Richard Childress Racing announced Friday morning (April 26) that the team has signed ARCA Menards Series regular Joe Graf Jr. to a relatively unusual deal.
The Bergen County, N.J.. resident will drive the team’s No. 21 Chevrolet in selected races, starting with Michigan International Speedway in June.
In addition, Graf will work as a marketing and communications intern with RCR.
“This is an amazing opportunity that wouldn’t be possible without NYU and RCR working together,” Graf said in a press release. “For my internship to be with one of the most recognizable teams in NASCAR is unbelievable. To then think that I will also have the opportunity to drive the No. 21 car is really exciting.”
“We’re happy to have Joe joining us in such a unique developmental role as a driver and intern,” said Torrey Galida, president of RCR. “It’s not often that drivers get the opportunity to learn both in and out of the race car, and we hope that’s what Graf is able to do with his dual role here. It’s very helpful for drivers to understand the technical and business side of the sport, and Joe gets that. We’re confident he’s going to be successful both on and off the track for RCR.”
Graf is currently a freshman at New York University in Manhattan. He is maintaining a 3.7 GPA while pursuing his racing career..
In 22 career ARCA starts, Graf has one victory (a rough-and-tumble win at Berlin Raceway last year), six top-five and nine top-10 finishes. Through three races, Graf is currently fourth in ARCA Menards Series points with one top-10 finish.
RCR did not announce sponsorship for the No. 21 as part of the announcement. However, Graf did make note that RCR and NYU will be working together.
Phil Allaway has three primary roles at Frontstretch. He's the manager of the site's FREE e-mail newsletter that publishes Monday-Friday and occasionally on weekends. He keeps TV broadcasters honest with weekly editions of Couch Potato Tuesday and serves as the site's Sports Car racing editor.
Outside of Frontstretch, Phil is the press officer for Lebanon Valley Speedway in West Lebanon, N.Y. He covers all the action on the high-banked dirt track from regular DIRTcar Modified racing to occasional visits from touring series such as the Super DIRTcar Series.