MOORESVILLE, N.C. – New York University sophomore Joe Graf Jr. has joined SS Greenlight Racing for the full NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule.
Graf will drive the No. 08 Chevrolet Camaro beginning at Daytona Int’l Speedway during the NASCAR Racing Experience 300 on Feb. 15. Patrick Donahue will be his crew chief.
“To be racing fulltime in the NASCAR Xfinity Series is super cool. My boys at EAT SLEEP RACE are really pumped and I am looking forward to having them back on the car,” said Graf.
“Bobby (Dotter, team owner) and Patrick (Donahue) prepare solid cars. To have the chance to get into a competitive race car for a full season is exactly what I need to continue developing at this level.
“My goal is to learn as much as possible, contend for strong finishes and maybe even earn a berth into the Xfinity Series Playoffs. I know I have a lot to learn, but I’m eager for the challenge and am ready to get to Daytona and getting the season underway.”
“I’ve been watching Joe for a little while now, especially when he ran a few NASCAR Xfinity Series races last season and I’ve seen he’s eager to learn and perform,” explained Dotter. “This is a big step for him, but he is determined to put the effort in and have a good rookie season.
“With Patrick’s leadership and the strength that our team has shown in recent seasons, there’s no reason that we can’t go out there and do the same with Joe in 2020. I’m looking forward to getting the year started.”
Graf, 21, graduates to the NASCAR Xfinity Series after spending the last two seasons in the ARCA Menards Series driving for Chad Bryant Racing. In 39 races, Graf earned seven top-five and 21 top-10 finishes, including his first victory at Berlin (Mich.) Raceway.
He finished a career-high fifth in the championship standings in 2019.
Additionally, Graf made three Xfinity Series starts for Richard Childress Racing last year as well as serving as marketing and communications intern through New York University, a role that he will continue in 2020.
“I learned a lot as an intern at Richard Childress Racing last season,” said Graf. “The opportunity to work with a lot of talented people on so many levels not only from an internship perspective but as well as a driver was such an eye-opening experience. I’m grateful to continue my internship in 2020 with Richard Childress Racing and continue developing as a driver.”
Graf’s spotter Brian Crammer will also make the move to SS Greenlight Racing.