Bubba Pollard, a renowned short track racing star, is set to make his debut in the Nascar Xfinity Series program with JR Motorsports. The team, co-owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kelley Earnhardt Miller, and Rick Hendrick, will field Pollard in the No. 88 Chevrolet at Richmond Raceway on March 30.
Pollard, aged 37, will drive a car sponsored by Rheem, a long-time supporter of JRM. Known for his success in prestigious short track events nationwide, Pollard expressed his gratitude for the opportunity presented by Rheem and JR Motorsports.
Having never raced at Richmond and with no prior experience in an Xfinity car, Pollard acknowledged the challenge ahead but remained optimistic about making the most of the opportunity. He highlighted the history of JR Motorsports in providing opportunities to drivers like himself to compete at higher levels in motorsports.
JR Motorsports has a tradition of supporting short track racers, with examples like Josh Berry, who transitioned from the Xfinity Series to the Cup Series with Stewart-Haas Racing. Berry made his Xfinity Series debut with JRM in 2014 and gradually expanded his racing schedule with the team.
Earnhardt Miller, in a statement, emphasized the team's commitment to developing championship drivers and team personnel. She praised Pollard as a prime example of this progression and expressed pride in supporting him alongside Rheem Manufacturing.
Prior to the Xfinity Series race at Richmond, Pollard will also compete in an ARCA Menards Series event at Five Flags Speedway. The announcement of Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s participation in at least one race for the 2024 season with JRM adds further anticipation to the team's upcoming endeavors.
