Photo Credit: Jonathan Moore/Getty Images North America
Dakoda Armstrong will have the opportunity of a lifetime in Saturday night’s U.S. Cellar 250 XFINITY Series race at Iowa Speedway.
The 25-year-old New Castle, Indiana native will drive the No.18 Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing subbing for Matt Tifft, who is recovering from brain surgery.
“I am very excited for this opportunity to race with Joe Gibbs Racing. I want to thank Matt Tifft and his family for all of their help,” Armstrong said. “I hate that I am getting this opportunity at the expense of another driver being out of the car – but hopefully, Matt will continue with his speedy recovery and get back behind the wheel soon.
“I am glad I get this opportunity at Iowa Speedway as it is one of my favorite tracks. Also hopeful this opportunity helps my JGL Racing team and me as we continue to grow and make progress with our program. We have a great relationship with Joe Gibbs Racing as we utilize their engines and pit crew for our No. 28 Winfield Toyota. I look forward to having a great race on Saturday night with the No. 18 Toyota and learning a lot with it. I want to thank all of my sponsors, my JGL Racing team and Joe Gibbs Racing for all working together and giving me this opportunity.”
Armstrong has struggled so far in 2016 driving the No. 28 for JGL Racing and has yet to earn a top ten finish. His best finish of 12th came at Daytona this month and currently sits 15th in the championship standings.
Armstrong’s best career NASCAR finish came at Michigan International Speedway in 2012 with a third place finish in trucks for ThorSport Racing.
