Born: December 20, 1975
Hometown: Jacksonville, Fla.
Residence: Archdale, N.C.
Wife: Jessica
Children: Karlee and Gaige
The 2010 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt season marked the successful return of Jason Fitzgerald to Bobby Labonte Racing (BLR). Fitzgerald, who had previously led BLR to two championships, returned to the team after spending a year behind the wheel himself. He helped lead both Earl Pearson Jr. and Brad Neat throughout the year and was instrumental in the development of the new Longhorn Chassis that won a record four straight wins in July.
Fitzgerald caught the racing bug from his uncle, who raced dirt cars in the Jacksonville, Fla., area. When he turned 18, Fitzgerald took the first step in establishing his own racing career and began driving open wheel modifieds. Fitzgerald competed in the modified ranks for five years before graduating to late model competition. Fitzgerald raced late models for eight years before he decided to change gears and pursue another avenue in the motorsports industry.
In 2006, Fitzgerald joined long-time friend Earl Pearson Jr. as the crew chief of his late model dirt team. Their team chemistry was immediate. The Fitzgerald and Pearson Jr. tandem won the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series championship in 2006, including a win at the World 100. In 2007, the duo moved to Bobby Labonte Racing. Fitzgerald guided Pearson Jr. to his third national touring title, his second with Fitzgerald at the helm.
Fitzgerald decided to return to the driver’s seat in 2008 and competed in the O’Reilly Southern All Star Dirt Racing Series. He captured Rookie of the Year honors and finished second in the championship point standings. He moved to the National Late Model Series “Southern Dirt Tour” in 2009. Fitzgerald drove to an outstanding 17 victories, good enough to win the series championship.
Despite his success behind the wheel, Fitzgerald decided to return to Bobby Labonte Racing for the 2010 season. Today, he is the team manager of the No. 41 Red Buck Chevrolet, driven by Brad Neat, and No. 44 Lucas Oil Dodge, driven by Earl Pearson Jr.