Posted on by Staff Report

NASCAR drivers remembered J.D. Gibbs as a humble, gracious and ‘incredible’ person Saturday morning on social media after learning of the death of the Joe Gibbs Racing co-founder.

The 49-year-old son of Joe Gibbs died Friday from complications following a long battle with a degenerative neurological disease, according to a team statement.

MORE: J.D. through the years

His impact in NASCAR was felt throughout the garage, which was clear as respects began to pour in.

 

Posted on by Zack Albert

J.D. Gibbs, who followed his famous father’s path from football to stock-car racing, died Friday evening. He was 49.

Gibbs’ passing was announced by Joe Gibbs Racing, the family’s racing team, citing “complications following a long battle with a degenerative neurological disease.” Gibbs had undergone treatment for symptoms impacting areas of brain function in recent years.

Gibbs served as president and later co-chairman of Joe Gibbs Racing. Before joining the organization’s senior management, Gibbs was an over-the-wall crewmember and a part-time driver, making 13 NASCAR national series starts from 1998-2002.

“We were privileged to watch J.D. Gibbs grow within the sport, displaying an endearing personality, a keen eye for talent and the strong business acumen that helped grow Joe Gibbs Racing into a pre-eminent NASCAR team,” NASCAR Chairman & CEO Jim France said in a statement. “The NASCAR family has lost a truly special member. On behalf of NASCAR and the France family, I extend my deepest condolences to Joe Gibbs, Pat, Melissa, Coy and the entire Gibbs family.”

Drivers poured in condolences and memories on social media as well, with former JGR driver Tony Stewart seemingly speaking for the group in this tweet: “Heartbroken for the entire Gibbs family. J.D. was a great person – a family man who loved sports & racing in particular. He played a big part in my career, both as a driver & as a team owner. When he asked how you were doing, he genuinely cared. I’ll miss that the most.”

MORE: Drivers honor ‘incredible’ person

Jason Dean Gibbs was born Feb. 21, 1969, near Los Angeles as his father served as assistant football coach at the University of Southern California. His upbringing included plenty of moves, according to a team biography, as his father was hired as an assistant at Arkansas before reaching the pros with stops at St. Louis, Tampa Bay and San Diego. But it also included a pursuit of speed, with J.D. and his brother, Coy, taking an interest in go-karts, jet-skis and motorbikes in their young age.

Before following his father’s career arc into motorsports, Gibbs pursued another of his father’s passions in football. The younger Gibbs played defensive back and quarterback at William & Mary from 1987-90, then transitioned to join his father’s race team after his college career.

“I wasn’t really stellar from an athletic standpoint,” J.D. Gibbs told the Richmond Times-Dispatch in 2006. “So for me to go into business, starting a family business with my dad, was really great. I’m glad we had a chance to do that together.”

J.D. Gibbs during NASCAR Awards festivities in 2010.
Chris Trotman | Getty Images

Joe Gibbs Racing formed as the elder Gibbs was wrapping up his first stint as coach of the NFL’s Washington Redskins, a tenure that yielded three Super Bowl wins. Joe Gibbs Racing hit the track in 1992 with a staff of 17 people operating out of a 5,000-square foot shop.

J.D. Gibbs was a tire-changer for JGR in its earliest years, which included a breakthrough Daytona 500 win with Hall of Famer Dale Jarrett in 1993. Back then, the younger Gibbs still thought his future was in football, becoming a fixture on the sidelines as his father had done.

“I figured I’d do this for a couple of years and then I’d go coach,” Gibbs said in a 2004 profile in The Washington Post. “But we got in at a perfect time, the Lord kind of blessed us, and it has grown.”

PHOTOS: J.D. Gibbs through the years

Gibbs attempted a limited schedule in Xfinity and Camping World Truck Series competition, during the same time that he moved into an administrative role with JGR, becoming its team president in 1998. He tested for the first time at Darlington Raceway in March of that year, with plans to run 8-10 races later in the season.

