Richard Childress Racing announced Friday that 18-year-old driver Brandon Jones will join the team on a full-time basis in 2016, competing in the NASCAR XFINITY Series.
The Georgia native has competed in four XFINITY Series races this season for RCR, finishing eighth in his debut at Iowa Speedway in May. Jones is back in the No. 33 Chevrolet this weekend for the series' event at Kentucky Speedway. He also has 19 starts in the Camping World Truck Series, with his best finish coming at Iowa in June when he finished second to Erik Jones. While racing in the ARCA Racing Series, Jones scored two victories during the 2014 season at Winchester Speedway and Indianapolis Raceway Park.
"Brandon's performance in his limited schedule with RCR this season has been very impressive," said team owner Richard Childress. "We're thrilled to provide him an opportunity in 2016 to showcase his talents over an entire XFINITY Series season."
While Jones has been name a full-time XFINITY Series driver for RCR, his crew chief, car number and sponsor will be announced at a later date.
"I'm honored to have the opportunity to drive for RCR on a full-time basis in 2016," said Jones. "I've learned a lot working with the RCR organization and the No. 33 XFINITY Series team in 2015 and look forward to continuing my development, contribute to RCR's success and produce positive results for all of my sponsors and fans. I'm excited to see what the 2016 season holds for me and our team. I look forward to setting my goals higher for the season because of the support from RCR, ECR Engines and Chevrolet."
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