MOORESVILLE, North Carolina (January 12, 2016) – Officials from Rette Jones Racing (RJR) announced today that Late Model standout Dominique Van Wieringen (@DominiqueRacing) has joined the team for a full NASCAR K&N Pro Series East (NKNPSE) schedule this season.
Van Wieringen, 20, advances to the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East after running a Late Model schedule last season for NEMCO Motorsports. During her rookie season, her ability to maximize speed and car control awarded her with five top-five finishes and seven top-10 efforts overall.
Under the leadership of co-owner and former ARCA Racing Series championship crew chief Mark Rette, the Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada native will pilot the No. 30 Rette Jones Racing Ford Fusion beginning with the season-opener at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway on Feb. 14.
“I’m very excited about this opportunity from Rette Jones Racing and the chance to compete in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East this season,” said Van Wieringen who now resides in Charlotte. “I’m up for the challenges that come with an advancement to the K&N Pro Series East, but with the support of Mark, Terry (Jones, co-owner) and the rest of the RJR team, I’m excited for the future.”
Entering her 14th year of competition, Van Wieringen has set many accololades, despite her youth. She was the first female to lead a lap in the CRA / JEGS All-Star Series and the first rookie to win a JEGS / CRA All-Star Series points race. In addition, Van Wieringen was the first female to win an Outlaw Super Late Model championship in the United States, while holding the current record at Winchester (Ind.) Speedway for the most laps led (74) by a female competitor.
While bidding for a drivers championship in addition to chasing a Rookie of the Year crown, Van Wieringen is University of North Carolina-Charlotte Junior working towards a mechanical engineering degree with a minor in motorsports engineering.
Rette who launched Rette Jones Racing on the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East tour last July sees the determination and heart in his young driver, while echoing her enthusiasm to perform right away.
RJR jointly owned by racers Rette and driver Terry Jones burst onto the scene last year with an impressive second-place showing with driver Grant Quinlan at Columbus Motor Speedway, after qualifying third. Additional solid performances at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Richmond (Va.) International Raceway have the upbeat about a full schedule.
“I can’t begin to tell you how excited we are for this partnership with Dominique,” added Rette. “She brings an enormous racing background to the Rette Jones Racing team, while also showing the eagerness to learn and showcase not only her talent, but the capabilities of Rette Jones Racing.
“We’re equally proud to have a driver from Canada, actually right from Terry’s hometown, where she’ll not only bring a unique fan base to a full-time presence in the United States, but continue to be a successful role model in two countries. It’s a win-win situation for Rette Jones Racing.”
Marketing partners for Van Wieringen’s effort, along with details for the team’s second NASCAR K&N Pro Series East program are forthcoming.
For more on Dominique Van Wieringen, visit dominiqueracing.com and follow her on Twitter @DominiqueRacing.
The latest on Rette Jones Racing is available at the team’s Facebook page, while also active on Twitter @RetteJones30.
PHOTO CAPTION: Dominique Van Wieringen, driver of the No. 30 Rette Jones Racing Ford Fusion for Rette Jones Racing (RJR) in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East (NKNPSE).