Gibbs’ brief audition behind the wheel was less than successful. Later in his life, he was able to make light of his driving days with self-deprecating wit. “If it was just me, I could be a pretty good racer,” he told The Washington Post in 2004. “But then you put 42 other cars out there and that causes some issues.” He also quipped at a convention with sponsor Interstate Batteries in San Francisco in 2014: “My dad, he fired me in a nice way,” Gibbs said, with his father and driver Kyle Busch alongside. “He gave me an office and said, ‘hey, you’re now the president, because you’re a horrible driver.’ ”

J.D. Gibbs celebrates with Denny Hamlin at Daytona in 2006.
Rusty Jarrett | Getty Images

J.D. Gibbs’ competitive spirit translated into his management style, fueling a period of dramatic growth for Joe Gibbs Racing. The organization expanded to a two-car team in 1999 and quickly snared its first two championships — with Bobby Labonte in 2000 and Tony Stewart in 2002.

When his father rejoined the Redskins in 2004, bringing Coy Gibbs with him as an assistant coach, J.D. Gibbs was solely in charge of JGR’s day-to-day operations. J.D. said he was initially concerned for the added responsibility, but lauded the foundation that his father had established. Even then, he had plenty of support from within the organization.

“I think he underestimates his ability as the team leader,” Stewart told the Associated Press in 2005. “J.D. is a really smart guy — a lot smarter than he lets people know.”

One year later, the team had expanded to a three-car effort, highlighted by a second premier series title for Stewart and the debut of Denny Hamlin, who remains with the team as JGR’s longest-tenured driver.

Joe Gibbs resigned from his second NFL coaching tour in January 2008 after taking the Redskins to two more postseason appearances, rejoining his son in JGR’s senior management. Together, they navigated another season of change, adding Kyle Busch to the driver roster and shifting manufacturers to Toyota.

The younger Gibbs was also instrumental in forming the JGR Diversity Program in conjunction with his father and the late Reggie White, an NFL Hall of Famer. That initiative groomed Aric Almirola for a career in NASCAR’s big leagues and continued with the ascension of Mexican-born standout Daniel Suarez to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series ranks.

J.D. Gibbs speaks at a team function at Joe Gibbs Racing in 2013
Streeter Lecka | Getty Images

J.D. Gibbs’ health became a serious concern in fall 2014, when he exhibited symptoms that led to a neurological diagnosis. Joe Gibbs provided an update on his condition in March 2015 as his son began treatment for the ailment, which had affected his speech and processing functions.

The elder Gibbs said there were “very few answers” about the cause of his son’s condition. He pointed to his son’s action-sports lifestyle — with racing, football, snowboarding and mountain biking among his pastimes — but said doctors were unable to pinpoint a single traumatic event that caused his illness.

It wasn’t the first time J.D. Gibbs had faced severe medical adversity. His son, Taylor, was diagnosed with leukemia as a 2-year-old in 2007. After numerous surgeries and treatments, Taylor Gibbs recovered, completing chemotherapy in 2010.

“To have somebody go through what J.D.’s going through … and have all the tough times, never to complain. Not once, not once,” Joe Gibbs told the Orlando Sentinel in 2016. “I know I’m not strong enough to do that and he is.”

J.D. Gibbs’ presence at the track diminished in his later years. He was named co-chairman of JGR ahead of the 2016 season, succeeded as president by Dave Alpern. But his impact on the organization was a lasting one, a family legacy that spanned football and NASCAR success.

“Any kid wants to see what their dad is doing,” J.D. Gibbs told the Associated Press in 2006. “If you have a good relationship with them, you’re going to want to do what they do, no matter what the profession is. Football for most kids is pretty cool. So is racing cars.

“To be involved as a kid, that’s just what we love to do, that’s what we did.”

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MOORESVILLE, NC (Thursday, January 10, 2019) — B.J. McLeod (Owner/Driver) and Jessica McLeod (Owner) of BJ McLeod Motorsports (BJMM) are excited to start a fourth season as a NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) team in its new state-of-the-art facility in Mooresville, North Carolina. This year, the organization will field three cars with its respected No. 78, No. 8 and No. 99 car numbers.

“After going straight to work the week after Homestead, all in preparation for 2019, we feel like we got a great start for the upcoming season,” B.J. McLeod said. “We are stoked to announce our driver lineup and we are all looking forward to spend our weekends at the track.”

Vinnie Miller will pilot the BJMM flagship No. 78 NXS car. Vinnie will continue his campaign as announced in September last year. Vinnie signed a multiyear agreement to drive for BJMM.

“Vinnie did a great job coming on board the last six races of last year. We are ready to repeat and this time, it will be for a full season,” said the team driver/owner who also competes in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.

