John Wes Townley

John Wes Townley, who launched his racing career at the age of 9, wasted little time displaying his natural talent on the track by winning three championships during his freshman season. The Oconee County resident won 15 races en route to go-kart titles at Currahee Speedway in Athens, Peach State Kartway in Jefferson, and Shiloh Speedway in Danielsville.

Townley, 15, made a successful transition to bandoleros in 2000 when he captured the prestigious Thursday Thunder championship at Atlanta Motor Speedway. He went on to capture track title that same season at 441 Speedway in Dublin, Lanier National Speedway in Braselton, and Senoia Speedway. Townley finished second in points in the state of Georgia, and wound up fourth nationally.

Townley captured 35 wins during his three-year bandolero career before moving to Legends. He was a front-runner in a Legends car, a series where he claimed four checkered flags. Townley moved into a Late Model in August 2005. In just five starts, he won one pole position, while posting two top 5 and three top 10 finishes.

He plans to compete in a minimum of 30 Late Model races in 2006 in the ASA South Series, Georgia Asphalt Series, and NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series. His short-range plans include becoming a developmental driver for a NASCAR Nextel Cup Series team.