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[/media-credit]JR Motorsports has become pretty good at picking winners and Wednesday afternoon they signed a driver who they believe will be their next one in the Nationwide Series.
Twenty-year-old California native Cole Whitt was announced as the new driver of the No. 88 Chevrolet, replacing Aric Almirola. Sponsorship is expected to come from Hellmanns, Taxslayer and Degree.
Whitt, who will compete for Rookie of the Year honors, finished ninth in points last year in the Camping World Truck Series. He failed to win a race but still impressed many, gained a large following and caught car owner’s attention.
That included the sports most popular driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr. He watched as Whitt led the CWTS points early in the season with his Turn One Racing team, becoming the first rookie and youngest driver to ever do so, and contended for wins. He too saw that Whitt had potential to rise through the NASCAR ranks. Now he’s giving him one of the best rides in the series.
“Cole is the guy we wanted, and we’re lucky to get him,” said Earnhardt Jr. “He’s got raw, untapped talent, but we are most impressed with his ambition. I sought advice and input from people I respect in the industry, and the overwhelming consensus was that Cole has the potential to do great things in this sport.”
Earnhardt Jr. and JRM would know. They’ve launched the careers of Martin Truex Jr., who won back-to-back titles in 2004-2005, as well as that of Brad Keselowski. In 2008-2009 Keselowski won six races and contended for the championship, finishing third in points both seasons.
Truex and Keselowski are now Sprint Cup Series drivers and winners. Once given a chance by Earnhardt Jr. and JRM and now living their dreams. Almirola, who now moves back to the Cup Series, says having drivers progress through JRM gives the company credibility.
Whitt is now the next in line to reap the rewards of being handpicked to fill their seat. His teammate will be superstar Danica Patrick who is also embarking on her first full season in the NNS.
“This is a big opportunity for me, and I’m happy to be a part of the JR Motorsports team,” said Whitt. “I’m grateful to Dale, Kelley and everyone at JR Motorsports for giving me this chance. It’s an honor to work with the Eurys, and I will do everything in my power to put this No. 88 team where it belongs in victory lane.”
With Whitt behind the wheel and Tony Eury Sr. atop the pit box, the 88 team isn’t expected to miss a beat. During Christmas when Whitt was visiting family in California he received the call from Earnhardt Jr. about meeting about his future and working with the Eurys.
Eagerness and excitement soared through Whitt, who has only competed in three NNS races to date. His only concern was finding a plane ride back home, he did and now he has a new racing home.
In a video posted to the JRM website where Whitt introduced himself to fans, he spoke about his excitement working with the Eurys, who he says he’ll learn a lot from. Then said the team will go testing first thing next week and it’ll be the first time that Whitt says he meets Patrick.
“I’ve already spent a pretty good amount of time with the Eurys, they’ve both been good to me and looking forward to working with them,” said Whitt. “Especially Pops, pretty excited he’s going to crew chief the car, he’s got a tremendous background with how long he’s been in the sport.”
Whitt and company will make their debut in the season opening Drive4COPD 300 at Daytona on February 25.
Whitt looked very impressive last year in the truck series. Hopefully the JRM equipment has improved this year so that he has a good chance in succeeding.