Twenty-two-year-old Matt Mills from New Philadelphia, Ohio, will pilot the No. 8 NXS entry in 2019 beginning at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, on Saturday, Feb. 16.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Matt again this year,” said team owner, B.J. McLeod. “He is a very hard-working young man with lots of talent. Our goal for the year is to work together to create a solid foundation for this season and beyond.”

Mills enters his fourth year of NASCAR competition. He has 22 NASCAR starts between the NXS and the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series.

Supporting the effort will be JF Electric and longtime partner, Thompson Electric.

“We’ve been working extremely hard the last few years to put together an effort like this one,” said Mills. “I can’t thank B.J. and Jessica McLeod enough for the opportunity, as well as JF Electric and Thompson Electric. I’m focused on having a solid season, gaining experience and respect along the way.”

Finally, the third car — No. 99 — will have a carousel of drivers such as B.J. McLeod, Tommy Joe Martins and JA Avila Jr. with open seats still available to welcome drivers to the team. “It is with great enthusiasm to have Tommy Joe Martins back with the team. Martins has played a great part in helping us improve our on-track performance over the last two years and we are looking forward to what’s to come. Avila joins the team again this year and after two top-20 finishes in his first two starts, the future looks promising,” owner Jessica McLeod said.

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Technically, Jimmie Johnson and NASCAR fans didn’t have to wait until Friday on “Good Morning America” to see the brand new No. 48 Ally Chevrolet paint scheme.

Technically, the new car had already made an appearance on Johnson’s Instagram three times.

Don’t believe us?

MORE: See the new car!

Well …

See the picture below? It’s of Jimmie’s daughter, Lydia. Zoom in just under her left elbow, into the parking lot. What do you see?

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsWT08MAiXW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

How about this one? Look closely at the line of cars on the left.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BscBTYKAoZK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

And this final one Thursday night, hours before the unveil? Perhaps the most visible “Easter egg,” behind the smoke of the burning-it-down car.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BseNbhegtcp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Yes, even when it comes to clever hidden objects in his Instagram photos, Jimmie Johnson remains far from done.

Posted on by Team Release

NEW YORK (Jan. 11, 2019) – Legendary NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson and Ally revealed the new look for the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet this morning, unveiling a blend of Ally’s unique branding along with Johnson’s iconic number and color.

“This is an exciting beginning with Ally, and we wanted a car that conveyed that excitement to our fans,” Johnson said this morning after unveiling the new car on Good Morning America. “Personally, I’ve put a ton of time in on this paint scheme to help our team develop the new look.”

RELATED: Perfect sponsorship match

In October, Ally, a leading digital financial services company, announced that it would join Hendrick Motorsports as the whole-season primary sponsor of Johnson’s team in 2019 and 2020. The sponsorship will feature Ally on the champion driver’s cars throughout the full 38-race NASCAR schedule, beginning with February’s 2019 Daytona Speedweeks and the 61st running of the Daytona 500.

Jimmie Johnson Ally Paint Scheme

“We wanted Jimmie and fans throughout the country to love the car, so we were ecstatic that he took such a hands-on approach to developing a paint scheme that would stand out and his fans would embrace,” said Andrea Brimmer, chief marketing and PR officer for Ally. “It’s just another example of why our relationship is such a great match. His values line up with Ally’s approach. We both have high standards and want to make sure we ‘Do it Right’ for our fans and customers.”

Johnson, who is signed with Hendrick Motorsports through 2020, selected a black gloss as his base color with matte decals in Ally’s color pallet. Johnson’s iconic neon yellow 48 will anchor the car.

PHOTOS: Career highlights for Jimmie

10-Year-Old Race Fan’s Wish Comes True

One of Johnson’s most-avid fans was on hand for the reveal in New York at the GMA studio. Johnson and Ally teamed with Make-A-Wish® to surprise 10-year-old Trevin of Florida, by flying him and his father, an armed services veteran, to New York for the car reveal and revealing that his wish to attend the Daytona 500 would come true. Trevin, who has cystic fibrosis and is a big NASCAR fan, will attend the race as Johnson’s guest.

Jimmie Johnson Ally Paint Scheme 2

“Today is such an incredible day for Trevin. We are grateful to Ally and Jimmie Johnson for inviting Trevin to this car and wish reveal today,” said Shaina Reeser, director of sports and entertainment for Make-A-Wish. “For 15 years, Jimmie Johnson has been committed to granting wishes for children with critical illnesses and understands the importance of a wish come true. We are enormously grateful for his support and passion for creating life-changing moments for wish kids.”

