Category: XFINITY Series PR

Young’s Motorsports | NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series
Circuit of the Americas (COTA) | XPEL 225

Fast Facts
No. 02 Young’s Motorsports Team:
Driver: Mason Massey
Primary Partner(s): Young’s Building Systems | Randco Industries Inc.
Manufacturer: Chevrolet Silverado RST
2024 Driver Points Position: 23rd
2024 Owner Points Position: 27th
Engine: Ilmor Racing Technologies

Notes of Interest:

Welcome To The Team: In February, Young’s Motorsports announced that Mason Massey will compete full-time in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series this season aboard the team’s flagship, No. 02 Chevrolet Silverado RST continuing with Saturday afternoon’s XPEL 225 at Circuit of the Americas (COTA).

Massey arrives at Young’s Motorsports after running a limited NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule last season for SS-GreenLight Racing, including a top-10 performance at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

The Douglasville, Ga. native started his 2023 Truck Series season with Reaume Brothers Racing and competed in seven races with a season-high 11th place finish at Texas Motor Speedway, but later shifted his presence to Xfinity for five races throughout the 33-race season.

About Mason: Massey has over 20 years of experience behind the wheel, launching his racing career at age five. Since then, he has garnered over 200 feature wins, 11 championships, and 10 track records across multiple series, including the U.S. Legends Pro National Championship.

Amongst the many Late Model victories to Massey’s credit during his tenure in the Bill Elliott Racing Development Program is the 2012 triumph in the Alabama 200. He eventually graduated to NASCAR in 2019, competing in the Truck Series before advancing to the Xfinity Series in 2020.

After part-time Xfinity stints in 2020 and 2021, respectively, the Georgian captured the attention of many with an impressive sixth-place finish in the spring 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series contest at Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway in front of the hometown crowd.

With 36 more NASCAR starts to his resume since his first career NASCAR top-10 effort, Massey has landed with Young’s Motorsports, a longtime fixture in the Truck Series, hoping to impress and land the organization back in Victory Lane this season.

All-Aboard!: For the fifth of 23 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series races this season, Young’s Building Systems and Randco Industries Inc. will serve as the co-primary marketing partners on the No. 02 Chevrolet Silverado RST for the 42-lap race on Saturday afternoon.

Since 1981, Young’s Building Systems has been providing West Texas with all their metal building needs. This family-owned and operated business has become an industry favorite due to the experience gained and the professional results completed. Young’s Building System is a division of Randco Industries, Inc. We have expanded into a company that has the ability to erect any type of building, from a small single story to a city high-rise.

Our customers have multiple uses for our buildings, including commercial, residential, agricultural, industrial, skid-mounted buildings, and compressor station buildings. We also have a team that specializes in stairs and railings of all shapes and sizes. Young’s Building Systems is fully insured for your peace of mind so we carry workmen’s compensation and general liability that go above and beyond State requirements.

Our company is fully equipped with moving and lifting equipment along with compressors, generators and welding equipment. We have the tools and equipment needed to support large, demanding projects. Our work ethic is based on the principles of quality, promptness, and customer experience.

Young’s Building Systems approaches each job with the mindset. We continuously raise our standard of excellence and work hard to make sure that each and every one of your needs are met.

Longtime Massey supporters BRUNT Workwear and Anderson Power Services will serve as associate partners for the series’ lone road course of 2024.

Mason Massey Truck Series Circuit of the Americas Stats: Saturday afternoon’s XPEL 225 will mark Massey’s debut at the 3.14-mile Texas road course.

In fact, the race will signify the Georgia native’s first NASCAR start on a road course in 70 career NASCAR starts.

Mason Massey Truck Series Career Stats: Entering COTA, Massey has 18 career NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series races to his credit, earning a career-best 11th place finish at Texas Motor Speedway after starting 27th in the SpeedyCash.com 250 for Reaume Brothers Racing.

Since 2019, he has carried an average finish of 25.1.

Well Prepared: In the weeks leading up to Circuit of the Americas, Massey has spent countless hours studying the 20-turn track, talking to other Truck Series competitors, studying film, and turning laps on iRacing.

Most recently, Massey attended the Skip Barber Racing School at Virginia International Raceway, where he spent most of the day learning road course racing techniques.

Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway | WEATHER GUARD Truck Series Race at Bristol Race Recap: In the fourth race of the 2024 Truck Series season, Young’s Motorsports and Massey searched for another solid finish in Thunder Valley.

After qualifying his No. 02 Young’s Building Systems | Randco Industries Inc. Chevrolet Silverado on speed in the 31st position, Massey would work methodically to attempt to move forward; however, the lack of grip with the race track hindered his progress. Still, Massey was able to keep the fenders clean and register a 28th-place finish when the checkered flag was thrown.

Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series at Circuit of the Americas: This weekend will mark Young’s Motorsports’ ninth, 10th and 11th NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series starts at Circuit of the Americas.

The organization posted a team-best second-place finish at the track on May 22, 2021, with NASCAR Cup Series driver Kaz Grala at the wheel in the 2021 Toyota Tundra 225 which ran in wet weather conditions.

Since 2021, the Mooresville, N.C.-based Young’s Motorsports team has had an average starting position of 20.6 and an average finish of 23.6 in eight Circuit of the Americas starts overall.

Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series History: Since entering the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series in 2012, the Mooresville, N.C., – based organization has logged 476 starts from 59 drivers, resulting in solid performances that include two victories (Talladega Superspeedway 2019 and 2021), seven top-five finishes and 33 top-10 finishes, with an average starting position of 22.8 and an average finishing position of 21.9.

Follow on Social Media: For more on Mason Massey, please visit masonmassey.com, like him on Facebook (Mason Massey Racing), and follow him on Instagram (@mason_massey) and X |Twitter (@mason_massey).

For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com, like them on Facebook (Young’s Motorsports), and follow them on Instagram (@youngsmotorsports) and X |Twitter (@youngsmtrsports).

Mason Massey Pre-Race Quote:

On Circuit of the Americas: “Circuit of the Americas is a wild card for me considering I don’t have any road course experience. I always look forward to new challenges, though, so I’m embracing them.

