NASCAR Next's Rhodes to run XFINITY Series for JRM

In addition to winning the K&N East title, the Louisville, Kentucky, native also took Sunoco Rookie of the Year and most popular driver honors in the NASCAR touring series, running for Turner Scott Motorsports. He had five wins, 11 top-five finishes and 13 top-10s in 14 races this season for crew chief Mark McFarland, a former JR Motorsports driver.

"Ben is one of the rising talents in NASCAR," JR Motorsports general manager Kelley Earnhardt Miller said. "As a company, JRM takes pride in cultivating young drivers, and together with Alpha Energy Solutions, we're thrilled to give Ben a platform to further develop his skills at the next level. I'm excited to see what this coming year will bring for him and the 88 team."

The 17-year-old, who turns 18 on Feb. 21, ran four NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races in 2014 at tracks a mile in length or shorter. He earned three top-10 finishes at Martinsville Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway and Phoenix International Raceway.

Earlier this week, it was announced that former Hendrick Motorsports engineer, Dave Elenz, will serve as the team's new crew chief.

Rhodes won his K&N East title with sponsor Alpha Energy Solutions, and the Louisville-based commercial and industrial mechanical service provider will join him at JR Motorsports.

"I'm thrilled to be joining one of the top teams in NASCAR for the 2015 season," Rhodes said. "It's been my goal to compete in NASCAR's top tiers, and this is a tremendous opportunity with JR Motorsports and Alpha Energy Solutions to race in the XFINITY Series.

"I couldn't think of a better group of people to surround myself with to continue my growth in the sport. I am looking forward to working with crew chief Dave Elenz, driving the No. 88 Chevrolet with Dale Jr., Kevin Harvick and Kasey Kahne, as well as sharing the track with my teammates Chase Elliott and Regan Smith."

The No. 88 team will compete in the full 33-race XFINITY Series schedule in 2015.

Rhodes' complete schedule in the No. 88 Alpha Energy Solutions Chevrolet includes races at Iowa Speedway (May 17), Chicagoland Speedway (June 20), New Hampshire Motor Speedway (July 18), a second event at Iowa Speedway (Aug. 1), Watkins Glen International (Aug. 8), Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (Aug. 15), Road America (Aug. 29), Kentucky Speedway (Sept. 26), Dover International Speedway (Oct. 3) and the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway (Nov. 21).

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