New Beginning

This year marks a new beginning for Johnson, who in addition to getting a new sponsor with Ally also has a new crew chief in Kevin Meendering. Johnson has seven NASCAR titles — equaled only by legends Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt — that include five in a row from 2006 to 2010. “I’m invigorated as we chase an eighth title,” said Johnson, the only race car driver ever to be named the Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year. “I feel like we have something to prove.”

Brimmer said the timing is perfect for Ally to team with Johnson. “We are proud to have his back as he goes for this monumental achievement. Everyone relies on allies as they chase their goals and dreams — from the person looking to buy a new car or home to a world-class athlete looking to make auto racing history.”

Posted on by Holly Cain

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – In many ways, Alex Zanardi was as much rock star as race driver during his time at Daytona International Speedway last week preparing to compete in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 26-27.

And it wasn’t just race fans with love in their eyes, respect in their heart and an eagerness to interact with the former IndyCar champion as he made his way around the track.

Team engineers, series officials, corporate bigwigs and a long line of his fellow drivers – including Formula 1 star Fernando Alonso – took turns greeting and hugging Zanardi. And just grinning. So many are so incredibly grateful to see the 52-year old Italian back in their race paddock preparing to work his magic behind the steering wheel again competing for the first time in a car stateside since he lost his legs in an open-wheel race in 2001.

RELATED: Daytona track record broken during ‘Roar’

The good vibe was palpable, and a perpetual grin hung ear to ear as Zanardi navigated all the love.

“Finally I am here and so this is very, very special,” Zanardi explained, speaking to reporters at the Roar Before the Rolex 24 three-day test session at Daytona International Speedway last weekend. “On top, to be in the same paddock with a lot of friends and be stopped basically every foot by a different friend who I haven’t seen in a long time, it’s really sweet.

“I know that I will be stopped by many fans who remember some of the things I did over in this beautiful country, which definitely gave me the greatest opportunity of my life. To have the opportunity to add a little more, to make that small space in their heart grow, the personal space… I have a unique opportunity and I feel gifted having had the opportunity to compete here in Daytona.”

Zanardi is entered in the GT Le Mans (GTLM) class and will co-drive the No. 24 BMW Team RLL BMW M8 GTE with John Edwards, Jesse Krohn and Chaz Mostert in the 24-hour race. It marks the first time he has competed in the United States since he lost both legs in a racing accident in a September, 2001 CART (now called IndyCar) Series race in Germany.

After earning back-to-back CART series championships in 1997-98 driving for Chip Ganassi Racing, Zanardi spent a season-long effort in Formula 1 in 1999 before returning stateside to rejoin the CART series in 2001, driving for Mo Nunn Racing.

After leading 20 laps in the CART race at Germany’s two-mile, triangular EuroSpeedway Lausitz oval that fall afternoon, Zanardi crashed 13 laps from the checkered flag, losing both legs in the horrific incident. His injuries were so severe he was airlifted to a nearby German hospital.

Even this dramatic and emotional ordeal couldn’t dampen Zanardi’s inspiring zest for life. It’s something that has perpetually inspired his good friend and former teammate Jimmy Vasser. 

That Zanardi later returned to compete in GT cars in Europe and win gold medals racing a wheelchair in the Paralympics is no surprise. That he would compete in a demanding 24-hour race here in a month? Well, of course.

As Vasser and the rest of his competitors already knew so well, there is no slowing Zanardi down.

“He was always an amazing champion, an amazing driver, a dear friend, a best friend even before the accident,” said Vasser, whose own AIM Vasser Sullivan team is fielding a pair of GT Daytona (GTD) cars in the Rolex 24. “But after the accident, I came to the conclusion… you wonder why? Why? Why? How does that happen to someone like that?

“I finally decided that you know what, it happened to Alex that way because he needed to show everybody how you’re supposed to handle it – 99 percent of the people on the planet couldn’t handle it. They would crawl in their hole, disappear, would not do the things he has done. Like his waking up and telling [his wife] Daniela that as long as he has her and their son Niccolo, then ‘I’m okay.’ There was never a poor me, not one time, not one single time.”

That Zanardi pushed himself in a new set of life circumstances, that he never gave up, that he achieved again and again, is of little surprise to those that know him best.

