because they have identical cars to the NASCAR late models, and Denning is allowed to run at his age. Denning is working with the same crew chief and car builder that both Harry Gant and the Earnhardts worked with when they ran this division, veteran, Gary Hargett. Denning will be returning with the support of Sherwin Williams Automotive Finishes as an associate sponsor on his stock car. The Nickelodeon Network will also be following Denning’s racing, with weekly highlights on their network, and Denning commentating on his very own television show on the network, focused on kids. Simpson Safety Products has also stepped in to provide Denning with uniforms and safety equipment. The team will be owned by Dobb’s Racing, a division of Dobb’s Autobody owned by the Denning’s in Springfield NJ. The car will be housed and maintained in North Carolina. There are still sponsorship and endorsement opportunities available for companies wanting to get involved with Denning’s program(Denning PR)(1-11-2001)
