BIOGRAPHY
Jeff Jones, Co-Founder and CEO of HOTPIT Autofest, is a Professional Driver who has been competing in the Formula Drift PRO Championship Series since 2009. Jeff started drifting in 2002 in a Toyota Celica GTS and eventually moved on to local competitions such as Just Drift, Drift Day, Pro-Am Nationals, Drift Buffet and XDC competing in a Mazda Rx-7.
Jeff has been featured in magazine ad publications for PasMag, Super Street, D-Sport as well as local radio, in-store promotional advertisements and billboard signages. After a few successful seasons in various platforms (Nissan S13, Mazda FD3S, Nissan S14), as well as doing double duty in PRO & Pro 2 in 2014-2016 with a 2nd place overall Championship finish, the team decided it was time for a new car. In 2018, Jeff built an all new Nissan 370z and really established himself as a force to be reckoned with. In 2020 Jeff saw two Final 4 finishes and an overall finish of 9th place for the season.
Taking that strong momentum to bring it even stronger in 2021, the team achieved another Final 4 finish, 2 Great 8’s and a 1st Place podium finish at the Long Beach Grand Prix Super Drift Challenge. In 2022, the team built and debuted a new lighter, more powerful Nissan 370z. After 14 seasons, Jeff “Brought the Team to the PODIUM”, placing 3rd at Rd 8 Irwindale, CA. It was the 1st PRO podium finish for Jeff Jones Racing, unlocking a new level for the team.
Also in 2022, Jeff co-founded and launched HOTPIT Autofest, a lifelong dream of his to bring Semi-Pro drifting to So-Cal which has become a domination force in the region. As a pioneer of drifting, Jeff is dedicated to giving back to the drifting community by mentoring and developing the future stars of drifting while spreading the message of keeping drifting on the track.
For the 2024 Season, Jeff is unveiling a new partnership with Kumho Tires in his veteran’s 16th season. The team is looking to DOMINATE the podium this season.#JEFFJONESRACING #EVOLAUTOWORKS #KUMHOTIRESUSA #BIGDRIFTENERGY #818 #RELENTLESS #THEPRISMALAB #TOP1OIL
2024 Team Members:
Chris Jackson – Crew Chief
Christina Jones – Team Manager
Matt Perkins – Spotter
Tim Keehnel – Crew Member
Caleb La Batte – Crew Member
David Karey – Crew Member
Title Sponsor – Evol Auto Works
Jeff Jones Racing Drift Chassis History:
2002-2005 Toyota Celica GTS (Pro-Am)
2005-2008 Mazda RX-7 (Pro-Am)
2009 Nissan S13
2010 Mazda RX-7 FD3S
2011 Nissan S13
2012-2017 Nissan S14
2018-2021 Nissan 370Z
2022-2024 NEW Nissan 370Z
PERSONAL INFO
Age: 41
Hometown: Sun Valley, California
Residence: Redlands, California
TEAM INFO
Team Name: Jeff Jones Racing
Car Name: Evol Auto Works BIG Drift Energy Prisma Labs, Nissan 370Z
2024 Sponsors: Evol Auto Works, Kumho Tire USA, BIG Drift Energy, , NRG Innovations, The Prisma Lab, Top 1 Oil, doc, CA Auto Parts, DNA Motoring, Action Clutch, Klutch Wheels, LINK ECU, PARTS SHOP MAX, Duraflex, G-Force Transmissions, Renegade Fuel