Kyle Steckly Ready to Double Down in ASA STARS Competition

HICKORY, NC - May 21 2025 - When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

The 2025 ASA STARS National Tour season hasn’t started the way Rette Jones Racing or former series winner Kyle Steckly envisioned.

Instead, it’s been a mix of frustration and flashes of promise. But with a doubleheader weekend ahead at Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway and Newport (Tenn.) Raceway, the Mooresville, N.C.-based team, is focused on reversing course and getting back in contention.

“We definitely haven’t had the start to the season we were hoping for,” said Steckly. “It’s been frustrating at times, but we’ve also seen glimpses of what this team is capable of.

“We’re heading into Hickory and Newport with a clean slate mentality. These back-to-back races give us a real chance to build momentum, execute, and show what Rette Jones Racing is made of.”

To help steer the team back into contention, Rette Jones Racing has utilized the recent downtime to compete in other Late Model events while also committing to full days of testing, in search of the consistency and comfort that could help propel Steckly back to Victory Lane.

“We’ve been using every bit of the break to regroup and refocus,” Steckly added. “Whether it’s racing other Late Model shows or putting in full test days, we’re doing everything we can to find the feel and speed we need.

“It’s all about getting back to that level where we’re confident every time we unload — and I really believe we’re getting close.”

Two races in two days can challenge the fundamentals of any race team, but for Rette Jones Racing, the quick turnaround could be just what they need to climb the championship standings — and give Steckly a prime opportunity to capture his second career ASA STARS National Tour victory.

“We had a fast car at Hickory last year before a mechanical failure took us out,” recalled Steckly. “We’ve already had enough misfortune this season to last the rest of the year, but I’m hopeful we can take what we learned and execute cleanly on Thursday night.

“From there, it’s a quick reset as we head to Newport — a brand-new track for the Rette Jones Racing team. A new venue levels the playing field for most of the field, and I’m optimistic that could work in our favor.”

While winning remains the ultimate goal, the Rette Jones Racing team would welcome two solid performances if a trip to Victory Lane isn’t in the cards.

Currently sitting 13th in the championship standings after three races — and trailing the points leader by over 100 markers — the team is determined to chip away at the deficit. And there’s no better way to do that than by stacking up strong finishes.

“We’re not where we want to be in the standings, and we know that,” said Steckly. “But there’s still a lot of racing left, and this weekend gives us a real chance to start turning things around.

“If we can put together two strong runs — stay out of trouble and finish well — we’ll start closing that gap. That’s the mindset right now: be smart, be consistent, and let the results take care of themselves.”

Auto Parts Centres (APC) | Canusa will again be featured on Steckly’s No. 30 Ford Mustang this year in ASA STARS National Tour competition.

APC Auto Parts Centres | Canusa is a family-owned automotive parts business started in 1981 with over 65 branches stretching across Ontario. APC’s target market is purely trade-based, supplying garages, specialty installers, dealerships, and muffler shops throughout the province.

Auto Parts Centres takes full advantage of the marketing power of motorsports by sponsoring numerous race cars and speedways around the province. APC is the proud title sponsor in the APC Pro Late Model Touring Series that has been recognized as one of Canada’s top series.

Mark Rette, Steckly’s crew chief and co-owner of Rette Jones Racing, understands the significance of the upcoming doubleheader and believes it could be the turning point the team needs to get its season back on track.

“Two races in two days is no easy task, but it’s also a great opportunity to gain ground quickly,” said Rette. “We’ve had a tough start to the season, no doubt, but everyone on this team is pushing hard to turn things around.

“If we can execute at Hickory and carry that momentum into Newport, I really believe we can start climbing out of this hole. It’s all about maximizing every lap, every pit stop, and giving Kyle a shot to do what he does best.”

In addition to back-to-back APC United Late Model Series championships (2023 – 2024), Steckly’s accolades include seven APC United Late Model Series wins, the 2023 Grisdale Triple Crown Champion and Gold Rush 123 winner, along with multiple podium finishes in the NASCAR Canada Series.   

For more on Kyle Steckly, like him on Facebook (Kyle Steckly Racing) and follow him on Instagram (@kyle_steckly) and X | Twitter (@KyleSteckly).

For more on Rette Jones Racing, please visit RetteJonesRacing.com, like them on Facebook (Rette Jones Racing), or follow them on Instagram (@RetteJones30) and X | Twitter (@RetteJones30).

For more information on the Ross & Witmer 255 Presented by Appalachian Sucker Punch and the Food Country USA 300, presented by Appalachian Sucker Punch, including the full entry list and event updates, please follow the ASA STARS National Tour on social media.

Fans unable to attend in person can watch the races live via TrackTV.com, providing full flag-to-flag event coverage.

About Auto Parts Centres (APC) | Canusa:

Auto Parts Centres (APC) | Canusa is a family-owned automotive parts business started in 1981 with over 65 branches stretching across Ontario. APC’s target market is purely trade-based, supplying garages, specialty installers, dealerships, and muffler shops throughout the province.

Auto Parts Centres takes full advantage of the marketing power of motorsports by sponsoring numerous race cars and speedways around the province. APC is the proud title sponsor in the APC Pro Late Model Touring Series that has been recognized as one of Canada’s top series.

About Rette Jones Racing:

Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, Rette Jones Racing (RJR) was founded in 2015 with the mission of building a competitive racing organization grounded in hard work, perseverance, and a racer’s mentality.

Owned by veteran racers Terry Jones and Mark Rette, the team is set to field full-time entries in both the 2025 ASA STARS National Tour and the NASCAR Euro Series.

Additionally, RJR plans to compete in select events across the ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR national series platforms.

Beyond its own racing efforts, Rette Jones Racing provides technical support and setup intelligence through its growing technical alliance partnership program.

*Courtesy of Rette Jones Racing