Racing Easy as A-B-C

Turn 5
Season 1
Lap 9

"Jackson Racing Adds Three Drivers"

by Phillip Gasstank
Chouteau Morning Tribune
Saturday, July 29, 2006

CHOUTEAU- Car owner Joe "Big Papa" Jackson announced plans to expand his racing team following Friday night's action at Salina Highbanks Speedway.

The team will feature three more pure stock drivers. More importantly, for the Jacksons, racing remains a family affair. Big Papa Jackson says the decision to put more of his children behind the wheel stems from the success of son J.D. and daughter Emily.

"J.D. and Emily are both real smooth drivers, and they make it look easy as A-B-C, one-two-three," Big Papa Jackson said. "So I'm really excited about the idea of launching three more of my kids in some Motown racing machines."

Jackson family members Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon will join siblings J.D. and Emily in the pure stock division at Salina Highbanks. The family of drivers will compete under the banner of the newly formed Jackson Five Racing Team.

"I'd walked away from racing cars after our fallout in the 80's," said Tito, "but J.D. came to me and was all quoting our 1969 hit 'I want you back.' So now I'm back and ready to bring the funky sounds back to stock car racing."

The Jacksons announced the formation of the new racing team at a press conference in front of their Chouteau, Oklahoma garage.

"You won't be able to find a prouder papa on this earth right now," Big Papa Jackson said. "I'm very glad to expand the racing team and make our sound at Salina louder and funkier."

J.D. Jackson, currently ninth in Salina's pure stock points battle, echoed his father's enthusiasm for the new team.

"We're gonna hit that track and just beat it," J.D. said. "We're not gonna stop 'til we get enough, and hopefully it will just be a thriller for all the fans."

Emily Jackson, who currently occupies fourth place in the pure stock division, and is the only female member of the Jackson Five racing team, was unavailable for comment due to a wardrobe malfunction.

Pure stock competitor Russell McLain (currently 5th in point standings) remains unphased by the thought of three more Jacksons on the race track.

"They can send out all of the kids, their daddy, mom, even grandma. I don't really care. My jet powered Lincoln is ready to take on all of 'em," McLain said.

According to Big Papa Jackson, all five members of his newly formed team will be in action on Friday, August 4, at the Highbanks.