NEWS
TJ MOON TAKES INEX OUTLAW BANDOLERO NATIONAL TITLE
The pursuit of title chasing can be one of agony or victory. For TJ Moon victory has been a long and winding road, yet he managed to stay atop of the points chart all season long. Starting the season off winning the Winter Nationals championship TJ was on a mission. His season saw him take an incredible 21 first place finishes at nearly a dozen tracks.
We caught up with TJ after is championship run. Simply how does it feel... "This means a lot to me," TJ said. "Redhead Racing and I have worked for 2 years racing with the best of the best drivers out there, so being able to win this means so much to me, my team and my whole family."
We asked TJ what were some of the seasons highlights. "It's hard to pick just one favorite moment," he said. "My top 3 would be, Sweeping Winter Nationals," where he had 5 poles / 5 wins. "Winning the Summer Shootout," where he won 7 out of 10 races. "And Sweeping Bando Nationals," with 2 poles and 2 victories.
Moon's future is bright and as he heads out west to race in a Jr. Late Model this week out at Irwindale Speedway, seeing him in the U.S. Legend Cars for a few events coming up in 2025 isn't out of question.
TJ MOON SET TO RUN OUT WEST IN THE JR LATE MODELS AT IRWINDALE
Mooresville, NC (February 22nd, 2024) – TJ Moon Racing announced today that Bandolero standout, TJ Moon will take on a new venture in 2024. The 13 year old native of Main, who recently transplanted in North Carolina is ready to take on the west coast in the Jr. Spec Late Model Series at Irwindale Speedway, in Irwindale, California.
The series is run and managed by Bob Bruncati who has many NASCAR/ARCA West series titles to his name. The Jr. Spec Late Model class is designed for 12 to 16 years old junior drivers interested in learning to drive stock cars. All of the cars are built identically, to make it fair for all the drivers to be competitive. The cars are a full size Late Model with a restricted 602 crate engine. The series runs on the famed Irwindale Speedway with a full season schedule.
TJ has been on a hot streak. He claimed the Winter Nationals Outlaw Bandolero title at Citrus Speedway in Florida with 5 straight wins as well as grabbing 3 wins and 3 runner up spots at the Winter Heat the week prior. As he continues the Bandolero’s, his parents know it’s vital to keep the momentum going forward for TJ’s career as a driver. “I want him to be the best that he can be,” said his Father, Jeff. Taking this opportunity will allow him to be coached by professionals that know how to start a young driver at this level.” The program offers TJ a chance to work with a crew chief and spotter therefore advancing his development as a driver. “Currently I am proud and excited that TJ is being provided this opportunity, his mother Jessi said. She continued, “But I know once we are out there, my motherly nervousness will take over. However I know that he will be in good hands.”
We caught up with TJ to chat about his upcoming venture and the growth in his career. “I was shocked and excited to learn that I will be given an opportunity to race not only a Jr. Late Model but also in California at Irwindale,” said TJ. As any athlete knows, a change in the program calls for a change in routine. “I will need to work on my physical strength and conditioning due to the cars being larger and the races have more laps.” We asked what was one thing that attracted TJ to this program. “All the cars are built equally and they provide great opportunities for further coaching, a true development opportunity.” We spoke to Bob Bruncati and he added. “We are excited to have TJ run a couple of races with us. Him coming from North Carolina is special and I would love to see a few more drivers from there in the future.”
TJ has some time to get prepared as he is scheduled to run in September and October with the opportunity to run other dates in the near future. “I am a little nervous but excited at the same time to have this opportunity,” TJ said. “I have to thank my sponsors for getting me to this point as well as my Nana and of course my Mom & Dad.”
For more information on the Jr. Spec Late Model programs, please visit their website:
TJ MOON ANNOUNCES NEW SPONSOR WHALEY FOOD SERVICE
Charlotte, NC (January 16th, 2024) - TJ Moon Racing announced today that he has a new sponsor for the 2024 season. Whaley Foodservice, your one-stop shop for commercial foodservice equipment repair has come on as a partner. With over 70 years in the food service industry and more than 400 technicians, Whaley is one of the largest commercial food equipment service companies in the United States.
"I am excited to have Whaley onboard with us to help us have a successful 2024 season," commented TJ.
TJ is getting ready for The Winter Heat Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway as it begins this weekend.
For more information on Whaley Foodservice:
TJ MOON RACING TEAMS UP WITH SIMPSON
Mooresville NC (November 30th, 2023) – INEX Bandolero standout TJ Moon announced his sponsorship from Simpson Race Products.
“The products that they offer provide comfort and durability,” TJ said. “If we ever have any questions about a product that Simpson sells, the staff is always there to answer any questions and provide guidance on what to do or what to buy based on my needs.”
As TJ and his team work up through the ranks of racing from karting to now in the Bandoleros, he has put forth a strong focus on his marketing. Working with a marketing manager and gathering the tools and knowledge is paying off. “This means a lot to me,” he said. “I never would have thought that I would have the opportunity at this level to be representing the Simpson brand.”
TJ will adorn the Simpson branding from head to toe as he heads into the 2024 racing season.
For more on Simpson visit their site:
TJ MOON GRABS OUTLAW TOP 5 OVERALL IN THE SUMMER SHOOTOUT SERIES
Charlotte NC (August 3rd, 2023) - Bandolero driver TJ Moon ran and impressive 10 week series in the Cookout Summer Shootout with the U.S. Legend Car Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Drivers from all around come to compete in the annual series providing stiff competition all series long. TJ was able to take his Redhead Racing #9 machine across the line in victory 2 out of the 10 events. With a win in the series finale, TJ placed 4th oval in the Outlaw division.
Up next for TJ is the INEX Bandolero Nationals at Charlotte. TJ currently sits in the 6th position in the national INEX Championship points battle, and 2nd in the state. Stay tuned as the season unfolds and TJ Moon Racing heads into he sunset of the 2023 season.