“I have been doing everything I can to make sure I’m as prepared as I can be. I’m hoping we can have a solid day and start getting to some of my better tracks.”

No. 12 Young’s Motorsports Team:

Driver: Dale Quarterley

Primary Partner(s): Van Dyk Recycling Solutions

Manufacturer: Toyota Tundra

2024 Driver Points Position: N/A

2024 Owner Points Position: N/A

Engine: Ilmor Racing Technologies

Notes of Interest:

Welcome To The Team: For the first road course of the 2024 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series season, Young’s Motorsports welcomes Dale Quarterley to the team aboard the team’s No. 12 Van Dyk Recycling Solutions Toyota for Saturday afternoon’s XPEL 225 at Circuit of the Americas (COTA).

About Dale: Dale Quarterley started his racing career on two wheels by racing motorcycles professionally before transitioning to stock-car racing.

He was a regular face in the ARCA Menards Series East during the 1990s and 2000s, winning six times. He made his premier ARCA Menards Series debut in 2013 and returned in 2021.

He’s a part-time ARCA Menards Series driver in 2024 while also running select NASCAR national series events.

In addition to his stock car success, Quarterley also competed in the AMA Superbike Series and is the only driver to have won multiple championships in the series.

Quarterley, 63, is a native of Westfield, Massachusetts.

All-Aboard!: For the fifth of 23 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series races this season, Van Dyk Recycling Solutions will serve as the primary marketing partner on the No. 12 Toyota Tundra for the 42-lap race on Saturday afternoon.

Van Dyk Recycling Solutions is a turnkey systems supplier that works with facility owners and operators to offer innovative and profitable recycling solutions.

Whether you’re designing a new system or looking for retrofit options to improve your operation, Van Dyk is committed to finding a solution that fits your needs and goals.

We have long-standing relationships with manufacturers of the best technology the recycling world has to offer.

Your local VAN DYK engineer is familiar with your business and the materials processed in your market.

Dale Quarterley Truck Series Circuit of the Americas Stats: Saturday afternoon’s XPEL 225 will mark Quarterley’s second NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series start at the 3.14-mile Texas road course.

In his track debut in 2023, Quarterley steered his No. 46 Van Dyk Recycling Motul Toyota Tundra to a track best of 28th after starting 33rd in the 2023 XPEL 225 driving for G2G Racing.

Dale Quarterley Truck Series Career Stats: Entering COTA, Quarterley has two career NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series races to his credit. He earned a career-best 28th-place finish at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) after starting 33rd in the XPEL 225 for G2G Racing.

Since 2023, he has carried an average finish of 31.5.

Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series at Circuit of the Americas: This weekend will mark Young’s Motorsports’ ninth, 10th and 11th NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series starts at Circuit of the Americas.

The organization posted a team-best second-place finish at the track on May 22, 2021, with NASCAR Cup Series driver Kaz Grala at the wheel in the 2021 Toyota Tundra 225 which ran in wet weather conditions.

Since 2021, the Mooresville, N.C.-based Young’s Motorsports team has had an average starting position of 20.6 and an average finish of 23.6 in eight Circuit of the Americas starts overall.

Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series History: Since entering the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series in 2012, the Mooresville, N.C., – based organization has logged 476 starts from 59 drivers, resulting in solid performances that include two victories (Talladega Superspeedway 2019 and 2021), seven top-five finishes and 33 top-10 finishes, with an average starting position of 22.8 and an average finishing position of 21.9.

Follow on Social Media: For more on Dale Quarterley, please visit dalequarterley.com.

For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com, like them on Facebook (Young’s Motorsports), and follow them on Instagram (@youngsmotorsports) and X |Twitter (@youngsmtrsports).

No. 20 Young’s Motorsports Team:

Driver: Vicente Salas

Primary Partner(s): Miramar Financial Group

Manufacturer: Chevrolet Silverado RST

2024 Driver Points Position: N/A

2024 Owner Points Position: N/A

Engine: Ilmor Racing Technologies

Notes of Interest:

Welcome To The Team: For the first road course of the 2024 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series season, Young’s Motorsports welcomes Vicente Salas to the team aboard the team’s No. 20 Miramar Financial Group Chevrolet Silverado RST for Saturday afternoon’s XPEL 225 at Circuit of the Americas (COTA).

About Vicente: Vicente Salas has promoted himself as a professional race car driver and has three years of experience at the highest level of shifter kart racing in the country.

Throughout his young career, Salas has achieved more than 30 race victories in various disciplines across the United States, including two national championships, two state championships, and two local championships.

Salas turned heads with a strong top-five finish in his CARS Pro Late Model debut in 2022 at Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway driving for Donnie Wilson.

After getting his first taste of racing a stock car, Salas knew he wanted more. Last season, he was able to secure enough funding to race a Late Model Stock Car regularly for team owner Justin Carroll at Hickory Motor Speedway, where he earned his first victory with a daring, last-lap pass on March 25.

Salas is earning notoriety for his achievements in the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series with teams Spacestation Gaming, Williams eSports, and his current team, Kanaan eSports. He also has experience with the Andretti Autosport iRacing Rallycross World Championship Series.

Salas, a 21-year-old third-generation American with roots in Latin America is a native of Temecula, Calif.

All-Aboard!: For the fifth of 23 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series races this season, Miramar Financial Group will serve as the primary marketing partner on the No. 20 Chevrolet Silverado RST for the 42-lap race on Saturday afternoon.

Miramar Financial Group brings over 35 years of experience to the private money lending arena. With this extensive background, we can arrange real estate-secured loans across the country.

Over the years, we have underwritten transactions on every imaginable type of property, including residential, commercial, industrial, construction, and land.

Vicente Salas Truck Series Circuit of the Americas Stats: Saturday afternoon’s XPEL 225 will mark Salas’s debut at the 3.14-mile Texas road course.

Vicente Salas Truck Series Career Stats: The former eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series race winner will make his inaugural NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series start at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) nestled in Austin, Texas.

Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series at Circuit of the Americas: This weekend will mark Young’s Motorsports’ ninth, 10th and 11th NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series starts at Circuit of the Americas.

The organization posted a team-best second-place finish at the track on May 22, 2021, with NASCAR Cup Series driver Kaz Grala at the wheel in the 2021 Toyota Tundra 225 which ran in wet weather conditions.

Since 2021, the Mooresville, N.C.-based Young’s Motorsports team has had an average starting position of 20.6 and an average finish of 23.6 in eight Circuit of the Americas starts overall.

Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series History: Since entering the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series in 2012, the Mooresville, N.C., – based organization has logged 476 starts from 59 drivers, resulting in solid performances that include two victories (Talladega Superspeedway 2019 and 2021), seven top-five finishes and 33 top-10 finishes, with an average starting position of 22.8 and an average finishing position of 21.9.

Follow on Social Media: For more on Vicente Salas, please visit masonmassey.com, like him on Facebook (vicente.salas.1042), and follow him on Instagram (@mason_massey) and X |Twitter (@vicente_salas14).

For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com, like them on Facebook (Young’s Motorsports), and follow them on Instagram (@youngsmotorsports) and X |Twitter (@youngsmtrsports).

Vicente Salas Pre-Race Quote:

On Circuit of the Americas: “I am beyond excited. It’s really a full-circle moment. The first car I ever sat in was at Home Depot, it was a Tony Stewart No. 20 car. I think I was 2 or 3 years old at the time. Honestly it is what has driven me until now, sitting in that race car and that feeling.

“To be able to make my first start in the Truck Series driving the No. 20 Chevrolet for Young’s Motorsports as well, it just feels surreal.”

Race Information:

The WEATHER GUARD Truck Race at Bristol (250 laps | 133.25 miles) is the fourth of 23 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series races on the 2024 schedule. A fifteen-minute practice is slated for Sat., March 16, beginning at 3:00 p.m. Qualifying will immediately follow, beginning at 3:40 p.m. The field will take the green flag later that night, shortly after 8:00 p.m., with live coverage on FOX Sports 1, the Motor Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (ET).

Young’s Motorsports | NASCAR Xfinity Series

Circuit of the Americas (COTA) | Focused Health 250

Fast Facts

No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Team:

Driver: Leland Honeyman Jr.

Primary Partner(s): Austin Gamblers

Manufacturer: Chevrolet Camaro

Crew Chief: Andrew Abbott

2024 Driver Points Position: 20th

2024 Owner Points Position: 23rd

Engine: Earnhardt-Childress Racing

Movin’ on Up!: In January, Young’s Motorsports announced it would graduate from the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series to the NASCAR Xfinity Series full-time in 2024 with rising star Leland Honeyman Jr. behind the wheel of the team’s No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro for the entire 33-race season continuing with Saturday afternoon’s Focused Health 250 at Circuit of the Americas (COTA).

About Leland: The Phoenix, Ariz. native began honing his racing skills at the tender age of two racing Quads. By four years old, he moved into Trophy Karts and then collected three series championships in off-road racing Trophy Karts.

After an instrumental tenure in Go Karts, he moved into the Bandolero competition in 2015 and was crowned a Bandolero National Champion two years later. From there, he moved into Limited Late Models before graduating to the Carolina Pro Late Model Series division in 2021, where he earned championship-runner-up honors and picked up an astounding victory in the annual Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway Fall Brawl.

Honeyman, 19, returns to the Mooresville, N.C.-based organization, where he ran an impressive ARCA Menards Series East Series campaign, finishing third in the 2022 championship standings.

During the 2023 season, he made eight NASCAR Xfinity Series starts, highlighted by a 21st-place finish at the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway Road Course.

All-Aboard!: For the fifth of 33 NASCAR Xfinity Series races this season, Texas-based Austin Gamblers will serve as the anchor partner on the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro for the 46-lap race on Saturday afternoon.

The Austin Gamblers is one of eight Professional Bull Riding (PBR) PBR Teams in the PBR Teams Series, based out of Austin, Texas and representing the Capital City in the world of western professional sports and competitive bull riding.

For complete information about who we are, our schedule of events, our partners and sponsors, where to buy Gambler gear and more, visit austingamblers.com.

Leland Honeyman Jr. Xfinity Circuit of the Americas Stats: Saturday afternoon’s Focused Health 250 will mark Honeyman’s debut at the 3.14-mile Texas road course.

Leland Honeyman Jr. Xfinity Career Stats: Entering COTA, Honeyman has 12 career NASCAR Xfinity Series races to his credit, earning a career-best 11th place finish at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway after starting 24th in the Call811.com Every Dig. Every Time. 200 for Young’s Motorsports in March 2024.

Since 2023, he has carried an average finish of 23.6.

Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway | Call811.com Every Dig. Every Time. 200 Race Recap: Honeyman continued to impress during his NASCAR Xfinity Series rookie campaign with Young’s Motorsports in the series’ most recent race at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway.

Starting his No. 42 LH Waterfront Construction Chevrolet from the 24th position, Honeyman was able to march forward throughout the 200-lap race and capitalized on a well-balanced race car to capture a career-best 11th-place finish at the checkered flag.

Calling the Shots: Guiding Honeyman Jr. as crew chief of the No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro is longtime crew chief Andrew Abbott.

On Saturday, he will be crew chief in his 102nd NASCAR Xfinity Series race. In his previous 101 races, he has three top-five and 11 top-10 finishes.

The season’s fifth race will be his second tango at Circuit of the Americas as crew chief in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR Xfinity Series at Circuit of the Americas: This weekend will mark Young’s Motorsports’ first NASCAR Xfinity Series start at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas.

However, the Mooresville, N.C.-based team has eight NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series starts in the rolling hills just outside downtown Austin, Texas.

The organization posted a Truck Series team-best finish of second at the track on May 22, 2021, with Cup Series driver Kaz Grala at the wheel in the 2021 Toyota Tundra 225 in wet weather conditions.

Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR Xfinity Series History: Since entering the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2024, the Mooresville, N.C. – based organization has logged four starts and maintains an average starting position of 25.5 and an average finish of 20.0.

