ROME, Ga. – Dirt late model driver Jake Knowles has joined forces with veteran racer Jason Welshan for the start of the upcoming season.

Knowles will pilot Welshan’s Competition Racing Equipment No. 66 C&J Trucking/ Robert Skinner Racing/ Savage Chassis Late Model in the upcoming Crate Racin’ USA Winter Shootout Series events.

“I have to say a big thanks to Jason and Savage Chassis for letting us run his car while we are building our own Savage Chassis,” Knowles said. “Would like to thank all of his sponsors that make it possible and I especially want to thank all of our sponsors for their continued support. We are excited for 2021.”

The team plans to kickstart their season on Jan. 7-10 at the Talladega Short Track in Eastaboga, Ala. The 30th Annual Ice Bowl – highlighted by a $3,000-to-win program for Crate Racin’ USA Late Models – will serve as the opening round of the Winter Shootout Series.

From there, the team will head south to Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Fla. for the second annual Sunshine Nationals. Action opens on Thursday, Jan. 14 with a $1,500-to-win program. The winner’s purse increases to $2,000 on Friday, Jan. 15, before concluding with a $10,000 top prize in Saturday’s finale.

Knowles will wrap up his version of the Speedweeks on Feb. 4-6 at East Bay Raceway Park in Gibsonton, Fla. The 45th Annual East Bay Winternationals consists of $2,500-to-win events on Thursday and Friday before culminating with a $5,000-to-win finale on Saturday.