OORESVILLE, N.C. (March 13, 2019) – Empire Racing Group (ERG) today announced the addition of Lexi Gay to their driver roster for the 2019 race season. Gay will make her ARCA Menards Series debut later this season while continuing her development in NASCAR Late Model competition. Gay will be teammates to Thad Moffitt at the experienced and successful ERG team.
Gay, 18, and a native of Canton, Georgia, has risen through the ranks from Bandolero racing at the Atlanta Motor Speedway to some of the toughest short tracks in the Southeast, racing in ultra-competitive Limited Late Model and Late Model events. Now, under the guidance of team leader Mike “Grumpy” Cheek and the team at Empire Racing, Gay will take her next step in her career with select starts in the ARCA Menards Series. Gay will race the No. 43 entry with support from Gordo’s Cheese Dip.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of the Empire Racing team and continue my growth as a professional driver,” said Gay. “I have to thank everyone at Gordo’s Cheese Dip in giving us the support we need to make this jump. Empire Racing has proven equipment to race up front in the ARCA Menards Series and in the NASCAR Late Model ranks. That gives me a lot of confidence as I move forward in my career.”
Gay has shown her competitive abilities in NASCAR Late Models and believes she can do the same in the ARCA Menards Series.
“Once I turned 18, I’ve wanted to get into the ARCA Menards Series,” continued Gay. “The opportunity with ERG is something that I know gives me a great chance to do it in competitive equipment and get good results. At the same time, they can still help me race in NASCAR Late Models, so, it’s a perfect combination of gaining experience while stepping up in competition. It’s a great fit.”
ERG is currently working though the schedule of events for Gay but are excited to see her progression.
“Lexi is really determined,” said Cheek, General Manager, Empire Racing Group. “You can’t teach that. We believe that with more experience that she can be up front at any race this year. We’re anxious to get started and find quick success.”
ERG will announce a schedule for Gay once finalized.
