Highlands Motorsports Announces Strategic Alliance with Rette Jones Racing and Port City Racecars – Speedway Digest

Highlands Motorsports, a prominent team led by veteran crew chief and team co-owner Josh Reeves, is excited to announce a new strategic alliance with Rette Jones Racing and Port City Racecars. This collaboration aims to elevate competitiveness through shared expertise, innovative engineering, and advanced chassis development in the ASA STARS National Tour.

Mid-Season Transition to Port City Racecars and Ford Bodies

Beginning mid-season, Highlands Motorsports will transition to Port City chassis and Ford bodies, aligning more closely with Rette Jones Racing’s established setup and engineering philosophy. This strategic move is designed to optimize performance, enhance handling, and provide a competitive edge as the team advances through the latter part of the ASA STARS National Tour season and prepares for the 58th running of the Snowball Derby.

“We’re excited to partner with Rette Jones Racing and Port City Racecars and integrate their proven chassis and engineering support,” said Josh Reeves. “This move strengthens our program and equips our driver with the tools needed to succeed at the highest level of super late model racing. I’m genuinely excited about what this partnership will bring for Highlands Motorsports and our future in racing.”

Expanding the Rette Jones Racing Family

Mark Rette, co-owner of Rette Jones Racing alongside Terry Jones, expressed enthusiasm about the alliance:

“This partnership adds another team to our Rette Jones Racing/Port City Racecars family,” Rette stated. “We’ve seen the success Port City Racecars can deliver led by Gary Crooks and we’re eager to bring Highlands Motorsports and veteran driver Derek Thorn into the fold. Sharing resources will help us all reach new heights.”

Josh Reeves, owner of Highlands Motorsports, again shared his excitement:

“Rette Jones Racing and Port City Racecars are leaders in short-track racing, and to be partnering with them is a huge step forward for our program. We’re confident this alliance will bring new levels of performance and driver development to Highlands Motorsports.”

Veteran Driver Talent Integration

A key highlight of this alliance is the inclusion of Derek Thorn, one of the most respected and accomplished drivers in Super Late Model racing. Known for his dominance in recent years at the Snowball Derby and a 2022 winner along with multiple championships, Thorn’s move to Port City chassis with Highlands Motorsports marks a significant milestone in his career, adding valuable experience to Highlands Motorsports, Port City Racecars, and Rette Jones Racing.

“I’m excited to start this new chapter,” Thorn said. “The partnership between Highlands Motorsports, Port City, and Rette Jones Racing is outstanding. We’re eager to finish the ASA season strong and set our sights on the Snowball Derby in December.”

Thorn will join a talented Port City Racecars driver roster that already includes up and coming Kyle Steckly, veteran Kole Raz, and NASCAR Cup star Noah Gragson.

Adding to the excitement, Noah Gragson, a NASCAR Cup star, and co-owner of Port City Racecars, shared his enthusiasm:

“This is badass! I can’t wait to get to Pensacola this year and have Thorn “the Goat of Pensacola in our camp.” said Gragson.

Looking Ahead

VP of Business Development Greg Zipadelli stated, “We are all very excited and optimistic about the future, with the alliance poised to deliver improved performance, innovative engineering, and opportunities for driver development”. Fans can expect to see Highlands Motorsports competing with new equipment and a revitalized focus as they target strong finishes in upcoming races.

ASA PR