PERRIS AUTO SPEEDWAY...
18700 Lake Perris Drive...
Perris, CA 92571
(951) 940-0134
perrisautospeedway.com

Contact Scott Daloisio (909) 226-7768 or Kim Donner (951) 940-0134

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

SPRINT CAR SUPERSTAR TONY JONES ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT!

(NOVEMBER 19, 2008, PERRIS, CA) Southern California Sprint Car racing superstar Tony Jones has announced that he will be retiring from racing. The popular star’s last race will be the 1st Annual Glenn Howard Memorial featuring the Lucas Oil USAC/CRA Sprint Cars at Perris Auto Speedway on Saturday, November 29th.

Jones, a Norco, California resident who will turn 39 in January, won the 2007 USAC/CRA championship. This season, despite not contesting the entire series and confining most of his racing to The PAS, he is fourth in Lucas Oil USAC/CRA points and he leads the series with five main event wins. His latest victory came at the opening night of this year’s Budweiser Oval Nationals when he beat the best traditional Sprint Car drivers in the nation to the checkered flag.

The son of National Sprint Car Hall of Famer Bubby Jones, Tony’s main reason for hanging up his helmet is his family. “I have been racing for 16 years and I want to spend more time with my wife and kids,” he said over the phone last week. “When I left to race at Manzanita (in Phoenix, Arizona) a couple of weeks ago, I looked over and my neighbor and his family were getting ready to go camping. I was leaving and my wife was staying home with the kids. I just want to spend more time with them.”

Over the years Jones has assembled a stellar record. In addition to his 2007 USAC/CRA title, the talkative star won the 2000 Oval Nationals and amassed a total of 34 wins in the combined history of the original CRA, SCRA and now USAC/CRA. That ranks him 13th on the all-time victory list. Besides the Oval Nationals and Oval Nationals preliminary wins mentioned above, Jones also has main event wins in the Sokola Classic, Jack Kindoll Classic, Oval Nationals preliminaries in 1998 & 2006, Salute to Indy, Jeff Bagley Classic, Firecracker 40, Non Wing World Championship and more.

“This comes as a big surprise and we will miss Tony not only on the track, but off the track as well,” Perris Auto Speedway promoter Don Kazarian said. “While it will be sad to see him leave, we all understand and wish him the best of luck in all future endeavors. I hope all of his fans come out for his last race. Personally, I have known Tony since he was a kid and would not miss it for anything. It will be an emotional night for me as I am sure it will be for many of the fans.”

Anyone wishing more information could contact Perris Auto Speedway at (951) 940-0134.**

Perris Auto Speedway is located on the Lake Perris Fairgrounds, home of the Southern California Fair. The track is approximately one hour east of Los Angeles and one hour North of San Diego.* To get to the track, take the 215 freeway, exit at the Ramona Expressway and go two miles east to the fairgrounds.*

Video and DVD productions for all USAC/CRA at races Perris Auto Speedway are available from North Hollywood, California’s Raceway Video. For more information on these shows call Jeff Kristensen at (818) 618-9764 or visit the website at: raceway video.com

racesatthepas@aol.com is the only authorized Internet address to issue official media news released from The Perris Auto Speedway or Oval Entertainment

Great Racer. Great Guy. Class Act. Tony, Congratulations on a career that did yourself and your family proud, and best wishes as always to yourself and your wife and kids who deserve all the attention you're going to get to lavish on them. I won't be able to see that last race, but look forward to tipping a few beverages with you next year and for years to come. You done Stormin' Norman proud...

No better reason to retire then family. Thanks for the memories Tony.

Feb 3, 2007 - Scott Daloisio: "Tony Jones climbs the wall on the back straightaway......that took some big ones!"

Thanks for showing us Tony. Enjoy your retirement.

Tony Jones is and was a remarkable racer. Scott D. has called Tony "the most popular driver at Perris" and there is no question about his statement. After each race he is surrounded by adults and small children seeking his attention. Without hesitation he fields all questions, patiently listens to each one of his supporters, gladly submits to each and every photo opportunity and represents the sport, he no doubt loves, with the very best of them. He is the last to leave each Saturday night after numerous autograph requests. It is a sad day when one of your heroes finally hangs it up. Tony has provided us with so much excitement over the last few years it is almost impossible to imagine a racing year without him and the Silver Alexander #4 sprinter that he handled so well. Best of luck to him as he will be surely missed in California.

Scott Daloisio on any Saturday night: "And here comes JONES!"

Although we will all miss Tony's talent on the speedway, it is great to see a guy going out on his own terms. Good Luck in the future Tony, and thanks for all the thrills!

later,

Bob Mays

Tony Jones, Silver Bullet #4 and Cory Kruseman, #21K White/Red Tail Tank Video battling it out at Ventura, Ca 10-25-2008! USAC/CRA 410 non-wing sprint car action!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iki54ELbVYM

Larry "O":applaud: