One of super late model racing’s biggest stars, Bubba Pollard, is heading to the Xfinity Series to make his NASCAR debut.
Pollard will pilot the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet at Richmond (Va.) Raceway on March 30.
“I’m very excited,” Pollard said in a JRM press release. “I really don’t know what to expect as it’s all very new to us, but I’m very thankful for the opportunity that Rheem and JR Motorsports have given me. I hope we can make the most of it. I’ve never had any laps at Richmond and I haven’t driven an Xfinity car, so it’s all going to be new.”
Rheem Manufacturing will be his primary sponsor.
Though Pollard has an extensive, winning resume on the short-track scene, this will be his first foray into NASCAR competition.
He has won the All American 400, a crown jewel super late model race held annually at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, and has over 100 super late model victories to his credit.
To prepare for his Xfinity Series debut at the .750-mile oval, the 37-year-old will compete during the ARCA Menards Series event at Five Flags Speedway on March 23 to adjust to a heavier stock car.
“Dale (Earnhardt Jr.) and Kelley (Earnhardt Miller) and Rheem have a history of giving guys like me opportunities to race at the next level, opportunities that normally wouldn’t happen,” Pollard said. “I have a lot of respect for them for how much they offer to drivers like me. It’s pretty cool to be part of it. You never know what might happen in the future.”