What’s Happening?
The NASCAR Xfinity Series heads to Richmond Raceway this weekend, but, a few seats remain open. Four different teams began the week with a “TBA” in the driver slot, and these are the seats that were open for the weekend.
UPDATE: All Seats Filled
Full Entry List:
- Richmond Raceway is one of the most historic venues in NASCAR. The track has hosted a NASCAR weekend every year since 1955, with the first race at the track held in 1953. In 1988, the track was reconfigured from a 0.542-mile bullring to the 0.75-mile D-shaped oval we know today.
- The Xfinity Series has raced at the track every year since the series’ inception in 1982. While predominantly a twice-per-year stop, it has been a once-per-year stop since 2021.
- Fans are excited for the Xfinity Series race this weekend, and they are excited to see who the surprise entries will be. Could it be some familiar faces?
No. 6 JD Motorsports – Garrett Smithley
Morgen Baird was slated to make his first career Xfinity Series start on Saturday for JD Motorsports in the No. 6 car, but, he will miss the race to be with his fiance as she is induced into labor. Baird said he is “Working towards” announcing another date for the team. Garrett Smithley will take Baird’s place.
Smithley has been the primary driver of the No. 6 car for JD Motorsports this season, making 4 starts including a 16th-place effort at Daytona. Ty Dillon was the one in the car at COTA last weekend, finishing 37th.
No. 14 SS Greenlight – Logan Bearden
Logan Bearden will make his Xfinity Series debut this weekend for Bobby Dotter and SS-Greenlight. The 29-year-old has 3 Truck Series starts under his belt, with a best finish of 21st at IRP in 2023.
Three different drivers have made starts in the No. 14 car this season. Daniel Suarez piloted the entry to an 18th-place qualifying run at Daytona before an accident. R.C. Enerson took the wheel at COTA, finishing 28th. J.J. Yeley has made 3 starts for the team, including a 19th-place effort at Phoenix.
No. 32 Jordan Anderson Racing – Ryan Vargas
Ryan Vargas will make his second JAR start of 2024 at Richmond. He last competed for the team at Phoenix, where a suspension problem ended their race after only 17 laps. He finished 37th.
Jordan Anderson Racing has used the No. 32 car as an “All-Star Car” for 2024. Anderson and Austin Green have each recorded top-10s in the No. 32 car this season. Anderson’s came at Daytona (4th), and Green garnered his at COTA (7th).
No. 66 MBM Motorsports – WITHDRAWN
The No. 66 MBM Motorsports entry has been withdrawn for the weekend. This is significant because it decreases the entry list from 39 to 38 cars, which means that no drivers will fail to qualify for the event.
MBM Motorsports is beginning to branch out again with a Cup Series start at COTA last weekend and two more planned for the spring (All-Star Open and Coca-Cola 600). The team has only attempted one Xfinity Series race this season. David Starr DNQ’d at Daytona. Timmy Hill was behind the wheel for the team at COTA, and he will be back with the team for the other two Cup starts this spring.
This article will be updated as the week progresses.