Second-generation driver Ross Kenseth, 21, will make his NASCAR XFINITY Series debut in the stand-alone June 20 race at Chicagoland Speedway, Joe Gibbs Racing announced Friday.
And the son of 2003 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Matt Kenseth will be able to showcase his talent in excellent equipment. He’ll be piloting the No. 20 JGR Toyota for his maiden voyage in one of NASCAR’s top touring series.
The car will sport the livery of Dollar General, one of Matt Kenseth’s sponsors on the Cup side.
“It’s pretty surreal–it still is,” Ross Kenseth said Friday at Bristol Motor Speedway. “It probably won’t set in until you’re in the car for the first time. But to be able to put a deal together with Coach Gibbs and JGR and Dollar General, it’s been a dream come true to be able get that first start.
“To be able to do it in top-notch equipment and have a really competitive car like that is really exciting.”
The Chicagoland race takes place during an off week for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, giving Matt Kenseth the chance to attend his son’s debut.
“Certainly, I don’t think the opportunity could be any better than this,” Matt Kenseth said. “I feel like the 20 is one of the best (XFINITY) cars out there this year with Wheels (crew chief Mike Wheeler) running that thing. …
“It’s exciting for me, and it’s an off weekend, so I’ll be able to be there and be part of that. Looking forward to see how he does. It’s a great shot, and he’s worked really hard for it.”
Reid Spencer – NASCAR Wire Service
Image: Matt Kenseth.com
