John Wilkinson to Race Pro Late Model at Whittemore Speedway

2022 Alabama Racing Hall of Fame inductee, John "Boy" Wilkinson, is set to make a highly anticipated return to his home state of Michigan this Saturday, competing in the JEGS/CRA Pro Late Model series. This marks Wilkinson's first race in Michigan since his memorable appearance in the 1993 ARCA race.

"I’m super excited to be back in Michigan with my family racing," said Wilkinson. "The atmosphere here is incredible, and it’s been so long since I’ve been here in a race car. The track itself holds a lot of history and I’m just eager to get back behind the wheel and compete."

WATCH ON RACINGAMERICA.TV

Wilkinson's return to Pro Late Model racing is not just a personal milestone but also a significant event in his illustrious career. Celebrated for his remarkable achievements, Wilkinson won the 2009 Southern Superstars Short Track Series Championship and the 2011 World Classic. He has amassed over 100 late model victories throughout his career from the early '90s to the mid-2000s.

“The CRA Late Models are a tough division from top to bottom, and it might take a lot of work for us to break into the front of the field,” notes Wilkinson. “We’ve never been afraid of work, and we’re absolutely not afraid of doing things the hard way. So, we’re ready for anything that comes our way on Saturday.”

Although Wilkinson and his low-budget operation have only made a handful of Pro Late Model starts since last fall, he’s confident that the 1/4 mile, half-banked track will suit his driving style.

“I like racing tracks like this,” notes Wilkinson. “We have a few tracks in the South with a similar style, and I like how they race. I’ve found a lot of success on 1/4 mile tracks throughout my career, and I’m excited to get back after it on Saturday.”

“Getting back in a car after spending so long on the other side makes me really excited,” continues the Alabama native. “With only running this car once this year, it’s been about trying to find that perfect balance between what the car wants and needs to get the most out of it and what I can do behind the wheel to make that happen.”

“At the end of the day, I don’t just want to do well; I want to win,” emphasizes Wilkinson. “We’ve put in hours to get this car ready, and now it’s time for me to do my job.”

The InstaCoat 4th Up North 104 featuring the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour will get underway on Saturday, July 6th, with qualifying beginning at 6:00 pm EST.

Marketing support for John Wilkinson’s ‘Return to Michigan’ campaign is provided by Instacoat Premium Products, Grand American Race Cars, Hamner Racing Engines, and Cajun Roux.

-Story by: Tracy Hoskins