JEFFREY EARNHARDT REUINITES WITH JD MOTORSPORTS TO COMPETE IN THE NASCAR XFINITY SERIES

GAFFNEY, SC –

JD Motorsports with Gary Keller (JDM) is pleased to announce the return of Jeffrey Earnhardt to the driver lineup for the 2020 NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) season. The grandson of legendary driver and NASCAR Hall of Fame member Dale Earnhardt reunites with JDM after running a full season with the team in 2014.

While racing for JDM full time, Earnhardt was able to capture seven Top 20 finishes, placing 18th in the final drivers’ points standings.

Last season, Jeffrey Earnhardt proved that he is capable of running with the best, notching one Top 5 and three Top 10 finishes in just seven starts. With more races on his plate this season, he is expected to continue to shine on track.

JDM & Earnhardt have twelve races on the schedule and are working on additional sponsorship to increase his opportunities to compete this season.

The North Carolina native is eager to return behind the wheel, saying this: “I am really thankful to Johnny Davis and the JD Motorsports with Gary Keller team for having me onboard this season. These guys work hard every week and they’ve demonstrated the ability and desire to compete. I am looking forward to getting back on track this season!”

Earnhardt’s car number will be announced at a later date, along with sponsor information. Stay tuned to our social media channels for more information regarding this season’s latest news.

Though the NASCAR Xfinity Series season kicks off from Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 15th, Jeffrey Earnhardt’s season kicks off at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Saturday, March 14th. To keep up with Jeffrey Earnhardt as he prepares for the start of the season, follow along on his social media pages @JEarnhardt1 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For all things JDM, follow along on our social media pages @JDMotorsports01. #TeamJDM

MEDIA CONTACT:

Leighton Sibille

lsibille@jdavismotorsports.com

Office: (864) 488 - 1276

Cell: (909) 486 – 5873

STARR ALIGNS WITH JD MOTORSPORTS WITH GARY KELLER FOR ENTIRE NASCAR XFINITY SERIES SEASON

GAFFNEY, SC –

JD Motorsports with Gary Keller (JDM) welcomes veteran driver David Starr to the team for the upcoming NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) race season.

Starr makes the move from Jimmy Means Racing where he finished 22nd in the drivers’ points standings at the end of last year. The veteran brings a wealth of experience to the team, and expects to start his 15th season in NXS competition with a bang down in Daytona.

David will pilot the newly renumbered No. 6 Chevrolet for the first time in the team’s history after it was announced that there would be a change from the iconic No. 01 that was with the team since the mid 2000’s.

It’s a new year, a new number, and a new driver all in one, and the team expects to make 2020 one of their best seasons yet.

The Texan believes he has a great shot at proving what he is capable of accomplishing on the racetrack, saying this before the season opener: “First of all, I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to drive for JD Motorsports with Gary Keller. In the last two or three years, I have noticed their vast improvements as a race team on the competition side of things, and now that I will be joining forces with them, I hope to help a strong team become even stronger. I want to help grow their program and bring them long run success, and we have all the right pieces together to make it happen. We have a lot of great partners that will be featured on our No. 6 Chevrolet throughout the year, and I look forward to representing them to the best of my abilities. See you in Daytona!”

With most of the JDM driver lineup already set in place, expect some more announcements to make their way to the newsroom shortly.

The NASCAR Xfinity Series season kicks off from Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 15th. Live coverage of the NASCAR Racing Experience 300 can be found on FOX Sports 1. To keep up with David Starr as he prepares for the start of the season, follow along on his social media pages David Starr Racing on Facebook and @Starr_Racing Twitter, and Instagram. For all things JDM, follow along on our social media pages @JDMotorsports01. #TeamJDM

MEDIA CONTACT:

Leighton Sibille

lsibille@jdavismotorsports.com

Office: (864) 488 - 1276

Cell: (909) 486 – 5873

BJ McLEOD RETURNS TO JD MOTORSPORTS WITH GARY KELLER FOR A THIRD SEASON

GAFFNEY, SC –

JD Motorsports with Gary Keller (JDM) is proud to announce that BJ McLeod will be back to drive for the team in his third consecutive season. McLeod returns after coming off of his best NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) season to date, where he finished a respectable 20th place in the drivers’ points standings.