Follow on Social Media: For more on Leland Honeyman Jr., please visit LelandHoneymanRacing.com, like him on Facebook (Leland Honeyman Racing) and follow on Instagram (@lelandhoneymanjr) and X |Twitter (@lelandhoneyman3).

For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com, like them on Facebook (Young’s Motorsports), and follow them on Instagram (@youngsmotorsports) and X |Twitter (@youngsmtrsports).

Leland Honeyman Jr. Pre-Race Quote:

On Circuit of the Americas: “I’m thrilled to be heading to Circuit of the Americas this weekend, especially after achieving consecutive career-high finishes at Las Vegas and Phoenix.

“As we gear up for our first race as an Xfinity team on a road course, the anticipation is palpable. I have full confidence in my Young’s Motorsports team to provide me with an exceptional car, amplifying our excitement for what lies ahead.”

Race Information:

The Focused Health 250 (46 laps | 156.86 miles) is the fifth of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2024 schedule. Practice will take place on Fri., March 22, 2024, from 4:30 p.m. to 4:50 p.m. Qualifying will immediately follow, beginning at 5:00 p.m. The field will take the green flag the next afternoon, Sat., March 23, shortly after 4:00 p.m. (5:00 p.m. ET) with live coverage on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), the Performance Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90.

COLE CUSTER | RILEY HERBST
COTA NASCAR Xfinity Series Advance
NASCAR Xfinity Series Overview

• Event: Focused Health 250 (Round 5 of 33)
• Date: Saturday, March 23
• Location: Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas
• Layout: 3.426-mile, 20-turn road course
• Time/TV/Radio: 5 p.m. EDT on FS1/PRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Cole Custer Notes of Interest

• Coming off the season’s first NASCAR Xfinity Series off weekend, Cole Custer is ready to tackle the first road-course race of 2024 during Saturday’s Focused Health 250 at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. The driver of the No. 00 Haas Automation Ford Mustang Dark Horse was elevated to the ranks of road-course ace in 2023 after taking home the win at two of the eight road-course races during the season and finishing in the top-10 at six of them. His victories on June 3 at Portland (Ore.) International Raceway and July 1 at the inaugural Chicago Street Race were hard-earned, and Custer’s most recent road-course outing Oct. 7 on the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway Roval ended with a runner-up finish. He finished off the season a month later with his third victory of 2023, on the mile oval at Phoenix Raceway, which earned Custer his first Xfinity Series championship. Custer’s road-course wins last year at Portland and Chicago came in his first starts at those tracks, where he qualified second and first, respectively. As the team prepares for six road courses in the 2024 season, Custer is hopeful to be one of the drivers to beat at each.
• Saturday’s Focused Health 250 will be Custer’s fourth NASCAR Xfinity Series start at COTA. He finished third at the 3.426-mile, 20-turn circuit in 2022 and seventh in 2021. He also has a pair of NASCAR Cup Series starts there with a best result of 23rd earned in March 2022.
• Custer’s strong road-course performances have not been limited to the Xfinity Series. He also has top-10s in all three of his NASCAR Truck Series outings on road courses, all occurring at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario. Best of those was his most recent outing in 2016 with the No. 00 JR Motorsports entry, which he qualified on the pole, led a race-high 39 laps and finished just .034 of a second behind race-winner John Hunter Nemechek. Custer also made three road-course starts apiece at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway and Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series with a best finish of third in the 2016 race at Watkins Glen. Last year, he made two starts on road courses in the ARCA Menards Series West – at Portland and Sonoma. His best result of the two was a runner-up finish in the June 2 race at Portland, where he also led 22 laps.

Riley Herbst Notes of Interest

• Riley Herbst is ready to put the bad luck behind him as he heads to Saturday’s Focused Health 250 at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. After presenting himself as a strong competitor in each race so far this season, Herbst is looking to close the deal and find his way back to victory lane in the Xfinity Series. In the first four races of the season, the No. 98 Monster Energy driver has earned two top-10 finishes with a best of fifth at his hometown Las Vegas Motor Speedway. He’s scored stage points in every race so far, helping to solidify his fourth-place position in the driver standings. He now sits just five points behind his third-place Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) teammate Cole Custer and 37 behind the points leader Chandler Smith. Herbst has struggled at COTA in the past, but last season was the top performing SHR driver there, earning a top-10 finish from the seventh starting position in just his third career start at the track.
• Saturday’s Focused Health 250 will mark Herbst’s fourth career NASCAR Xfinity Series start at COTA. His first start there in the No. 98 Monster Energy Ford in 2021 resulted in a 16th-place finish. He returned in March 2022 to post a 26th-place finish after struggling with balance issues.
• While Herbst looks to make another breakthrough Xfinity Series run at COTA this weekend, he’ll try to capitalize on the momentum from his string of strong road-course outings the past two seasons. In 2022, Herbst earned top-10s in three of his six road-course starts. Last year, he had strong runs at a majority of the eight road-course races, qualifying in the top-10 at five of the eight. He started the season with his 10th-place finish at COTA and looked to be well on his way to another top-10 in the June 3 race at Portland (Ore.) International Raceway until an engine issue forced him to retire early. He earned a fifth-place finish after starting fourth in July’s race at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. He ended the road-course portion of the schedule with a fourth-place finish Oct. 7 on the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway Roval just one week before he scored his first career Xfinity Series win Oct. 14 at Las Vegas.

Cole Custer, Driver of the No. 00 Haas Automation Ford Mustang Dark Horse

This weekend’s race at COTA marks the first on a road-course race in 2024. You had a strong showing there last year until a spin put you too far back in the pack to compete for the win. What do you need this year to not only finish strong, but also compete for the win?

“Honestly, we just need to stay out of trouble. We proved to be strong on road courses in 2023 with our two wins, but COTA was different. We found ourselves struggling because of how things got heated. Just like Martinsville or short-track racing, road courses are a very easy place to get frustrated with other drivers. One wrong move and you could turn someone or get turned. I think it’s all about keeping my cool as a driver and being smart when racing into those corners at COTA. They’re sharp, so you can find trouble there.”