His friends and colleagues say that they find themselves simultaneously impressed and yet fully expecting that he would handle himself in such an inspiring way, turning obstacles into opportunities and harsh odds into mere challenges for his substantial heart.

MORE IMSA: Kurt Busch visits Ganassi team’s pit

That has been Zanardi’s style all along, however.

“I don’t think anything surprises me with Alex anymore,” said Ganassi, who took his former IndyCar drivers Vasser and Zanardi to dinner with his sports car team while in Daytona. “From his accomplishments in an Indy car with us, to the ranks of Formula 1, and then on to gold medals, and now the Rolex 24.

Alex Zanardi and Chip Ganassi
Chris Graythen | Getty Images

“What can you say about him that hasn’t been said? He embodies everything good about the human spirit. I look forward to watching him compete later this month in Daytona. He’s a guy that everyone pulls for.” 

And Zanardi has provided plenty of motivational opportunity since his accident. He won the 2012 New York City Marathon in the hand-cycling class. And we went on to claim gold medals in the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London and the 2016 games in Brazil. 

His will to overcome challenges, his love of competition and his God-given talent have sustained Zanardi.

MORE: Big names take to track at Roar Before Rolex 24

He is one of those people who makes those around him more comfortable and more positive just from being in his presence and seeing firsthand his completely genuine enthusiasm for life. 

As he joked in Daytona last week, perhaps the fondness will wane as Zanardi’s lap times drop. Let there be no doubt, that for all the friendliness, laughter and handshakes, there’s a reason Zanardi is a championship driver. He’s fast – no matter the type of wheels or kind of race.

“I hope that down the road I can change that a little because when everyone is so friendly and they say ‘Wow, Alex it’s so cool to be in the same field with you,’ it’s just because they expect you to be behind,” Zanardi said with a laugh. “And when you get in front, they are not as excited anymore. I hope I can cool some of them down during the race.”

For all the love and sentimental thrill of reuniting with Zanardi or meeting this inspiration in person, Vasser reminds that this isn’t a merely a feel-good tour. Zanardi is in Daytona to win. Since his accident, Zanardi competed full-time for two seasons in the ultra-competitive FIA European Touring Car Series, winning three races.

He is in Daytona, competing in this race for one reason: to win. He has spent hours in the garage practicing driver changes that will obviously be more involved and turned many laps getting used to the BMW especially outfitted with hand controls for him.

“This is just another chapter, it’s not the end of the book for racing,” Vasser says emphatically. “He keeps jumping into cars and he does well. It’s not like ‘Oh well, it’s so nice for him to be able to do it.’ No, he’s helping the team to win, legs or no legs.

“He’s an asset in the competition side. He pushes the drivers and teammates and his input for the chassis and setup. He’s so engineering minded… I knew the minute (he started his recovery) that he would revolutionize prosthetic builds, the engineering of building them better.

“The mind hasn’t changed. He’s missing his legs, but his mind and his personality and his compassion… all the other things that I love so much about him are still the same. His smile, his sense of humor, he’s always joking and he’s the world’s greatest exaggerator. There are so many stories I could tell you. We’d go on our victory tours and if one of his one-liners worked, the next time he used it, he took it to the next level. You loved that about him.”

Judging by the response Zanardi received inside the garage at Daytona, it’s easy to imagine the reception he will get from fans when he returns for the race. Zanardi may be the one competing, but it feels like the rest of us fortunate enough to marvel in his inspirational story, are winning too.

“He just makes life so much better,” Vasser says emphatically. “This isn’t post-accident. He’s the same, same sense of humor, same honesty. I could go on and an on and on, I mean you talk about a hero.

“I was thinking about it during last weekend, there are some really fantastic human beings on the planet. They are out there. And it’s not because Alex is a racer, but quite honestly, I think he could be the best human. He’s so inspirational and at the very least he’s in that percentile of being one of the top human beings in giving the example of how to not give up.

“How can you be upset with anything in your life when you see what he’s doing with his life?”

“One step further, you know what? This guy may be one of the best in the world to show how to use your life every day and get the most out of it.

“He just is an amazing, amazing person.”

Posted on by Staff Report

If you’re a music fan, you may have heard something back in the day about a little festival called Woodstock.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of music’s most famous concert — headlined by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, The Band, The Who, Santana, Grateful Dead, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young … the list goes on — held on a dairy farm in the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York in 1969.

