Founded in 1950, NASCAR Ford team Wood Brothers Racing is the sport’s oldest organization. The next generation is now stepping up to take on a co-ownership role in the family owned racing team, keeping the name – and heritage – going, according to a report from NASCAR.com.
Jon Wood is assuming Team President duties from his father, Eddie Wood, who is stepping down from day-to-day duties at the motorsports team. Jon will help operate the team alongside his family members, Jordan and Keven, following in the footsteps of his father as well as team founder and Wood family patriarch, Glen Wood.
“We’re really excited. We’re honored. I think it’s awesome,” Jordan said. “I know it’s such a big honor, and it’s something we’ve all wanted for a long time. Not that we’ve pushed anything, but it’s something that this is our legacy. This is our family legacy. We want to continue it, we want to create these relationships within the industry, and I think this is such a big part of that.”
Throughout its nearly 75-year history, Wood Brothers Racing has fielded NASCAR Ford and Mercury race cars for legendary drivers. Cale Yarborough, Junior Johnson, David Pearson and even Glen Wood himself have taken control of race cars fielded by the Wood Bros. Reigning Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney had a short tenure with the team in the mid 2010s, and the team boasts the 2011 Daytona 500 win with Trevor Bayne behind the wheel. The team’s paint scheme hasn’t changed much throughout the years, and to this day, Harrison Burton’s No. 21 Ford Mustang Dark Horse carries the simple but bold red-on-white livery to the Cup Series.
Jon also has hands-on driving experience, having raced in local NASCAR national series from 2001 to 2008, and earning two Truck Series wins.
“My grandpa instilled a lot of values in my dad and my uncle that I know have contributed to the longevity of the team, and it’s not a competitive nature,” Jon said. “It’s not go out, spend the most money, hire the most expensive driver, win every weekend. It’s treat people right, be respectful, stay humble and that sort of mindset I feel like is the very reason we’re the oldest team in NASCAR.”
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Comments
Why is their car so slow evey week? It is a shame they don’t run better
Unfortunately they’re a backmarker team and don’t have the resources that a team like Hendrick or Penske does.
They are a satellite team of Penske. In fact it apears their cars are prepped at the Penske shop. I was at Penske shop on April 18 and saw the Wood Brothers car & hauler there, pulling out for Talladega.