Last season, McLeod piloted the JDM Chevrolets for twenty-nine races, finishing in the Top 20 eleven times. At the fall race at Dover International Speedway, BJ nabbed his season-best finish of sixteenth.

Always an interesting dynamic, McLeod not only pays the bills as a driver for JDM, but he also owns his own NXS team, BJ McLeod Motorsports, where he prides himself on giving opportunities to budding racecar drivers’ careers. As an owner, BJ was able to earn his third Top 10 finish with driver Matt Mills at Daytona International Speedway in July.

While behind the wheel, BJ makes the most of his opportunities, all while taking care of the equipment. In total, the Florida native only had three DNF’s throughout the entirety of the 2019 season, and was able to manage the best average finish of any full-time JDM driver. This season, he looks to better those stats even further.

BJ continues a longstanding relationship with team owner Johnny Davis, which started back in the 1990’s where he drove Twister Racing Chassis go karts for Davis Manufacturing. The friendship has lasted and strengthened over the years, making BJ the perfect candidate for a driver.

The Florida native was quoted saying “I can’t think of a better opportunity than returning to JD Motorsports with Gary Keller for the 2020 race season. We have had some great fun and success over the years, and I know we can build on our program once again this season. Working with Wayne (Carroll, McLeod’s primary crew chief from last season) proved to be a great combination, and I can’t wait to see what we can do again this season. I am very thankful for everybody’s hard work and dedication at JDM, they make everything possible. Hopefully I will be able to represent them in a respectful way!”

McLeod’s car number will be announced at a later date, along with the rest of the JDM driver lineup. Stay tuned to our social media channels for more information regarding this season’s latest news.

The NASCAR Xfinity Series season kicks off from Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 15th. Live coverage of the NASCAR Racing Experience 300 can be found on FOX Sports 1. To keep up with BJ McLeod as he prepares for the start of the season, follow along on his social media pages @BJMcLeod78 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For all things JDM, follow along on our social media pages @JDMotorsports01. #TeamJDM

MEDIA CONTACT:

Leighton Sibille

lsibille@jdavismotorsports.com

Office: (864) 488 - 1276

Cell: (909) 486 – 5873

ROBBY LYONS JOINS JD MOTORSPORTS WITH GARY KELLER FOR THREE RACES TO START OFF THE NASCAR XFINITY SERIES SEASON

GAFFNEY, SC –

JD Motorsports with Gary Keller (JDM) welcomes Seminole, Florida’s Robby Lyons for the first three races of the upcoming NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) season. Lyons, who has one NXS start to his name, looks to add more starts to his resume in the NASCAR national ranks.

In a driver development co-effort with Premium Motorsports, Robby will be making starts at Daytona International Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and Auto Club Speedway to start the season NXS off.

The thirty-one-year-old Lyons was quoted saying “I’m thrilled to get the opportunity to kick of the 2020 season driving for JD Motorsports. Obviously, I’ve been following the team for a long time and have a huge amount of respect and appreciation for what they’ve done for guys like Ross and Garrett, who I’m proud to call friends and mentors. Seeing how driving for Johnny prepared them for success as drivers and in so many other ways is really exciting for me. I can’t wait to capitalize on the 3 races we have planned and build on that momentum heading forward.”

Partnering with Lyons for the first of his three starts will be Carr & Sons Masonry, Inc., based out of nearby Pinellas Park, FL. Sunwest Construction will partner up with Lyons for the driver’s next starts at Las Vegas and Fontana.

In his lone NXS start at Homestead-Miami Speedway last season, Robby advanced seven spots from his starting spot of 33rd to finish in the 28th position. Additionally, a total of twelve starts in the NASCAR Gander Outdoors & RV Truck Series were made, where he earned a best-career finish of 12th at Phoenix Raceway.