While you just returned fulltime to the Xfinity Series last year, you did make select starts in the series the prior three seasons, including the 2021 and 2022 races at COTA and posted finshes of seventh and third, respectively, both from the third starting position. Did that help you as you tackled last year’s slate of eight Xfinity Series road-course races?

“I’ve always loved road-course racing and, honestly, COTA’s been a solid track for me despite some issues last year. Road-course racing has always been fun for me. I obviously ran the Xfinity races at COTA in 2021 and 2022 as well as the Cup races, so hopefully we can keep building on what I learned there and see if we can contend for the win this weekend. We just have to keep our cool when things get heated and make the right moves. After last season, though, we proved that the No. 00 team can be contenders on road courses.”

Riley Herbst, Driver of the No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang Dark Horse

You’ve been vocal about your past struggles at COTA. Still, you’ve had a strong record in the past two years on road courses, in general. Do you think your strong runs will help improve your prospects this weekend?

“I think each road course possesses its own difficulties, but I still can’t seem to wrap my head around COTA. It’s just such a unique road course because it’s so narrow. You’re used to seeing F1 cars on it, but not a big stock car. I’m still trying to figure out how best to run it and not get turned in the corners. With that said, I am proud of the No. 98 Monster Energy team for how hard we’ve worked on our road-course package over the past year. They used to be a struggle for me, but now I can actually run up front and be competitive against some big road-course ringers. We saw my teammate win two road courses last year, which was big for our organization. Hopefully, we can come back and be just as competitive on them in 2024.”

Your race at Phoenix two weekends ago didn’t go how you would’ve hoped, given your strong runs there in the past. How do you bounce back this weekend after a difficult race like that, where things just didn’t go your way?

“It’s all about taking it one race at a time. One bad race isn’t going to ruin your season this early on. You can’t keep thinking about last week when you have to go back and get in the racecar the very next week. It’s all about your mindset when it comes to that. If you get stuck on the past and mistakes that were made, you’re going to overthink everything. As a racer, you need to focus forward and learn how you can get better for the next race. So we had something happen at Phoenix, but you can only learn from it and move on to COTA. They’re such completely different tracks, anyway. Obviously, we’ll look back on the spring race at Phoenix as we prepare for the season finale later on, but for right now, it’s about going to the next week and competing for wins.”

GAFFNEY, S.C. – March 20, 2024 – Ollie’s, America’s largest retailer of closeout merchandise and excess inventory, is proud to announce its partnership with JD Motorsports and race-winning driver Ty Dillon for this weekend’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Circuit of the Americas (COTA).

A longtime NASCAR sponsor with an extensive portfolio of high-profile partnerships, Ollie’s iconic yellow livery and branding will adorn Dillon’s No. 6 Chevrolet as he takes on the 20-turn, 3.41-mile purpose-built road course in Austin, TX. The nation’s largest brand-name closeout retailer will use the partnership to continue engaging the passionate NASCAR fanbase.

Dillon famously recorded his first NASCAR Xfinity Series win at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2014. He out-hustled Kyle Busch, Matt Kenseth, and Kevin Harvick to the checkered flag, earning the opportunity to kiss the historic yard of bricks.

Dillon’s well-documented experience will lend itself well to JD Motorsports’ efforts as the group attempts to qualify for Saturday’s 156.86-mile race.

“I’m looking forward to being behind the wheel of the No. 6 Ollie’s Chevrolet at COTA this weekend,” Dillon said. “I’ve logged a lot of laps there in a Cup Series car and know how to get around it. I’m excited to work with Johnny Davis, the JD Motorsports team, and a prominent brand like Ollie’s. Haley and I have a young family, so we’ve taken advantage of the bargain prices at our local Ollie’s and always enjoy discovering new items during our visits.”

With over 40 years of NASCAR competition to his credit, Johnny Davis is one of the sport’s longest-running team owners. He looks forward to traveling to COTA with Ollie’s on the car and Dillon behind the wheel.

“We’re excited to have Ollie’s on our No. 6 Chevrolet this weekend, and happy that Ty Dillon will be driving the car,” Davis said. “Ollie’s is a reputable brand with a long-term investment in NASCAR, so we appreciate them partnering with our team and joining us in Austin. We’re focused on improving each week, and having Ollie’s and Ty on board provides JD Motorsports with the opportunity to experience success at a challenging road course like COTA.”

Ty Dillon and the No. 6 Ollie’s Chevrolet will hit the track at Circuit of the Americas for the weekend’s opening practice session on Friday, March 22, at 5:30 p.m. ET. Qualifying will follow at 6 p.m. ET.

The Focused Health 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race is on Saturday, March 23, and it will be televised live on FS1 beginning at 5 p.m. ET. The Performance Racing Network (PRN) will carry the live radio broadcast, along with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, channel 90.

About Ollie’s:

Ollie’s is America’s largest retailer of closeout merchandise and excess inventory, selling Real Brands at Real Bargain prices®! We offer extreme value on brand name products in a variety of departments, including housewares, food, books and stationery, bed and bath, flooring, toys, health and beauty aids and more. We currently operate 513 stores in 30 states and growing!

For more information, please visit us online at www.ollies.us and on social at Facebook, X and Instagram.

About JD Motorsports:

JD Motorsports is a professional racing team owned by NASCAR mainstay, Johnny Davis. With over 40 years of competition under his belt, Davis is one of the longest-tenured owners in the sport. The Gaffney, South Carolina-based team competes in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where it fields multiple entries.

JD Motorsports is committed to excellence on the track and in the boardroom. In addition to the team’s well-documented on-track success over the last four decades, it has succeeded in creating value for its partners by generating elevated visibility and awareness among the passionate and highly engaged NASCAR fanbase.

For more information, please visit us online at www.teamjdmotorsports.com and on social at Facebook, X and Instagram.

AUSTIN, Texas – Preston Pardus hasn’t been on track in his NASCAR Xfinity Chevrolet since October.

