MONROVIA, Ind. – Sprint car driver Justin Peck has been reinstated by DIRTcar and is cleared to return to World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series competition, effective immediately.
Peck’s reinstatement comes following the successful completion of an alcohol or drug-education program, as well as two negative tests during the final 14 days of his suspension and payment of the $1,000 fine assessed by DIRTcar.
The Indiana young gun was notified of his reinstatement by World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series director Carlton Reimers on Wednesday morning.
Peck told SPEED SPORT that with the past behind him, he’s simply ready to get back down to business.
“I’m here to race. The main goal for me and everyone that I race for is to go out and win races, and you can’t do that when you have to focus on outside matters,” noted Peck. “It’s nice to be able to be back in the saddle again full time and be completely focused on turning the wheel left again; it’s a good feeling.”
Peck will get right back to work behind the wheel this weekend, running at least two nights in Indiana car owner Jerry Burton’s No. 04 sprint car.
The pair plans to tackle Thursday night’s BOSS Sprint Car Series event at Kokomo Speedway, running in support of the USAC Smackdown finale, before they go against the USAC sprint car field on Saturday night at Lawrenceburg Speedway.
“This is a deal that we’ve wanted to do for a while. Jerry and I started talking over the winter about possibly running a full season this year, and I ultimately decided at that point that I wanted to go winged sprint car racing,” Peck explained. “That hasn’t gone the way I wanted it to, but he called me last week Wednesday and said he needed a driver and asked if I wanted to be in the seat.
“I think it’s going to be a good weekend; I really do,” Peck continued. “I have to thank Jerry and I’m looking forward to talking to a lot of guys that I haven’t gotten to talk to in a while. I’m sure there are a lot of people out there who are still disappointed, but my hope is that after this weekend, they’ll realize where my heart’s at.”
Peck also confirmed that while his remaining schedule for the year is somewhat fluid, he does plan to return to the seat of his winged sprint car as well.
“We’re going to be at Kokomo next Saturday, for sure, for the All Star finale … and we’re talking about going to the Jacksonville MOWA show on Friday as well,” he said. “The Jacksonville (World of) Outlaws show is on our radar, and beyond that I’m not really sure at this moment.
“There are some things up in the air, but right now we’re just going to take things one weekend at a time and focus on racing. We’ll see where things go and hopefully make a positive impact.”
Above all, Peck is grateful to have a new lease on his season and noted he’s learned many lessons along his recent road.
“The last few months have taught me a lot, but it’s been a reminder of how blessed I am,” said Peck. “When you look evil in the eye and can still come out and see the light on the other side, you know that things can get better.
“It’s just cool to be able to get back to where I am now and I’m thankful for everyone that has stood by me through everything that’s happened.”
