Full-Time Fun

By Paul Warner
Wednesday, January 30, 2008 10:37:00 AM
 
Travis Kittleson to pilot JCR3 Pro Cup machine in ‘08

Myrtle Beach, S.C.-Travis Kittleson has done a lot of things other drivers dream about. He’s competed part-time in the Craftsman Truck and Busch Series over the last few years. But this year, Kittleson is going to get to do what he wants: competing full-time in the Hooters Pro Cup Series.

"I did those deals and ran a few races in those series last year, but I ain’t in this for the glory," said Kittleson. "Racing full-time is more important to me."

Challenging for a title is also important. And Kittleson believes that his new team, JCR3 Racing, is capable of that.

"I’ve been in the shop; they’ve got all the people and equipment to compete for the championship," said Kittleson. "But they’ve also got the right attitude. I absolutely think that we should run up front and challenge for the title."

Kittleson has good reason to be optimistic. Since joining the Hooters Pro Cup Series, JCR3 Racing has progressed into a top-tier team, picking up their first win last season and finishing fourth in the Southern Division standings with Chase Pistone as the driver. But Kittleson knows hoisting the championship trophy won’t be easy, given the extent of top-quality competition in the Hooters Pro Cup Series.

"A lot of these guys have won at every level they’ve been at," said Kittleson, who will drive the No. 54s Chevrolet. "If you beat guys like Bobby Gill and Mark McFarland, you’ve beat some of best drivers around. This is going to be a fun year, and I can’t wait until Lakeland."

Prior to his stint in the Truck and Busch Series, Kittleson raced on the ASA National Tour for several years. Before that, Kittleson was a veteran of the Florida short tracks, winning the 1999 Winter Series at the New Smyrna Speedway as well as the 1999 Orlando Speedworld Rookie of the Year award. In 2000, Kittleson was named the Florida Sunbelt Rookie of the Year after winning the 2000 Orlando World Speedworld championship.

Joining Kittleson at JCR3 will be his longtime backer Bob Steele Chevrolet. C&C Boiler and Cleaver Brooks will also provide backing during the season.