Story By: RANSOMVILLE SPEEDWAY – RANSOMVILLE, NY – The Krown Undercoating 358 Modifieds will gain another graduate from the Investor’s Service Sportsman division as Jonathan Reid of Lockport will make the step up to the headline division for 2021.
Reid will pilot the Reid’s Drive-In, Housel’s Sunoco, Crosby’s #9 358 Modified.
“We got a good deal on a good motor, and I’m getting older, so I figured it’s now or never,” said Reid.
Reid spent 15 years in the go-karts where he racked up numerous wins, and along the way he began driving TQ Midgets on asphalt for the legendary Harry Macy. Reid showcased his talents both outdoors and indoors with the TQs, including racking up eight wins at Lancaster Speedway.
He made his debut at the “Big R” in 2016 in the Novice Sportsman where he quickly found his way to victory lane while driving for Kenny Banker. Reid joined the regular Sportsman division during the following season. He experienced varying degrees of success over four seasons in the Sportsman, but he feels now is as good as time as any to jump up to the 358s.
“I’ve been hit or miss with the Sportsman,” said Reid. “I’ve got two wins and have had a bunch of top fives, but I’ve also had times when we’ve struggled. The Modifieds are a whole different animal, so my expectations are low. I just want to make laps and try my best.”
Reid’s children have also caught the racing bug. His six-year-old daughter Ava will be making her debut at the “Little R” this season as part of the go-kart program after getting her feet wet in the family’s backyard. Reid’s four-year-old son Jack is already a die-hard race fan, not missing any of his dad’s races last season. He’ll continue to hone his karting skills in the backyard before joining his sister on track.
“Watching your kids is the most exciting and nerve-racking feeling I’ve ever felt,” said Reid. “I’m definitely more excited for them to be racing karts this season than me driving the Modifieds. Both of their karts have been stripped and put back together while the Modifieds are waiting for attention.”
Adding to the family atmosphere is Jon’s dad, Tom Reid, who is also a fixture at the track.
“Being back at Ransomville and moving up to the Mods has him pumped up,” said Reid. “We had a good time at Genesee this year, but Ransomville is closer to home and it’s his favorite dirt track.”