By Caleb Whisler, Staff Writer
After attempts of finding a ride in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, Jeffrey Earnhardt has decided to take a bet on himself in 2019.
Earnhardt will compete in nine NASCAR Xfinity Series events with Joe Gibbs Racing next season with sponsorship from Xtreme Concepts Inc.,
He will make his debut in the No. 18 Xtreme Concepts Toyota in the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway Feb. 16.
“I’ve worked incredibly hard for this opportunity and I’ve got to thank Xtreme Concepts for making it happen,” said Earnhardt in a statement. “You see the level of expertise Joe Gibbs Racing has and the caliber of equipment they bring to the racetrack every week. As a driver, it’s exactly where you want to be. It’s the best opportunity I’ve had in my career and I plan to make the most of it.”
Joe Gibbs Racing believes Earnhardt has what it takes to fit into their organizational mold.
“From the time we first came to NASCAR in 1992, we’ve always put forth maximum effort to have the best possible results on the racetrack,” said Coy Gibbs, Vice Chairman and COO, of JGR.
“Our Xfinity Series program is the perfect example of what happens when preparation meets execution. We’ve had both up-and-coming and veteran drivers achieve success in our racecars, and that success has translated to the partners they’ve represented. We think Jeffrey Earnhardt has the talent to win races and deliver strong results for Xtreme Concepts.”
Details pertaining to the nine-race schedule will be announced at a later date.