Jeffrey Earnhardt, fourth generation NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series driver, sets forth a partnership with Joe Gibbs Racing and Xtreme Concepts Inc. for nine races in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2019.
Earnhardt will drive the No. 18 at the season opener at Daytona International Speedway in February, and Earnhardt understands completely the opportunity with the winning organization.
“I’ve worked incredibly hard for this opportunity and I’ve got to thank Xtreme Concepts for making it happen,” Earnhardt shared with the media. “You see the level of expertise Joe Gibbs Racing has and the caliber of equipment they bring to the racetrack every week. As a driver, it’s exactly where you want to be. It’s the best opportunity I’ve had in my career and I plan to make the most of it.”
Xtreme Concepts has already sponsored the No. 96 Cup car with Gaunt Brothers Racing in ten races, along with one of its own brands, iK9, a provider of canine detection and service dogs, along with professional handler education and services. Nine of these races were with Earnhardt behind the wheel.
“We believe motorsports is an incredibly strong platform to highlight the many services Xtreme Concepts can provide, and we also believe in Jeffrey Earnhardt,” said Landon Ash, founder, Xtreme Concepts. “I know firsthand how just having the opportunity to show what you can do is all you need to find success. It’s how we’ve grown Xtreme Concepts since our founding in 2008 to a worldwide leader in security concepts and solutions. Jeffrey has been an excellent representative for Xtreme Concepts and our brands like iK9, and through this endeavor with Joe Gibbs Racing we plan to grow together.”
Earnhardt has made over 150 starts across the top three touring series in NASCAR, but this will be his first with a championship-winning organization. Ryan Preece had a similar experience, resulting in two victories over the last two years. Earlier this year, Ross Chastain took the opportunity for three races with Chip Ganassi Racing and earned his first career win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Matt DiBenedetto is taking a leap of faith as well in the Cup Series with Levine Family Racing in 2019 and their new affiliation with Joe Gibbs Racing, essentially replacing the defending championship team of Furniture Row Racing.
“From the time we first came to NASCAR in 1992, we’ve always put forth maximum effort to have the best possible results on the racetrack,” said Coy Gibbs, Vice Chairman and COO of JGR. “Our Xfinity Series program is the perfect example of what happens when preparation meets execution. We’ve had both up-and-coming and veteran drivers achieve success in our racecars, and that success has translated to the partners they’ve represented. We think Jeffrey Earnhardt has the talent to win races and deliver strong results for Xtreme Concepts.”
Joe Gibbs Racing plans to announce the other eight races for Earnhardt during the off-season.
Cant thank @Xtreme_Concepts @iK9_Global @JoeGibbsRacing and @ToyotaRacing enough for this incredible opportunity to participate in 9 @NASCAR_Xfinity races next year. Its a dream come true. Thanks to everyone involved https://t.co/NTllGlher4
— Jeffrey Earnhardt (@JEarnhardt1) November 10, 2018
