Richard Childress Racing taps Ben Kennedy to run nine Xfinity races
By Ted Fleming
Ben Kennedy will run select races with RCR’s No. 2 Xfinity Chevrolet Camaro with Rheem and Menards signed on as sponsors.
Ben Kennedy is one of those up-and-coming stock car competitors just looking for a chance to show what he can do in a race car, and he will get that opportunity this season. The 25-year old from Daytona Beach is set to pilot the No. 2 Chevrolet Camaro in nine Xfinity Series races in 2017 for Richard Childress Racing beginning at Talladega Superspeedway this spring, it was announced by the team.
Kennedy had one start in NASCAR’s second-tier a year ago at Iowa scoring a top-10 in his debut race. He has worked up the development ladder from the K&N Pro Series East and West to the Camping World Truck Series, and in 73 starts over the last four seasons in trucks, he has a win, ten top-5, and 26 top-10 finishes to go with one pole.
Rheem and Menards have signed on as sponsors, and each has long histories of supporting aspiring drivers from local short tracks to NASCAR’s feeder series.
“I am looking forward to working with Rheem, Menards, and the No. 2 XFINITY Series team,” said Kennedy, in a release. “I’m thrilled that well-respected brands like Rheem and Menards are willing to lend their support and provide the opportunity to prove what I can do. I may not have the experience that Cup Series drivers do, but I’m confident that I have what it takes to get to Victory Lane.”
Kennedy will split time in the No. 2 with Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers Austin Dillon and Paul Menard who have yielded seat time to allow the youngster to get some much-needed experience and to help grow the sport.
“I cut my teeth in the XFINITY Series,” said Dillon, 2013 NXS champion. “If it hadn’t been for the success I experienced in both the Truck Series and the XFINITY Series, I wouldn’t be driving in the Cup Series now. I understand how important it is to give younger drivers a chance to make a name for themselves and gain valuable experience. They can’t prove themselves unless someone gives them a shot, and I’m glad that Rheem and Menards want to provide Ben that opportunity.”
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“It is great that our partners recognize the value in developing young drivers,” said Menard. “They are the future of NASCAR and need to be given chances to race in good equipment at the front of the field. This is a big opportunity for Ben, and I know he’s going to make the most of it with Rheem and Menards on board. He has a lot of talent, and this is his chance to show everyone what he’s got.”