One of the most heralded prospects on the NASCAR ladder system is set to make his debut in the Xfinity Series and at a familiar venue too.
Carson Kvapil, who has won two consecutive CARS Late Model Stock Tour championships for JR Motorsports, will drive the team’s No. 88 car on April 6 at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia. Kvapil will become the fifth driver in JR Motorsports history to rise from its Late Model program to its Xfinity Series program — joining Richard Boswell, Josh Berry, William Byron and Sam Mayer.
“Our Late Model program at JR Motorsports has been a huge part of the success we’ve had as a company,” said team co-owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. in a release. “We’re excited to be able to give Carson the opportunity to take the next step in his career. Helping young drivers with opportunities to climb the ladder is part of the foundation of JRM. Carson is part of a long list of drivers who deserve the chance to take that step forward in the sport.”
It’s also a full circle moment of sorts for the son of the 2003 NASCAR Truck Series champion, Travis Kvapil.
“I’m really looking forward to making my NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at Martinsville,” said Kvapil in a release. “My dad made his NASCAR Cup Series debut there back in 2004, so it’s cool to make my first Xfinity start at the same track. I’ve run there in the Late Models for JR Motorsports and done well, and hopefully I’ll be able to use that experience to hit the ground running again with JRM in April.”
In addition to whatever number of Xfinity Series starts Kvapil makes this season, he will also chase a third CARS Tour championship and a fourth if counting his Super Late Model championship with the series too.
He has won nine times with 27 top-5s and 951 laps led in 34 starts in the ultra-competitive Late Model Stock division. He comes with a degree of Chevrolet support but additional partners will be announced leading up to the race.
Matt Weaver is a Motorsports Insider for Sportsnaut. Follow him on Twitter.