Lyons’ car number and crew chief will be announced at a later date, along with the rest of the JDM driver lineup. Stay tuned to our social media channels for more information regarding this season’s latest news.

The NASCAR Xfinity Series season kicks off from Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 15th. Live coverage of the NASCAR Racing Experience 300 can be found on FOX Sports 1. To keep up with Robby Lyons as he prepares for the start of the season, follow along on his social media pages @RLRacing2 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For all things JDM, follow along on our social media pages @JDMotorsports01. #TeamJDM

MEDIA CONTACT:

Leighton Sibille

lsibille@jdavismotorsports.com

Office: (864) 488 - 1276

Cell: (909) 486 – 5873

COLBY HOWARD JOINS JD MOTORSPORTS FOR MAJORITY OF THE 2020 NASCAR XFINITY SERIES SEASON

Photo credits: Mark Urban

Gaffney, SC –

JD Motorsports with Gary Keller (JDM) is proud to announce that Simpsonville, SC’s Colby Howard will be joining the team for the majority of the 2020 NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) season, starting at the fourth race of the year at Phoenix Raceway.

Howard, 18, made his NASCAR Touring Series debut in the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series (NGOTS) race at Phoenix Raceway at the end of the 2019 season and also made a secondary start at Homestead-Miami Speedway. In the two starts, Colby recorded a best start of 16th and a best finish of 21st. Following the guidelines of the NASCAR approval process, Colby earned his NXS license eligibility after the race at Homestead-Miami.

In addition to the NGOTS races, Colby has also made four career ARCA Menards Series starts spanning two years. The teenager was able to earn Top 10 finishes in all four ARCA starts, with a best-career finish of 8th coming at Salem Speedway.

When asked about his upcoming season, Howard remarked “I am really looking forward to starting this season with JDM. It’s going to be a steep learning curve for sure with all the new tracks on my schedule, but I’m sure we can handle it. My goal is to go out there and learn as much as I possibly can, all while aiming for solid Top 20 runs. This is a big step in my career, and I am excited to show what I am capable of.”

Colby Howard has enlisted the services of PMG, an industry leader in career path management, to help facilitate this new relationship with JD Motorsports with Gary Keller. PMG’s partnership with JDM has helped numerous young short track racers make their NASCAR National Series debut, most recently including Ryan Repko during the 2019 season.

Supporting Colby’s efforts in the 2020 season will be the Project Hope Foundation, which aims to help children cope with autism difficulties in daily life activities. More partners will be announced at a later date, along with Colby’s car number.

Though the NASCAR Xfinity Series kicks off its’ 2020 season at Daytona International Speedway in February, Colby Howard will begin his season at Phoenix Raceway on March 7th. To keep up with Colby, follow his social media pages @ColbyHoward16, or visit his official website at www.Colby-Howard.com.  For all things JDM, follow along on our social media pages @JDMotorsports01 and visit www.TeamJDMotorsports.com. #TeamJDM

About Project Hope Foundation:

Project HOPE Foundation was founded in 1997 by moms looking for services for their young sons with autism. As the rate of autism has expanded from 1 in 2500 to 1 in 59, our programs have also expanded into an innovative lifespan of autism services. We are broad in our scope, serving across ages (from two to young adults), across the spectrum of autism, and across programs (ABA therapy, classroom options, adult employment, social groups, life skills, community outreach, professional trainings).

We are individualized in our approach, seeking to meet the unique needs of each specific person. Our programs benefit not only the child affected with autism but also the entire family, all of whom are forever changed by this diagnosis.  Our therapy and adult services have been honored to be designated as United Way of the Piedmont's programs of excellence. Our educational program, accredited through SCISA, received the Education Spirit Award through the Community Foundation of Greenville, Greenville Journal, and Town Magazine. Based on our use of funding, we received the Angel Award from the SC Secretary of State. No other South Carolina organization offers our range of services and support for the autism community.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Leighton Sibille

lsibille@jdavismotorsports.com

Office: (864) 488 - 1276

Cell: (909) 486 – 5873

GARRETT SMITHLEY COMES HOME WITH A 19TH PLACE POINTS FINISH TO ROUND OUT 2019

Gaffney, SC –

Ligonier, PA’s Garrett Smithley wrapped up his fourth season driving for JD Motorsports with Gary Keller this past weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Smithley, who entered the year with promise, ultimately found 2019 to be a year filled with hardships.