Suffice it to say that he is champing at the bit to get back in action this Saturday at the Circuit of the Americas. In 2022, Pardus had a career-best qualifying effort of seventh, and the 20-turn layout is well-suited to the skills of SCCA’s only four-time Spec Miata champion.

He’s especially amped up for this week’s Focused Health 250 because he’s ready to deliver a better showing than last year’s results. Pardus was sidelined a year ago after completing just 16 of 46 laps by suspension failure and was saddled with a 36th-place finish.

“One of the track bar mounts broke and that made for a premature end to our day,” the 27-year-old driver said. “We were solid in practice, then I think the mount might have fractured in qualifying. We were making set-up changes and the car wasn’t reacting good. We dropped back right away when the race started, and when the fracture broke, it bent the track bar so much it flattened a tire.”

Saturday’s race will mark NASCAR’s third visit to the 1,500-acre facility, located in Travis County on the rural southeast side of Austin. Pardus’ first two trips to COTA in Xfinity competition resulted in finishes of 14th and 16th.

“COTA’s a really cool race track, a really technical track,” Pardus said. “It’s got all different corners. You get the high-speed sections like the esses, and you get the super-slow sections like the seating area” near Germania Insurance Ampitheater.

“With a layout like that, you’re trying to get a car that’s pretty much good everywhere. It might not be the best everywhere, but you want it good everywhere. I really like going there. It takes a really good car, but quite a bit of it comes down to the driver and using your road-racing abilities.”

Pardus’ 23-race Xfinity ledger dates to a 2019 debut at Road America and is comprised of 22 road-course events and one start at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. Of 1,553 possible laps, Pardus has completed nearly 90 percent, and 16 of those races saw him finish on the lead lap – proof that when the car is solid, he can get the job done.

His first assignment is to make the 38-car starting lineup from 40 entries. That’s something the team failed to do for the first time in its history last fall at Charlotte, when a minor mechanical issue ended its quest.

“It’s definitely a big challenge,” Pardus said. “With how the competition is in the Xfinity series, you’ve got to have everything on your list crossed and checked off because one thing will send you home. All it takes is one little error and you miss the race. If we’ve got everything right and I do my part, we can make the race, and I think we can have a good day.”

Pardus has made the most of his 2024 seat time in other forms of road racing. He has four top fives, including a win, in SCCA Spec Miata action at Homestead and Sebring, Florida. Last weekend, he competed in two Mazda MX-5 Cup events at Sebring for Rick Ware Racing, posting finishes of seventh and 13th.

“The MX-5 races aren’t two hours like the Xfinity races are,” he said, “but you’re going at it for 45 minutes, and that lets you build up your heart rate, especially in the Florida heat last week. Just being in a race car helps mentally prepare you.”

JR Motorsports Team Preview
TRACK – Circuit of the Americas (COTA) (3.41 mile road course)
NXS RACE – Focused Health 250 (46 laps / 156.86 miles)
TUNE IN – FS1, PRN, SiriusXM Channel 90 at 5 p.m. (EST)

Sam Mayer

No. 1 Roto-Rooter Chevrolet

Mayer 2024 NXS Stats

Starts: 4

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 0

Top 10s: 0

Laps Led: 0

Avg. Finish: 29.8

Points: 24th

Sam Mayer returns to Circuit of the Americas for his third career start at the 3.41-mile road-course and the first of the road courses on the NASCAR Xfinity Series 2024 schedule.

In two starts at COTA, Mayer has raced to one top-five and a pair of top-10 efforts with his best of fifth coming at this event in the spring of 2022.

The young driver is no stranger to the left-and-right combinations, as he scored his first career win at Road America last season and raced his way to two more road-course victories shortly after at Watkins Glen and the Charlotte Roval.

The Wisconsin native will have new partner Roto-Rooter riding on the No. 1 Chevrolet for the Saturday afternoon NXS event in Austin, TX.

Sam Mayer

“Although we have had a rough start to the season, I am super stoked to get back to a road course, finally. We had a ton of success on road courses last year, scoring three wins. We have also run really well at COTA in the past so I am looking forward to a good run there this weekend. Through all the struggles we have had, this No. 1 team has never given up and I could not be more thankful to have the work ethic these guys do on this team. I am thrilled to have another new partner on board this weekend with Roto-Rooter and I am hopeful that we can be in contention to steal a win this Saturday in Austin.”

Justin Allgaier

No. 7 BRANDT Professional Agriculture / REV 1 Energy Chevrolet

Allgaier 2024 NXS Stats

Starts: 4

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 0

Top 10s: 2

Laps Led: 70

Avg. Finish: 18.8

Points: 8th

In three previous NXS starts at COTA, Justin Allgaier has scored two top-fives, with a best finish of third coming in the inaugural event in 2021.

Overall in his NXS career, the Illinois native has been strong on road courses, having scored three wins, 18 top-fives and 32 top-10s in 53 career starts.

Two of Allgaier’s three road course wins came behind the wheel of a JRM Chevrolet, with both happening during the 2018 season at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and Road America.

This weekend Allgaier’s BRANDT Professional Agriculture Chevrolet will be sharing their colors with Rev1 Energy, the global leader in integrated commissioning and electrical services.

Justin Allgaier

“I’ve always enjoyed racing here at COTA. This is such a technical road course that really keeps you on your toes all day long. We’ve had some really strong runs here in the past with our BRANDT Professional Agriculture Chevrolet and I know that Jim (Pohlman, crew chief) will give me another car capable of doing that again this weekend. Hopefully we can keep all of our fenders clean all race long and be up there fighting for the win when it’s all said and done.”

Sammy Smith

No. 8 Pilot Flying J Chevrolet

Smith 2024 NXS Stats

Starts: 4

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 0

Top 10s: 3

Laps Led: 6

Avg. Finish: 12.5

Points: 10th

Sammy Smith has one start at COTA coming in this race last season, where he qualified second and raced his way to fourth after the 46-lap event.

Of Smith’s 10 career NXS road-course starts over the past two seasons, he has amassed two top-five and four top-10 finishes.

The Iowa native’s best finish on a road course is third, which came at Watkins Glen in 2022.