In honor of 2019 being a landmark year, the Woodstock Music and Arts Fair announced this week that it would be presenting “Woodstock 50” — and you might say there’s a “Hendrick’s Jimmie” twist to it.

The music festival will be held on the fields surrounding Watkins Glen International from Aug. 16-18, just days after the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series crowns a victor in the Go Bowling at The Glen race on Aug. 4 (3 p.m. ET, NBCSN, MRN, NBC Sports App).

MORE: Full 2019 schedule

Tickets will go on sale in February, when the festival announces its artist lineup.

“It’ll be an eclectic bill,” festival co-creator Michael Lang told Rolling Stone. “It’ll be hip-hop and rock and some pop and some of the legacy bands from the original festival.”

NASCAR road racing followed by one of the biggest music festivals of the year, all in one place? Now that’s one heck of a way to close out a summer.

RELATED: Buy Watkins Glen tickets | Book hotels 

Posted on by Team Release

CONCORD, N.C. & PITTSBURGH & CHICAGO — Oscar Mayer will debut as a 2019 sponsor of the No. 6 Oscar Mayer Ford Mustang at the historic Daytona 500 on February 17, with driver Ryan Newman and Roush Fenway Racing.

The race will mark Newman’s Roush Fenway debut behind the wheel of the Oscar Mayer No. 6 Ford, and with NASCAR’s winningest owner Jack Roush, a two-time winner of the Great American Race (2009, 2012).

“The Daytona 500 is obviously one of the biggest and most iconic races in the world,” said Ryan Newman, driver of the No. 6 Oscar Mayer Ford Mustang and the 2008 winner of the Daytona 500. “And I can’t think of a better way to kick off the season and our partnership with Oscar Mayer; one of the most beloved brands in the world.”

“We’re honored to be a season-long sponsor of driver Ryan Newman and Roush Fenway Racing,” said Matt Riezman, Associate Director for Oscar Mayer. “We have big plans to support the sport and the No. 6 Oscar Mayer Ford Mustang this year and can’t wait to share our love for tasty Oscar Mayer bacon, cold cuts and hot dogs with NASCAR fans.”

RELATED: Newman on track for key milestones in 2019

Oscar Mayer will return as the primary partner on the No. 6 Ford at Phoenix on March 10 and will be featured as the primary sponsor on a number of races throughout the year. In addition, the iconic brand will serve as an associate partner on the No. 6 for the entire season. In each race, the No. 6 Ford Mustang will sport a different design scheme that celebrates Oscar Mayer’s quality offerings across bacon, hot dogs and cold cuts.

“A win in the Daytona 500 means so much in our sport,” added Newman, who will make his 18th start in the Great American Race. “I’m fortunate to have one Daytona 500 win under my belt and make no mistake, the goal is to put this No. 6 Oscar Mayer Ford in Victory Lane at Daytona next month.”

Newman, a native of South Bend, Indiana, becomes the fifth driver to pilot the No. 6 for Roush Fenway. The No. 6 Ford has visited Victory Lane 36 times, captured 41 poles and led more than 11,400 laps under the Roush Fenway umbrella.

Newman has led more than 4,800 laps and his 51 poles are the ninth most in NASCAR history. He was named the Cup Series rookie of the year in 2002 and won the 2008 Daytona 500 and the 2013 Brickyard 400. He has finished inside the top 10 of the final Cup standings on seven occasions, including a second-place finish in 2014, and has qualified for the NASCAR Cup playoffs on eight different occasions since its inception in 2004. He was also named NASCAR Driver of the Year in 2003. All time at the World Center of Racing, Newman has 10 top-10 and five top-five finishes.

Oscar Mayer historically served as an associate partner at Roush in the early 2000s and was featured on both Kenseth’s No. 17 Ford and Kurt Busch’s No. 97 Ford, when NASCAR Hall-of-Fame owner Jack Roush led his stable to back-to-back Cup championships in 2003 and 2004.

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Brett Moffitt had opportunities with other teams — and even in other series.

But his decision to join GMS Racing’s Gander Outdoors Truck Series operation to pilot the No. 24 Chevrolet in 2019 was made for one reason — to win races and championships.

“As far as the market goes, I had options open,” the reigning Truck Series champion said during a teleconference Thursday. “None of them that would … necessarily continue to be in race-winning equipment, which is what I wanted ultimately. I had a few opportunities in some less-than-impressive Cup stuff and I had talks with some Xfinity teams as well, but the biggest thing to me is to go out and try to compete for a championship and win races.

