When the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series roars into the Bluegrass State for the Built Ford Tough 250 at the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Jeffrey Earnhardt, making his second career start, will pilot the No. 47 Fuel Doctor Chevy under the Rick Ware Racing banner.
"I'm excited to be back in an RWR truck, and I can't thank Fuel Doctor enough for their support. I'm ready to get to Kentucky and jump behind the wheel again," said the son of Kerry Earnhardt and grandson of the late Dale Earnhardt.
"It seems like it has been forever since Gateway."
Per NASCAR rules for driver eligibility, Earnhardt's performance in Kentucky is a critical step in the young driver's development.
"The big picture goal is to get approved for a superspeedway. NASCAR doesn't allow anyone to just jump behind the wheel of a truck and go 180 miles per hour," said Earnhardt, 21. "There are steps I have to go through. Showing that I'm capable to drive in Kentucky is one of those steps, so I know the weight this weekend carries."
With veteran crew chief Gary Cogswell calling the shots on a truck that finished 13th at Bristol, Earnhardt looks forward to the challenge. Like most passionate young drivers, Earnhardt's intrinsic pressure to prove himself is the heaviest load he is taking to Kentucky.
"In this business, respect is king," he said. "It's hard to earn and easy to lose. I know NASCAR will be watching me for the approval process, but I want to earn the respect of my competitors. Obviously, that can't happen in one race, but I'm looking for a solid, clean finish this weekend for the team and myself."
Qualifying for the event can be seen on SPEED at 4 p.m. ET Friday. The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Built Ford Tough 225 will be televised live on SPEED from Kentucky on Sept. 3 at 8 p.m. ET.