Smith tallied his third straight top-10 finish of the season at Phoenix two weeks ago to keep him in the top-10 in points.

Sammy Smith

“I’ve only run at COTA once and came out with a top-five finish so I’m hoping to better that with my JR Motorsports team so we can park our No. 8 Pilot Flying J Chevrolet in Victory Lane. We’ve been consistent this season with our top-10 finishes and I think a win, especially at a road course, would be a great confidence booster for us.”

Brandon Jones

No. 9 Menards / Spectracide Chevrolet

Jones 2024 NXS Stats

Starts: 4

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 0

Top 10s: 3

Laps Led: 0

Avg. Finish: 9.8

Points: 9th

In 40 starts on road courses in the NXS, Brandon Jones has earned five top-five and 12 top-10 finishes. His best finish of second came during the 2020 season at the Daytona International Speedway Road Course.

Jones has made three starts at the 3.41-mile road course, with a best finish of 11th coming last year during his first season with JRM.

Spectracide will adorn the hood of the No.9 this weekend. This will be the first time this brand will appear on Jones’ car at COTA.

Brandon Jones

“This No.9 team has put fast cars on the track all season but we haven’t had the finishes to show for it. I am looking forward to our first road course to see what this team can really do. Phillip (Bell, crew chief) has put together a strong strategy and we are ready to go out and execute. We barely missed the top 10 last time we came here, so hopefully we can get not only a top-10, but a win this weekend.”

JRM Team Updates

JR Motorsports at Circuit of the Americas: JR Motorsports has competed at Circuit of the Americas a combined 14 times with the NXS since they’re first trip there in 2021. In those starts at the 3.41-mile road course, the organization has recorded four top-fives and seven top-10s, with an average finish of 14.7.

JRM had five entries in the 2023 event with all cars finishing in the top-15 (fifth, seventh, eighth, 11th, and 13th).

Souvenir Rig: JRM drivers Sam Mayer, Justin Allgaier, Sammy Smith and Brandon Jones will be signing autographs at the JR Motorsports / Legacy MC souvenir rig on Saturday, March 23 from 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. CDT.

MOORESVILLE, NC, March 18, 2024 –Daniil Kvyat today announced he is partnering with GOTRAX for next weekend’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Circuit of the Americas.

GOTRAX is a leading producer of e-scooters, e-bikes and other personal electric vehicles. GOTRAX has been changing the game in electric transportation since 2017, providing rides that are fast, fun and reliable for riders of all kinds.

“GOTRAX is thrilled to partner with Daniil Kvyat for the very first time. We’re already huge fans of high speed, adrenaline pumping rides, so sponsoring this race was a no-brainer for us,” said Jeff Lawrence, Marketing Director at GOTRAX. “We hope fans of motorsports and racing can find a familiar feeling of exhilaration on one of our cutting edge and performance built electric bikes, scooters, or dirt bikes.”

“I’m grateful to GOTRAX for their support as I return to COTA, this time with the NASCAR Xfinity Series instead of Formula One. Their dedication to performance matches my own,” said Kvyat. “COTA is a challenging track, but it’s also enjoyable to run. I’m looking forward to getting back out there.”

Kvyat will also welcome Sonoma Aviation as an associate partner. Sonoma Aviation owns and operates two FBOs in California: Sonoma Jet Center in Santa Rosa and Carlsbad Jet Center in Carlsbad.

The Focused Health 250 at Circuit of the Americas starts at 5:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 23. It will air on FS1, PRN and SiriusXM.

For more information about GOTRAX, visit them online at https://gotrax.com/ or follow them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/RideGOTRAX/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ridegotrax), YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/GOTRAX/videos) and TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@ridegotrax).

For more information on Daniil Kvyat, follow him on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/danydk1/) and X (https://twitter.com/kvyatofficial).

STATESVILLE, N.C.: Officials from AM Racing confirmed today that they have entered a partnership with Cody Jinks, a trailblazing independent musician and one of music’s most respected artists, for this weekend’s NASCAR Xfinity Series Focused Health 250 at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) on Saturday, March 23, 2024.

With their partnership, AM Racing, along with Xfinity Series Rookie of the Year candidate Hailie Deegan, will promote Jinks’ anticipated new album, Change The Game, on March 22 via his own label, Late August Records, which he recently launched in an unprecedented partnership with The Orchard.

Produced by Ryan Hewitt (Red Hot Chili Peppers, ZZ Top) and Joshua Thompson, Jinks’ longtime bassist, Change The Game marks a new chapter for Jinks both personally and professionally. He is now self-managed with a completely independent team.

A multi-platinum and award-winning artist, Jinks has sold over 2 million tickets, released ten studio albums, sold more than 2 million equivalent units and garnered more than 4 billion streams across platforms with over 1 billion streams on Spotify and 1.7 billion streams on Pandora, earning him a Pandora Radio Billions Award.

He was also named Music Row’s 2023 Independent Artist of the Year after receiving the most radio spin for an independent artist last year—his second time receiving the award — and will continue to tour extensively through this fall, including headline shows at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater, Los Angeles’ Greek Theater and San Diego’s Rady Shell at Jacobs Park among many others.

Jinks will also join Luke Combs for select dates this year as part of his “Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old” stadium tour.

The Fort Worth, Texas native will also attend the Xfinity Series race on Saturday to support Deegan and the AM Racing team and serve in various pre-race responsibilities with Speedway Motorsports Inc. and Circuit of the Americas.

“I am beyond thrilled about this partnership with Cody Jinks this weekend at Circuit of the Americas,” offered Deegan, driver of the No. 15 AM Racing Ford Mustang. “Cody’s energy and growing popularity will undoubtedly bring us some attention for the race this weekend.

“I am honored to represent him, promote his new record, and earn him a great finish with our No. 15 Cody Jinks — Change The Game Ford Mustang on Saturday afternoon.”

Jinks, 43, proudly embraces his inaugural NASCAR Xfinity Series experience with the Statesville, N.C.- based team.

