Photo Credit: Mike Mercurio
Team McClure Inc. & JGL Racing announced today a partnership that will place Eric McClure in a JGL Toyota Camry for the full 2015 NASCAR XFINITY Series season. Reynolds Consumer Products marks a 10th consecutive season as a series team partner and will serve as primary sponsor on the No. 24 entry for a minimum of 25 events. The relationship with McClure continues the longest active driver/sponsor combination in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, and one of the longest current partnerships in the overall industry.
JGL Racing, with owner James Whitener and General Manager Gregg Mixon, made its debut during the 2014 season-opening event at Daytona Int’l Speedway. The freshman team featured various driver combinations throughout the season for its two-car operation and, collectively, scored one top-five, two top-10, and three top-15 finishes. Moreover, they finished the season 22nd and 28th in the NASCAR Owners’ Point standings.
In 2015, JGL Racing will continue its two-car operation and compete under the Toyota Racing banner. Jay Guy, a 28-year NASCAR veteran, has joined JLG Racing and will serve as crew chief of the No. 24 team. Guy brings vast knowledge and race-winning experience to the team from his time leading teams in both the XFINITY and Sprint Cup Series.
McClure, a Chilhowie, Va., native, will be beginning his 13th season of NXS competition, piloting the No. 24 Camry in all 33 scheduled events. In 12 seasons, the veteran driver has 254 starts and he has scored a top finish of eighth. Despite not competing in a full season since 2011, McClure has placed in the top 20 in driver standings in each of the past three seasons, with a best finish of 16th (2012).
Reynolds Consumer Products will feature its well-known Reynolds Wrap and Hefty brands on the No. 24 entry throughout the season, with the first scheduled race being the series’ first event at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 21. RCP’s remaining races and additional program details will be announced at a later date.
Eric McClure, driver of No. 24 Hefty®/Reynolds Wrap® Camry: “I am humbled as we begin our tenth season of partnership with Hefty and Reynolds Wrap. I am proud of the longevity and continued success of the relationship and it’s an honor to continue to represent these well-respected, household brands.”
“It’s a privilege to compete at this level of motorsports, and to have the opportunity to return to full-time competition is truly a blessing. I’m excited about the new partnership with JGL Racing. They are an organization comprised of experienced individuals sharing a deep-rooted competitive spirit. I could not be more excited about the upcoming season.”
James Whitener, Co-Owner of JGL Racing: “JGL Racing is honored to have Eric, Hefty, and Reynolds Wrap come on board with us for the 2015 NASCAR season. Eric’s a talented driver who’s had success on and off the race track over the course of his career, and it’s exciting to add another veteran driver and national brands to our organization. We look forward to continuing to build on the things accomplished in 2014 and growing our team together.”
