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But he's doing exactly what Jones and Roush expected and desired when NASCAR mandated prior to the 2002 season that all drivers in its touring divisions be at least 18-years-old. He's gaining invaluable experience driving for Yoder Racing of Hicksville, Ohio, in the national Late Model touring series.
Kyle Busch made six starts in the Truck Series last season and had two top-10 finishes.
"Kyle is frustrated because if he qualifies second, he wants to be first," Jones said. "But this program is achieving exactly what we wanted it to do. He is getting experience with pit stops and racing at different facilities.
"Kyle's father and his Late Model crew chief from Las Vegas, Jimmy Parker, are working with the team and the two groups -- them and the main part of the crew, which works at the Yoder Ford dealership or other full-time jobs -- is getting together and communicating better."
Roush's No. 99 Ford program in the Truck Series, which was supposed to be a partner to Jon Wood's No. 50 U.S. Navy team, has been on the shelf since the Daytona season opener due to lack of sponsorship. Next season, depending on the schedule and his availability, Roush Winston Cup driver Mark Martin will pilot the No. 99 until the younger Busch is of age.
Kyle Busch graduated from high school in Las Vegas last weekend, Jones said, and is in the process of relocating to Ohio to be in closer proximity to his race team.
He is currently 10th in ASA points after eight events with three top-10 finishes, including a best of sixth at Irwindale (Calif.) Speedway in his second ASA event. He has qualified on the front row twice, including the season opener on the .750-mile USA International Speedway in Lakeland, Fla.
"The experience has been a good one for him, I think," Jones said. "He's racing with some veteran guys like (two-time ASA champion) Gary St. Amant and they have been good to him, kind of taking him under their wing and taking care of him."
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