“I’m proud to partner with AM Racing for the COTA Xfinity race this year,” offered Jinks. The timing couldn’t have been better for the release of my new record, Change The Game, on March 22. Thank you to Wade and Michail for their friendship over the past years. Our team is excited to be working with AM Racing now and, hopefully, in the future.

“AM Racing embodies the same standards as our company, with a “Work Hard, Do Right” friends-first approach. I don’t think it’s any surprise to see me and some of my crew around NASCAR. We’ve been friends with a lot of folks from various teams through the years, and it’s just been a matter of time before doing something like this.

“For me personally, it’s an honor to have my name on the No. 15 Ford Mustang driven by Hailie Deegan!”

Welcoming their second new partnership for the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series season in the opening five races, AM Racing team president Wade Moore says the new relationship with Jinks at Circuit of the Americas is just starting.

“We are incredibly proud to host and promote Cody Jinks and his Change The Game album this weekend at Circuit of the Americas,” added Moore. “Walking around the AM Racing shop and hearing one of Cody’s songs playing on the radio is common.

“This is a special event for us. Cody and the band have created so many lifelong memories for our family that being able to put this partnership together was a natural culmination of a great friendship. We are proud to showcase the biggest independent country music artist on the planet and help share his music with the great fans of NASCAR.”

For more on AM Racing, please visit AMRacingteam.com, like their Facebook page (AM Racing), or follow them on Instagram and X | Twitter @AMRacingNASCAR.

For more on Hailie Deegan, please visit hailiedeegan.com, like her Facebook page (HailieDeegan4), or follow her on Instagram (@hailiedeegan), YouTube and X | Twitter (@hailiedeegan).

The Focused Health 250 (46 laps | 156.86 miles) is the fifth of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2024 schedule. Practice will take place on Fri., March 22, 2024, from 4:30 p.m. to 4:50 p.m. Qualifying will immediately follow, beginning at 5:00 p.m. The field will take the green flag the next afternoon, Sat., March 23, shortly after 4:00 p.m. (5:00 p.m. ET) with live coverage on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), the Performance Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90.

About Cody Jinks:

Cody Jinks is a trailblazing independent musician and one of music’s most respected artists. Adding to an already groundbreaking career, Jinks will release his anticipated new album, Change The Game, on March 22 via his own label, Late August Records, which he recently launched in an unprecedented partnership with The Orchard.

Produced by Ryan Hewitt (Red Hot Chili Peppers, ZZ Top) and Joshua Thompson, Jinks’ longtime bassist, Change The Game marks a new chapter for Jinks both personally and professionally. He is now self-managed with a completely independent team.

A multi-platinum and award-winning artist, Jinks has sold over 2 million tickets, released ten studio albums, sold more than 2 million equivalent units and garnered more than 4 billion streams across platforms with over 1 billion streams on Spotify and 1.7 billion streams on Pandora, earning him a Pandora Radio Billions Award.

He was also named Music Row’s 2023 Independent Artist of the Year after receiving the most radio spin for an independent artist last year—his second time receiving the award—and will continue to tour extensively through this fall, including headline shows at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater, Los Angeles’ Greek Theater and San Diego’s Rady Shell at Jacobs Park among many others.

Jinks will also join Luke Combs for select dates this year as part of his “Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old” stadium tour.

About AM Racing:

AM Racing is a multi-tiered, multi-faceted Motorsports program headquartered in Statesville, N.C.

Established in December 2015, AM Racing is prided on faith, honesty and intelligent performance.

The family-owned team will compete in the ARCA Menards Series, the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series, the NASCAR Xfinity Series and various Dirt Modified events in its eighth year of competition.

The team has named Hailie Deegan, Christian Rose, and Austin Wayne Self as their primary drivers for the 2024 Xfinity, ARCA Menards Series, and Dirt Modified seasons, respectively.

The Trackhouse Racing developmental driver will pilot the No. 88 JR Motorsports entry in four events in 2024

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (March 12, 2024) – The 17-year-old talent and 2024 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona winner, Connor Zilisch will make his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut following his 18th birthday at Watkins Glen International on September 14 behind the wheel of JR Motorsports’ famed No. 88 Chevrolet. Additionally, Zilisch will compete at Kansas Speedway (Sept. 28), Homestead-Miami Speedway (Oct. 26), and Phoenix Raceway (Nov. 9).

“We couldn’t be happier to welcome Connor into the JR Motorsports family and to give him an opportunity behind the wheel of our No.88 Chevrolet,” said JRM CEO Kelley Earnhardt Miller. “Connor is an extremely talented young man and we can’t wait to see what he can do when he gets to the track with us at Watkins Glen.”

A native of Mooresville, N.C., Zilisch began racing at the age of five and has since accumulated an impressive resume. The 17-year-old standout has won multiple U.S. national karting championships and set track records at six different venues in his first year in the Sports Car Club of America in 2021. Zilisch also made his ARCA Menards Series debut in 2023, where he started and finished in the runner-up position and in January 2024, the young driver signed a multi-year agreement with Trackhouse Racing as a developmental driver.

“It’s a dream come true to have the opportunity to race in the Xfinity Series with JR Motorsports for select races this year,” said Zilisch. “I have a lot to learn considering that I’ve never raced on any big tracks previously, but there’s no better team to learn with than JRM. I can’t thank everyone at Chevrolet, Silver Hare Racing, and Trackhouse Racing for helping me get to this point, and continuing to support me into my future. I look forward to giving my all and making the most of this opportunity.”

Additional details regarding partners for Zilisch and the No. 88 team will be forthcoming.

ABOUT JR MOTORSPORTS:

JR Motorsports is the racing operation co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Fame member and 15-time Most Popular Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kelley Earnhardt Miller and NASCAR Hall of Famer Rick Hendrick. Now in its 23rd year of overall competition, JR Motorsports competes in multiple divisions, including the NASCAR Xfinity Series where it currently fields four full-time teams and earned championships in 2014, 2017 and 2018. The company also owns seven titles in regional Late Model divisions with consecutive championships in 2022-23 and a prized national title in 2020. To learn more about the organization, its drivers and its sponsorship opportunities, visit www.jrmracing.com.