Matt Tifft to Join RCR for 2018 NASCAR Xfinity Campaign

By Seth Eggert, NASCAR Writer

Another puzzle piece fell into place for Richard Childress Racing’s 2018 NASCAR Xfinity season as the organization signs rookie Matt Tifft. Tifft will compete for a championship in the No. 2 Chevrolet Camaro SS for RCR beginning next season.

Tifft currently drives the No. 19 Tunity Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing. He is a contender for the 2017 Sunoco Rookie of the Year in the Xfinity Series. In 28 races this season, he has two top-fives and nine top-10 finishes. Tifft currently sits seventh in the Playoffs, 14-points ahead of the cutoff for the Round of Eight.

Tifft was grateful for this new opportunity,

“I am very appreciative and grateful for the opportunity to race for a championship and grow as a driver under one the most successful and historic teams in NASCAR. RCR has a long history of developing partnerships through its XFINITY Series program. I am looking forward to being a part of the family and applying what I have learned in my first full-time XFINITY Series season while continuing to grow with the goal of competing in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series in the future.”

Tifft has three top-fives, 15 top-10s, and one pole position in his Xfinity Series career. He also has 25 career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts with one top-five and nine top-10s. Last year, Tifft was sidelined for nearly four months because of a brain tumor.

RCR team owner Childress has been impressed by Tifft’s abilities behind the wheel,

“Matt is a talented race car driver and an even better young man. I’ve watched him race for the past few years and we were impressed by his ability. We look forward to welcoming Matt to our XFINITY Series program and having him compete for a championship with RCR.”

In addition to Tifft’s NASCAR National Series starts, he has 26 starts between the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West with one top-five and 10 top-10s. He also has 25 ARCA Racing Series starts with 11 top-fives and 15 top-10s.

Tifft’s crew chief and sponsorship will be announced later. For now, his future secure, Tifft will continue to fight for a spot in the Round of Eight at Charlotte Motor Speedway.