Two of the youngest forces in NHRA Pro Stock will now team up to create a dynamic pair. The highly successful, Louisiana-based driver, Richie Stevens, is back on the scene, partnering with Elite Motorsports to become a two car team with fellow young gun, Rickie Jones. This powerhouse duo of Elite Motorsports will be utilizing Elite’s in-house engine program, headed by Jimmy Oliver.

Stevens is a well-proven driver, having been on the racing scene for decades, despite being only 31 years old. He started out in Junior Dragsters, and was the first to graduate from this program to professional categories. After a successful beginning in IHRA Pro Stock, Stevens moved over to NHRA in 1999 and immediately began turning heads, collecting Wally’s and partnering with some of the biggest names in motorsports. For the last year and a half, Stevens has been sidelined, and is now anxious to get back in the driver’s seat. Under the Elite Motorsports banner, Stevens will be competing in at least four events this year, but looking to expand heavily.

Two of the youngest forces in NHRA Pro Stock will now team up to create a dynamic pair. The highly successful, Louisiana-based driver, Richie Stevens, is back on the scene, partnering with Elite Motorsports to become a two car team with fellow young gun, Rickie Jones. This powerhouse duo of Elite Motorsports will be utilizing Elite’s in-house engine program, headed by Jimmy Oliver.

Stevens is a well-proven driver, having been on the racing scene for decades, despite being only 31 years old. He started out in Junior Dragsters, and was the first to graduate from this program to professional categories. After a successful beginning in IHRA Pro Stock, Stevens moved over to NHRA in 1999 and immediately began turning heads, collecting Wally’s and partnering with some of the biggest names in motorsports. For the last year and a half, Stevens has been sidelined, and is now anxious to get back in the driver’s seat. Under the Elite Motorsports banner, Stevens will be competing in at least four events this year, but looking to expand heavily.

A solid backing comes with this new partnership. Marty Robertson of MAALT Transport, who has worked with Elite Motorsports on mountain motor ride and drive programs, has moved his interests to the support of 500 inch competition. The Forth Worth-based transport company, which primarily serves the oil and gas industries, will be the major sponsor on Steven’s ride. Elite Motorsports also brings along their team of sponsors which include Safety Kleen, Chariot Motorcoaches, and Marc Hietz Chevrolet. Stevens brings to this team of backers Valspar and House of Kolor.

“We’re always excited about bringing a new driver to our team,” told Freeman, “but it’s very cool to work with a driver who has already seen so much success in this arena. He will no doubt be an excellent addition to the Elite Motorsports team. I think this two car team will work well together, and I am hoping for an all Elite Motorsports final in 2010.

“We’ve got a wonderful group of partners behind us and we owe a lot to these fine companies. Marty is excited to make the switch to NHRA Pro Stock and I know that Richie is a driver who will make him glad that he did. We’re also grateful to Valspar and House of Kolor for coming on board to make this thing a reality.”

This team, which will work in conjunction with the Elite Motorsports, RJ Race Cars, Quarter-Max, and Bailey Trucking-backed team fielded by Rick and Rickie Jones, will debut next weekend at the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Summer Nationals in Topeka, Kansas. Denver, Indy and Dallas are also confirmed with the possibility of more events being added.

“I'm really excited to get back into a Pro Stock car and on the track again,” relayed Stevens. “It's been nearly a year and a half since I have competed at an event which seems like an eternity, far too long for me. Our plan is a four race deal and then we will see what happens after that. Richard Freeman has put together an excellent and first class caliber team with Elite Motorsports, as well as having one of the best in the business in the engine shop, Jimmy Oliver. I had the opportunity of working with Jimmy from 1999-2002 when my father and I had our own team. He produced great power for us then, and I believe he has this team on the right track in the power department now.

“I'm looking forward to getting behind the wheel in Tulsa for some test runs and then heading over to Topeka for our debut. I need to thank Richard and Marty for putting this deal together along with Randy Tinsley from Valspar and House of Kolor for stepping up with some sponsorship. Randy and Valspar have been with me for many years, and hopefully we can do well and get them back out here full time. We are still in search of sponsors, just like everyone else, but maybe with some good efforts out there, we can catch the eye of someone who can make this deal last a little longer. For now, I'm anxious and ready to get out there and get this deal started.”

“This is an exciting time in drag racing,” added Freeman. “The competition is only getting tougher and while economic concerns are pulling many teams out of racing, we are finding ways to expand. We’re looking forward to the rest of 2010 and what we can accomplish together as a team with MAALT Transport support and Richie Stevens behind the wheel.”