A season best of 12th at Talladega Superspeedway in April was among eleven Top 20 finishes for the 27-year-old, and he sat as high as 16th in the series points standings near the midway point of the season. However, a string of bad luck and early exits hurt Smithley’s chances at putting together a run for the NXS Playoffs.

It appeared as if Garrett would either be running up inside the Top 20 or end up behind the wall for most weeks in the latter half of the season, as an unfortunate string of failures and crashes followed. The year’s total for DNF’s rose to seven, tying the most of his career with the 2017 season. Bummed out, but determined, Garrett pressed onward to try and end the season on a high note.

Garrett summed up his season by saying “We’ve had a good season. I feel like we didn’t have a chance to show full potential, but I’m happy that we ended in the Top 20 in points, and I’m really looking forward to the 2020 NASCAR season. So many great partners made it happen, and I want to give a special thanks to Johnny Davis for giving us all the opportunity to live our dreams every weekend.”

At the end of the season, Garrett was left in 19th in the series’ points standings, passed by fellow JDM teammate Stephen Leicht at the final race in Homestead. His 2019 points finish matched that of 2018, where he also finished 19th.

Throughout 2019, Garrett raced primarily in his faithful #NumberNuthin No. 0 Chevrolet, save for the Charlotte Roval, where he moved over to drive the No. 4 Contec Chevrolet.

As the 2019 NASCAR Xfinity Series season comes to a close, JD Motorsports would like to send our sincerest thanks to everybody who helped support our effort this year. Fans and partners alike help this race team continue to grow, and we look forward to making 2020 another year of further progress.

To keep up with Garrett Smithley, be sure to follow his social media pages. Facebook: “Garrett Smithley”, Twitter: @GarrettSmithley, and Instagram, @GarrettSmithley. For all things JDM, follow along on our social media pages @JDMotorsports01. #TeamJDM

MEDIA CONTACT:

Leighton Sibille

lsibille@jdavismotorsports.com

Office: (864) 488 - 1276

Cell: (909) 486 – 5873

STEPHEN LEICHT ENDS 2019 SEASON SITTING 18TH IN SERIES STANDINGS

Gaffney, SC –

After a year of ups and downs, Asheville, North Carolina’s Stephen Leicht led the way for JD Motorsports with Gary Keller in the season standings. Despite finishing in last place at the first race of the year in Daytona, Leicht was able to come home with an 18th place points finish following the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

2019 has been considered somewhat of a career resurgence for Leicht, as it marked his first full time season since 2007. Topping the year off in terms of highlights is an impressive fifth place finish at Daytona in the July race – the first Top 5 of his career since Homestead in 2007.

Other notable statistics from the year include nine Top 20 finishes with an average finish of 23.5. Stephen earned a best starting spot of 18th place at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, and ended the season with an average start of 26.8. During the second race of the season in Atlanta, Leicht eclipsed a career milestone, making his 100th career start in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

Leicht was quoted following the race at Homestead saying “I can’t thank Johnny Davis, Mark Setzer, Paul Clapprood, and everybody who worked on my cars at JDM for all of their hard work and dedication this past season. Huge thanks to our fantastic partners at Flex Glue, JaniKing, KSDT, and our wonderful associates for helping put our cars out on the track this year. I am looking forward to the off season, but more importantly, I am excited for what’s in the future with myself and JDM.”

In 33 starts this season, Leicht primarily drove the team’s No. 01 Chevrolet, save for four starts in the No. 4, and one start in the No. 15 Chevrolets.

