NASCAR: Vinnie Miller to join JD Motorsports in 2018

JD Motorsports will have at least one new driver in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2018. Vinnie Miller will join the team driving the #01 Chevy.

The offseason driver moves across NASCAR are now in full swing, with rides from the Camping World Truck Series to the Cup Series now up for grabs. One of the rides with an expected change was the #01 Chevy in the Xfinity Series for JD Motorsports, who saw Harrison Rhodes underperform compared to Ryan Preece the year prior. Now, Vinnie Miller will run for rookie of the year in 2018 with the Johnny Davis-run team.

Miller, who ran in the K&N Pro Series East primarily in 2017, will make his full-time debut in a nationally touring series after getting his start on the short tracks in Michigan. Vinnie also raced in a few Camping World Truck Series races late in the 2017 season for MDM Motorsports. He also competed for the team in the ARCA Racing Series.

Vinnie Miller had this to say about joining JD Motorsports in 2018:

"“It’s a dream come true. As a young racer, you certainly dream of making it to this level and competing with the best of the best, without being sure it will ever happen. I have several people to thank, but mostly importantly, I need to thank my family for their support. The sacrifices they have made to allow me to chase my dreams do not go unnoticed, and it will be really special to share the next step in this journey with them.“I’m really looking forward to joining JD Motorsports with Gary Keller. In the ever changing motorsports landscape, to join a team that has raced full-time since 2002 is super exciting, and shows the dedication the organization has to the sport.”"

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Johnny Davis added this about his new full-time driver who will run for the Xfinity Series rookie of the year honors:

"I see a lot of potential in Vinnie. He is a hard-working young man, and he has demonstrated his ability as a racer. He’ll have a lot to learn next year, but my team is committed to giving him the resources he needs to have a successful rookie year. Vinnie already fits in great with the team, so we’re looking forward to the 2018 season."

Miller will likely be one of three full-time drivers for JD Motorsports in 2018. This season, the team additionally fielded the #4 Chevy for Ross Chastain and the #0 Chevy for Garrett Smithley. They also added a start-and-park operation with the #15 Chevy shared by Reed Sorenson and Gray Gaulding late in the year. Early expectations would be that both Chastain and Smithley would be back with the team next season.

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How do you think Vinnie Miller will do with the JD Motorsports team? Will he be a contender for rookie of the year in the Xfinity Series, or even the playoffs?

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