“Entirely different than I remember”: Erik Jones on Owosso Speedway’s “transformation” amid his first race since 2016

Erik Jones recently raced at the Owosso Speedway for the first time in eight years. On his return, the team Legacy Motor Club driver was impressed by the improvements the Speedway has made over the years.

Jones participated in the UARA Nationals race held at the Owosso Speedway on September 11. While he finished in 14th place, the #43 driver enjoyed his time during the practice runs and commented on its transformation as he wrote (via his X handle):

"Feeling good today, finished practice P2. It's an entirely different Owosso Speedway than I remember, and it has completely transformed with the new repave. Should be a good learning experience tonight, hoping to get it done for you guys," Erik Jones wrote.

Speaking to Racing America, Erik Jones said that it was his first visit to the track since its re-pavement in 2023 and speculated on the condition the track would've been in, had it not been redone. He said (via Racing America's X handle):

"If it didn't get repaved and didn't get redone, I don't know how much longer it was gonna last. So, you know, pretty cool to see what, what Rex, in this group, has done, really brought the place back, and already one of the nicest places in Michigan. And it's gonna be even more important stuff," Erik Jones said [at 00:39]

Notably, Owosso Speedway is where Jones won his first Pro Srock Feature race in 2009 aged 13. Two years later, he won the JEGS/CRA All-Star Tour event, defeating Josh Nelms and Chad Finley.

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Things didn't turn out as expected for Erik Jones at the Owosso Speedway

The #43 driver competed in the UARA National held on Wednesday at the Owosso Speedway. Jones maintained a position in the top three throughout the practice and qualifying rounds and completed the lap in a record time of 14.376s.

However, things went south for the Michigan-born driver in the 38th lap after an incident involving him and Steve Dorer resulted in a DNF for both drivers.

At the time, Erik only completed 38 laps, and Steve Dorer completed 64 laps. The #43 driver finished in fourteenth place, while Billy VanMeter lifted the crown, ahead of Blake Rowe and Austin Hull.

Despite the DNF, the #43 driver thanked his fans for their support and expressed gratitude on returning to the track where he first started out as a driver.

"An unfortunate finish for our day. Obviously did not play out like we planned, but I'm glad we had the chance to race at home. Thanks to the fans for showing up to support, and thanks to VAST, Chase Plastics, E14 Cattle Co, and Coopersville Fleet Repair for riding along with me," Jones posted on his X account.