Monster Energy's Jeremy "Showtime" McGrath, the seven-time Amp'd Mobile AMA Supercross Series and all-time winningest supercross racer, has announced his alignment with JR Motorsports - Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s team - and his intention to run 10 Late Model races this season.
"This is something I've always wanted to try, and I'm really grateful that Dale Jr. is giving me this opportunity to drive one of his race cars," said McGrath. "I've got a lot to learn when it comes to racing something with four wheels, but I'm confident I can pick it up pretty quick." I am also very excited about Monster Energy Drink's big involvement."
The announcement was made at the grand opening of the team's new 66,000-square foot shop. McGrath will compete in a limited 10-race schedule in a Chevrolet late model stock car sponsored by Monster Energy Drink, with R&B Auto Body Transport Refinishing on as an associate sponsor. His first race is slated for April 21 at Southern National Raceway Park in Kenly, N.C.
According to a press release from JR Motorsports, the addition of McGrath and the Monster Energy car gives JRM its third late model entry. Scott Young and Curtis Truex Jr. currently compete in full-season touring schedules in late model cars sponsored by R&B. JR Motorsports also fields a full-time NASCAR Busch Series team with driver Shane Huffman and full-time USAR Hooters Pro Cup team with driver Richard Boswell. All of these teams operate out of the new JR Motorsports facility located in Mooresville, N.C.
The release continued: "I'm proud to have Jeremy here, and it's cool to see how excited he is about getting into one of these late models," Earnhardt Jr. said. "I like his approach, his mentality, and the energy he brings to this shop. I know this isn't just some fleeting interest on his part. He is as serious about this as anyone I've ever been around."
Post the big announcement, McGrath spent the remainder of the week testing in NC, he had this to say about the experience, "Testing really went well this week - I look at each time I get to test as an opportunity to get more seat time in the car and gain valuable experience!" "Same goes for the upcoming race this Saturday - just hoping to learn each time I am in that car. I am soooo lucky to get this chance and to be working with someone like Junior. As I said at the press conference I just want to focus on this chance and enjoy every single minute of the racing!
