RELATED: Daytona results
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — One month ago, Jordan Anderson had $190 in his bank account. He was two weeks out from announcing the next chapter of his racing career as an owner-driver, but still scrapping to get his team to the race track.
Friday night at Daytona International Speedway, the engaging 26-year-old driver pocketed the first top-10 finish of his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series career. With visions of an even more lucrative top-five result within sight, Anderson’s No. 3 Toyota spun across the finish line after a final-lap jumble and came home in ninth place.
“I can’t believe it — Daytona,” said Anderson, who scratched the top-10 column for the first time in 58 career starts. “This place is so special for so many reasons. I first came here in 2015, trying to make a career in this sport and worked so hard the past several years. Just absolutely blessed.”
It was hugs all around on pit road, with Anderson thanking his sponsors and well-wishers after the season-opening NextEra Energy Resources 250. His father, Clif, earned an extended embrace, an expression of gratitude for years of family support.
The celebration potentially would have been muted had Anderson not been able to avoid contact as he slid underneath the checkered flag. The South Carolina native said he alternated throttling up and locking down the brakes in an effort to keep the team’s lone superspeedway truck away from the retaining wall.
“All that dirt racing I got a couple years ago came to work out,” Anderson said. “I hope Daytona’s not mad that I messed their grass up for the (Daytona) 500 on Sunday.”
Anderson’s previous best finish in the series was 11th place, recorded in June 2016 at Gateway Motorsports Park. After Friday’s new career high, Anderson said he’s hoping for momentum to carry into the series’ next race (Feb. 24 at Atlanta) and beyond.
“I’m almost speechless,” Anderson said. “I’m usually a guy that has a lot to say, but this makes it all worth it. I love this sport. I love the opportunity to be here. Hopefully this is one for the underdogs tonight.”