JR Motorsports has hired Cole Whitt to drive in the company’s flagship No. 88 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.
Whitt replaces Aric Almirola, who was hired by Richard Petty Motorsports to drive the legendary No. 43 car in the Sprint Cup Series.
The 20-year-old from Alpine, Calif. competed in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and finished ninth in the standings last season with one pole and two top-five finishes.
“Cole is the guy we wanted, and we’re lucky to get him,” JR Motorsports co-owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. said in a press release by the team. “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.”
At JR Motorsports, Whitt joins Danica Patrick, who will race full-time in the No. 7 car, and Earnhardt, who will drive in select races in the series.
“This is a big opportunity for me, and I’m happy to be a part of the JR Motorsports team,” Whitt said in the press release. “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.”