CLARKSBURG, Calif. – Though the new season is just getting underway, Justyn Cox has made the decision to step away from the Mike Phulps Motorsports No. 56 machine.
“It was a pretty tough decision to step away from Phulps Motorsports this early in the season, and I really want to thank Mike Phulps, Kerry Fasig, and everyone associated with the (No.) 56 car,” said Cox. “I am hoping this decision coming so early in the season allows them to find a driver to run their projected schedule, and I wish those guys nothing but the best moving forward.”
For Cox, the main reason for the move is a couple of opportunities that allow him to travel up and down the West Coast, which were just too hard for him to pass up.
“I have had a few things come up, a couple of which will allow me to travel a little bit,” Cox said. “I committed to the (No.) 56 team, but wanting to travel in the back of my mind, I felt it was best to go with my heart and my gut and make the move.”
Still set to run a very busy schedule, Cox will now continue to pilot the Cox Family Racing No. 31C, and will also climb aboard the familiar Van Lare Motorsports No. 5v machine, a car that has been notable in Northern California over the years.
The Clarksburg, Calif., driver will also pilot the Doug Rutz-owned No. 8r machine in next week’s Asparagus Cup in Stockton, Calif., an opportunity that may lead to racing in the Pacific Northwest.
“Looking forward, I am excited to run the Van Lare Motorsports car, and work with Jim and Annette Van Lare,” Cox said. “The (No.) 5v is a potent car, and racing with them is like racing with family. I am also fortunate to be driving for Doug Rutz in Stockton next week, and hopefully that can turn into running up in the Northwest this summer.”