MORE: Hattori Racing signs Austin Hill for 2019 | Drivers on the move

“So, I was kind of holding out, hoping that a deal like this would come together … I’ve had a relationship with (GMS Racing) ever since running the Xfinity race at Iowa a few years ago. Just kind of always been talks on and off. When this opportunity opened up for them, I believe I was the first person they called about it. So, I’m just glad we were able to make it happen.”

The No. 24 Chevrolet was the opportunity that Moffitt — who will bring a handful of partners to the group this season — held out for, despite other earlier offers.

“I think the depth of the organization is just huge,” he said. “They have quality equipment in all of their race teams. … Every truck they brought to the track was top of the line. They put all their best feet forward and as a driver, you notice that. That’s not taking anything away from my guys last year or anything, but from the outside looking in, they’ve got everything organized and put together well. It’s definitely not (for) a lack of effort if there is ever a struggle and they find a way to overcome it every time.

“As far as driving for them this year, that gets me super excited as a driver to be with a team that’s going to put everything they possible can into it and go to the race track week in and week out with the absolute best of the best that they can bring.”

GMS Racing announced Wednesday that veteran Johnny Sauter would not return to the team after three full-time seasons with the organization. Sauter earned 13 of his 23 career wins with the GMS Racing fleet, including the 2016 Gander Outdoors Truck Series championship. He finished fourth in the final 2018 standings to champion Moffitt, whom Sauter hinted could move to the GMS Racing operation during a Wednesday interview with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

Moffitt’s Cinderella-esque march to the 2018 title included six trips to Victory Lane, the last coming at Homestead-Miami Speedway. He became a free agent when Hattori Racing Enterprises announced he would not return to the No. 16 ride.

While his rookie, championship-winning season was special, Moffitt looks to build beyond that this year with an organization he calls a “staple” in the Truck and Xfinity series.

“I’m looking forward to being in an opportunity where I’m not just lucky to be in that position,” he said. “I feel like GMS and the Gallagher family are really going to indulge in this and build a team around me and support me … I’m sure there will be challenges throughout the season but I feel like for the most part, we’re just going to put our heads down and work at winning races and winning another championship.

“And I feel like that as a driver is confidence-inspiring and I don’t really need Cinderella moments; I just want to go out there and win and win a championship.”

GMS Racing’s other driver assignments for the 2019 season:

Posted on by Team Release

CONCORD, N.C. — Venturini Motorsports (VMS) announced Thursday the signing of Harrison Burton to a partial schedule in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards.

Burton, 18, a two-time ARCA Series winner, will pilot the No. 20 Toyota Camry for five events starting with the series’ season opener at Daytona International Speedway before moving onto Charlotte Motor Speedway (5/23), Pocono Raceway (5/31), Chicagoland Speedway (6/27) and the series finale at Kansas Speedway (10/18).

RELATED: On the move: 2019’s changes

Throughout the season, Burton will feature continued support from long time partners DEX Imaging, FIELDS, Morton Buildings and Rheem Heating, Cooling and Water Heating.

Burton, the son of former Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver Jeff Burton, has made 11 career ARCA starts since 2017. With ARCA victories at Toledo Speedway and Pocono Raceway, the talented teenager has recorded seven top-five and 10 top-10 finishes throughout his brief series career.

Burton, a NASCAR Next alumnus, won the 2017 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Championship as well as numerous Super Late Model victories including marquee events such as the Rattler 250 at South Alabama Speedway and the ARCA/CRA Speedfest at Crisp Motorsports Park.

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“I’m super excited to join Venturini Motorsports and continue running in the series,” says Burton. “I love ARCA Racing and the community around it. The series is a great option in the grand scheme of things when it comes to my career development — it’s a great stepping stone as I continue to the next level.”

A member of the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) family, Burton’s ARCA effort will coincide with his full-season NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series (NGOTS) effort driving the No. 18 Toyota Tundra for Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM).

“I’m truly looking forward to working with Harrison this upcoming season,” said team owner Billy Venturini. “Harrison has a deep racing pedigree and is a terrific kid — it’s an honor to have the opportunity to work with such a storied name in our sport as a Burton. It’s also great to have another young Toyota Racing Development driver come through our program.”

Burton will join his new team at Daytona International Speedway this week to kick off their season with the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards open test that is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 11 and Saturday, Jan. 12.