Conner Jones - Slim Jim 200 Race Preview
Event: Slim Jim 200 (200 laps / 105.2 miles)
Round: 24 of 25 (Playoffs Round of 8)
Track: Martinsville Speedway
Location: Ridgeway, Virginia
Date & Time: Friday, October 24 | 6:00 PM ET
Tune-In: FOX Sports 1 | NASCAR Racing Network (NRN) | SiriusXM Ch. 90
Team Stats & Notes
- Niece Motorsports Martinsville Stats: Since 2017, Niece drivers have combined to make 34 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) starts at Martinsville Speedway. The team has garnered two top-fives and four top-10s, including a runner-up finish with Ross Chastain in fall, 2019. In the spring race, Matt Mills led the team with a 15th-place result.
- Milestone Start: Friday's Slim Jim 200 will mark the 600th combined start for Niece Motorsports drivers. The team is only behind one active organization, ThorSport Racing, with the most starts in the series.
No. 41 DQS Solutions & Staffing Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Conner Jones | Crew Chief: Mike Shiplett
- Jones Returns: Conner Jones will make his fifth and final NCTS start of the year with Niece Motorsports on Friday. Jones had previously driven for the team at North Wilkesboro Speedway, Pocono Raceway, Bristol Motor Speedway, and New Hampshire Motor Speedway, posting a best result of 18th at Bristol.
- Jones' Martinsville Stats: Jones made his NCTS debut at Martinsville Speedway in spring, 2023. In that race, the Virginian finished 18th. He did not compete in either of the two series' events here last year, but has also made two starts in the famous Valley Star Credit Union 300 Late Model Stock race.
- Shiplett's Martinsville Stats: Mike Shiplett has called three NCTS races at Martinsville and picked up his track-best finish of 15th in the spring race while working with Matt Mills. Shiplett has also made one NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) start and 12 Cup Series starts here throughout his career.
- On the Truck: Jones' No. 41 Chevrolet Silverado RST will race with support from DQS Solutions & Staffing. This will be the company's first time joining on as a primary sponsor for the 19-year-old.
- Double Duty: On Thursday, Jones will compete in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series race before he straps in his No. 41 truck. Jones has attempted two races with the tour this year - North Wilkesboro and Richmond.
- Quoting Jones: What are some differences of driving a truck and a late model around Martinsville?
“The trucks and the late models are pretty different here. The weight distribution is similar, but outside of that, they’re pretty opposite. The pedals are a lot softer in the late model stocks compared to the trucks, and the brake pedal is especially stiffer in a truck. I’d say the late model stock turns quicker because it’s a lot lighter and the chassis are built different. They react quicker, but they’re both fun to race around Martinsville.”
About Niece Motorsports: Niece Motorsports is a professional auto racing team that has competed in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) since 2016. Fielding the Nos. 41, 42, 44 and 45 trucks, the team has garnered nine wins, 50+ top-fives, 100+ top-10s, 200+ top-15 finishes and made five playoff appearances. Founded by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece, the team is owned by Josh Morris of DQS Solutions and Staffing and the Fowler Family of J.F. Electric and Utilitra. At its 80,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Salisbury, NC, Niece Motorsports is a full-service race vehicle build shop as well as a customizable fabrication shop for any manufacturing needs.
Follow the Team: To keep up to date with the latest team news, visit niecemotorsports.com or connect on Facebook and Instagram (@NieceMotorsports) as well as X (@NieceMotorsport).
About DQS Solutions & Staffing: Guided by a mission to achieve excellence and adaptability, DQS partners with clients to create custom solutions that address unique business challenges. Recognized as Michigan’s fastest-growing company and #22 in the nation on the Inc. 5000 list, DQS drives industry growth while giving back through its nonprofit, Foundation for Pops, and partnerships like the River Rouge School District.
