
Crum Claims UARA Stars Title
17-year Old Caps Impressive Season with Series Championship
Concord, NC: It has been a head-turning season for young Jake Crum, who entered his second year in the UARA Stars series boasting the strongest career record of any driver his age in the country. After his performance in the series finale Saturday night in Concord, NC, he finishes as many suspected he would: a champion again.
Crum and the #1 Mark 4 Suzuki Chevrolet began the race with the series lead, but just 35 points in front. The team started strong, and qualified 6th with a speed of 110 mph. The night was full of hard bumps and competitive racing, drawing a dozen cautions during the evening.
Crum held position throughout the night, until he was put hard into the inside wall on Concord’s famed “dog leg” on lap 99. He then re-started in 20th place, but quickly worked his way back through the field and had regained 12th position by lap 120.
On lap 127, Crum made a move to the outside, and was caught when two cars in front of the young driver collided. Crum suffered damage to the front fender, which was hanging precariously from the frame. Unable to pit without losing valuable track position, Crum had no option but to stay out, risking a two lap penalty if the fender were to come loose. Fortunately, Crum’s luck held, and he finished in 9th place. Crum the 16 ends the race season with 1 pole, 2 wins, 10 top fives, and 12 top tens.
“It’s been a great ride this year”, said Jake. “We’re grateful to everyone that supported us. There were a lot of long hours put in, we had to overcome some real challenges, and everyone really worked together as a team. I’m so glad we were able to do this together. It’s awesome.”
“There’s just something about Jake that always knows he can win”, said Jake’s father, Billy Crum. “He just finds a way. It’s not just talent, it’s his mindset too. He’s had just about every circumstance thrown at him this year – even starting last. Somehow, if the car’s at all capable, at the end of the race there he is. We’re so proud of him, and look forward to seeing what he can do at the next level.”
Jake Crum now boasts 53 championships and over 350 wins across his career – not bad for 17 years old.