Team that has fielded cars for Earl Pearson Jr. shutting down

The team that has fielded Dirt Late Models for Earl Pearson Jr. since the end of the 2021 season is apparently closing its doors. The announcement of the closure came Monday afternoon on the 'Earl Pearson Jr. Racing' page on Facebook which also stated that an official press release would soon be forthcoming. 

Papich Racing is owned by California businessman and part-time racer Jason Papich. The statement also pointed out that details of the selling off of the team's equipment would be made known as well. 

Here is the text of that announcement:

"As the 2023 season comes to an end Papich racing would like to thank all the sponsors, crew, family and friends for your awesome support this racing year. I feel very fortunate to have amazing car owners, but even better friends such as Jason and April. JC and Trevor are two of the best crew guys a driver and car owner could ask for. Great job guys!!!"

After several conversations with the team, Jason being very busy with several of his growing businesses, and rising cost of the sport we have made the difficult decision to shut Papich Racing down. Our friendship within this team and owners is stronger than ever and I am grateful for each of you.

I would like to thank all of our sponsors for this race season and those that have been with me for many years!!!"

The 51-year-old driver from Jacksonville, Florida finished 10th in the 2023 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series standings with no wins but three top-five and 19 top-ten finishes.

'The Hurricane' is a four-time Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series champion and ranks fifth on that tour's all-time wins list with 40 feature victories to his credit. Aside from those accomplishments, Pearson was the 2006 winner of the World 100 at Eldora Speedway and the 2010 Dirt Track World Championship at West Virginia Motor Speedway.

While the announcement did say that Papich Racing would be shutting down, it did not necessarily indicate that Pearson would be retiring from driving.

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