Earl Pearson Jr. of Jacksonville, Fla., will continue his long run as a regular on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series in 2024 after securing a deal to drive for Jason Rauen’s Farley, Iowa-based team.

Uncertain of his future after being left ride-less with Jason Papich’s decision to shut down his racing program at the conclusion of the ’23 season, Pearson called Rauen one week ago to gauge his longtime sponsor’s interest in fielding a national touring series operation and the Iowa resident agreed to take on the challenge. Pearson brought along Lucas Oil Products and several other sponsors to help make the pairing a reality.

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Pearson, who has followed the Lucas Oil Series since 2005 and owns four points championships and 40 career wins, will pilot Longhorn Chassis prepared at Rauen’s shop by crew chief Zack Frields. He will begin his season in Jan. 25-27’s Lucas Oil Series tripleheader at Golden Isles Speedway near Brunswick, Ga., before continuing through the circuit’s remaining Georgia-Florida Speedweeks events.

“I’m excited about teaming up with Jason and can’t thank him and his crew enough for this opportunity to drive for the team,” Pearson, who celebrates his 52nd birthday on Jan. 29, said in a Facebook post. “Starting out at Speedweeks is special for me just to be able to race around my awesome family, friends and fans that I don’t get to do often anymore. This is a tough sport and can’t do it without the support.”