There will be a clear demonstration of the pursuit of greatness. On April 11, Brandon Jones, a driver for the University of Arkansas, competes in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee. The famous Razorbacks logo, which mixes NASCAR, the University of Arkansas, and the College of Engineering, will be worn by Jones, who competes under the TRICON banner. JR Jones, a mechanical engineering graduate of the College of Engineering in 1982, is the father of Brandon Jones. The race on Friday night was kindly sponsored by JR, a longtime friend of the university, and will be used as a platform to emphasize the university’s dedication to quality.
JR is the former CEO and executive chairman of Rheem Manufacturing, a world leader in HVAC and water heating systems. A member of the College of Engineering’s Founders’ Circle and the Arkansas Academy of Mechanical Engineering, he supports Vision 2035, the college’s strategic plan for the future, and was inducted into the College of Engineering’s Hall of Fame in 2019. He is still engaged in a number of advisory committees. Kim Needy, dean of the College of Engineering, stated, “We are all very excited that Brandon will be representing the College of Engineering and the University of Arkansas.” “We’ll be rooting for him to accept the checkered flag and return home without incident. JR’s backing of this event demonstrates the common ideals of excellence held by Brandon, NASCAR, the university, and the university.”
The race will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 1. Coverage will start at 6 p.m. locally April 11, followed by the race at 6:30 p.m.
This season, Brandon Jones, a full-time driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in the Xfinity Series, is participating in seven NASCAR Truck Series races with TRICON Garage. A victory at Pocono Raceway in 2020 marked the start of his NASCAR truck career. Jones finished in 12th place at Homestead-Miami Speedway in March, one of his many impressive efforts so far this season. Rockingham Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway, Kansas Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, and Pocono Raceway are among the forthcoming racetracks where he is scheduled to compete. Jones returns to Joe Gibbs Racing for his second stint in the Xfinity Series this season, in addition to his Truck Series obligations. Last Saturday, he secured his sixth career victory at Darlington Raceway. This victory puts the Georgia native on course to secure a seventh career Xfinity Series playoff appearance in his 10th full-time season.
“I can’t wait to drive again with TRICON and Toyota at Bristol,” Jones remarked. I’m thankful for this chance, and it’s one of my favorite songs. This race is even more significant because the University of Arkansas College of Engineering is my sponsor. We have strong family ties to Arkansas, and my dad is an alum. I’m extremely thrilled to be representing U of A this weekend because I was fortunate enough to grow up here.
