MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Feb. 5, 2016) – JR Motorsports (JRM) and Cessna Aircraft Company, a subsidiary of
Textron Aviation Inc., a
Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced today a new relationship making Cessna the official business jet choice of Dale Earnhardt Jr. As part of the agreement, JRM’s No. 88 Chevrolet will carry the Cessna brand as primary sponsor in six races during NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) competition in 2016 with drivers Alex Bowman and Cole Custer.
“We are looking forward to representing Cessna on both the business and competition front," said Kelley Earnhardt Miller, general manager of JR Motorsports. “Cessna is a strong and leading brand and our business strategies complement one another. Together we have a unique partnership with tremendous potential for growth."
Cessna will also receive associate placement on the No. 88 during the two NXS events Earnhardt Jr. will compete in at Texas Motor Speedway (April 8) and Richmond International Raceway (April 23).
“Cessna Citation business jets are designed for speed and efficiency, two trademarks valued by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his team at JR Motorsports. We’re looking forward to the relationship with JRM that will demonstrate those qualities as Dale travels in the Citation this season to races and events across the country," said Scott Ernest, president and CEO of Textron Aviation.
Bowman and Custer will drive the No. 88 Cessna Chevrolet Camaro in six races, with 22-year-old Bowman first up at Michigan International Speedway (June 11) and Iowa Speedway (June 19). The Tucson, Ariz., native will also drive the Cessna entry at Richmond International Raceway (Sept. 9), Dover International Speedway (Oct. 1) and Phoenix International Raceway (Nov. 12).
Custer, who competes full time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series for JRM, will race the Cessna machine in one of his five NXS starts with the organization this season. He takes his turn at the wheel at Kentucky Speedway (July 8).
Cessna brings the latest technologies and innovations to its Citation series of business jets, offering customers industry-leading aircraft solutions to meet the most demanding and unique mission requirements. Through its extensive global service network, Textron Aviation is renowned in the industry for its unrivaled, complete aircraft support across its Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker platforms.
JR Motorsports