U.S. Marine Josh White to Attempt Truck Series Debut at Martinsville

When the Camping World Truck Series hits the ‘Paper Clip’ of Martinsville Speedway on October 29, there will be a new face with a new background hitting the track.

Josh White, who hails from Charleston, West Virginia, will attempt to make his NASCAR debut driving the Jennifer Jo Cobb Racing No. 10 Chevrolet.

After serving five years in the United States Marine Corps., the 25-year-old will attempt to become the first Marine to race in any of NASCAR’s national touring series in the Texas Roadhouse 200 Presented by Alpha Energy Solutions.

“I have high expectations for Martinsville but I have a lot of confidence in my No. 10 team,” White said. “I think it’s very special to have a Marine in NASCAR. NASCAR, as is, is a very patriotic sport and I don’t see how much better it could get!”

Though this is White’s first opportunity behind the wheel of a truck, White is coming off his rookie ARCA season in 2015, where he made 17 of 20 races with a best finish of 21st for car owner Wayne Hixson.

“When I spoke with Jennifer [Jo Cobb],” White continued, “she explained that success in NASCAR is dependent on quality of equipment and that she would give me this opportunity and put any sponsor money I could raise into my effort.  I feel like this is a place where I can gain experience and be of help to the entire organization.”

David Pack, Gulf-War Veteran and business development representative for JJCR, recognized White’s stance as a Marine and helped make the opportunity possible.

“Dave (Pack) was excited at the thought of having a Marine race their truck,” White said.  “We have been working together for the past month and have already secured enough funding to attempt my first NASCAR race.”

Working alongside Jennifer Jo Cobb, who has 130 career starts in the Truck Series, White will have an experienced driver to coach him through his first NASCAR weekend.

“It is an honor to be working with Josh and I have never met a driver with more enthusiasm or more work ethic,” Cobb said. “Like any disciplined Marine, instead of complaining that nobody is giving him an opportunity to race, he is earning it and that hard work is paying off.  We are proud to be part of this very special history.”

The No. 10 entry, attempting all 18 races in 2016, qualified for 14 of them including the most recent Martinsville event in April with driver Claire Decker.