Twenty-year-old Jason Merriman has returned to racing after enduring an extended leave of absence that was caused by a major loss to his team. During last year's championship run, Merriman's father, Randy, not only was the bearer of the financial burden but also a major contributor in the other facets of racing.

"He was everything - my mechanic, my crew chief, my spotter," Merriman said. "When he left I didn't have any help or any money. I had to stop."

Randy Merriman made a career move to Mooresville, N.C., to continue his work as the shop foreman for the Wood Brothers. His transfer left his son with almost nothing.

To remain active in the sport, Jason Merriman started this season driving in Dennis Harbour's Late Model Stock car, but it wasn't the same.

"I was burned out; my dad wasn't here to help me," the younger Merriman said. "I took a little break to relive my childhood."

Merriman, who has been racing since he was 9, enjoyed his time off from racing but missed the thrill of riding on the oval track too much to stay away.

A month ago, he returned to the track as a Limited Sportsman racer, via funding from Shelor Motor Mile co-head David Hagan.

"He told me he would supply me if I would help his son become a better driver," Merriman said.

Since returning to the track, Merriman has enjoyed success similar to his terrific season of a year ago. In three races at the Motor Mile Speedway, he has finished fifth, second and second. Part of his rediscovered dominance is because of the weekly return of a key part of last year's team.

"I come up to spot for him every race," Randy Merriman said. "I still like to help him when I can, even if some of it has to be over the phone."

Every day when Randy Merriman gets home from work, the two discuss strategy and car maintenance over the phone. Randy's father, Jimmie Merriman, now works on the car with Jason.

As much as he enjoys Limited Sportsman races, Jason Merriman looks forward to returning to the Late Model Stock races to compete with some of his foes from a year ago.

"I should be able to get back in a couple of weeks," Merriman said. "Right now, the car that David [Hagan] has for me to race in the Late Model is in preparation."

In last year's racing season, Merriman won the points standings on the final race of the season. He entered the finale tied for first in points with Richard Landrath, whom he passed during the race. Merriman's fourth-place finish, compared to Landrath's seventh-place finish, was all he needed to become champ.

Joining this year's Late Model so far into the season will give him virtually no chance at all to compete in the season's standings. The experience that he absorbs once he returns, however, should further prepare him for next season, when he hopes to be back to full time.