As the 2019 NASCAR Xfinity Series season comes to a close, JD Motorsports would like to send our sincerest thanks to everybody who helped support our effort this year. Fans and partners alike help this race team continue to grow, and we look forward to making 2020 another year of further progress.

To keep up with Stephen Leicht, be sure to follow his social media pages. Facebook: “Stephen Leicht”, Twitter: @StephenLeicht, and Instagram, @SLeicht29. For all things JDM, follow along on our social media pages @JDMotorsports01. #TeamJDM

MEDIA CONTACT:

Leighton Sibille

lsibille@jdavismotorsports.com

Office: (864) 488 - 1276

Cell: (909) 486 – 5873

KSDT CPA TO SPONSOR THREE JDM CHEVROLETS FOR THE 2019 NASCAR XFINITY SERIES FINALE AT HOMESTEAD-MIAMI SPEEDWAY

GAFFNEY, SC:

As the 2019 NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) season comes to a close, South Florida accounting firm Kabat, Schertzer, De La Torre, Taraboulos & Company (KSDT CPA) is pleased to announce an expansion of its sponsorship of JD Motorsports with Gary Keller (JDM).

KSDT CPA first worked with JDM in 2017 as an associate level sponsor at select NXS races to becoming the primary sponsor of Garrett Smithley’s No. 0 Chevrolet Camaro at the Homestead-Miami Speedway last year.

Throughout the years, KSDT’s partnership with JD Motorsports with Gary Keller has shown to become increasingly more valuable to both parties involved, and this season’s finale looks to be the biggest step yet. This weekend marks the firm’s first time as a primary partner on three cars in the same race.

KSDT CPA will serve as the primary sponsor onboard the No. 4 KSDT Chevrolet of BJ McLeod. Additionally, they will be represented on the No. 0 Chevrolet driven by Garrett Smithley in a co-branding with Florida International University. And to top it off, the firm will be on the No. 01 Chevrolet driven by Stephen Leicht, in a partnership with Univista Insurance.

The NASCAR Xfinity Series wraps up its 2019 season this Saturday at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Florida for the running of the Ford EcoBoost 300. Be sure to tune into NBCSN at 3:30 PM Eastern to see JD Motorsports with Gary Keller drivers BJ McLeod, Garrett Smithley, Stephen Leicht, and Tyler Matthews lay it all on the line in hopes of ending the year on a high note. For all things JDM, follow along on our social media pages @JDMotorsports01. #TeamJDM

MEDIA CONTACT:

Leighton Sibille

lsibille@jdavismotorsports.com

Office: (864) 488 - 1276

Cell: (909) 486 - 5873

About Kabat, Schertzer, De La Torre, Taraboulos & Co.:

Founded in 1976, Kabat, Schertzer, De La Torre, Taraboulos & Co. is a Miami-based accounting and advisory firm that provides a full range of professional, technical, consultative and business services to regional clients in a wide range of industries.  With an additional office in Weston, Fla., the firm provides individual and business clients with a comprehensive approach to accounting services, that includes taxation, audit and review, estate planning, forensic accounting, and litigation support and valuation services.  The firm also offers financial advisory and property management services through its subsidiaries KSDT Financial, LLC, and KSDT Property Management, LLC.  For more information, visit www.ksdtcpa.com or call (305) 670-3370.

JD MOTORSPORTS WITH GARY KELLER TABS JESSE LITTLE TO RACE FULL TIME IN THE NASCAR XFINITY SERIES IN 2020

Gaffney, SC –

JD Motorsports with Gary Keller is proud to announce that Jesse Little will be driving for the team full time in the 2020 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, starting at Daytona International Speedway in February.

Little, a third-generation racer out of Sherrill’s Ford, North Carolina, cut his teeth racing most recently in the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series for his family operated team. In 30 truck series starts, Little earned seven Top 10 finishes with a best-career finish of sixth. Though he does not have an NXS start to his credit entering the 2020 season, he has competed in two Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races.

In addition to his on-track stats, Jesse was also included in the honorable NASCAR Next class of 2014-2015 and 2015-2016, where he was touted as one of the best up-and-coming young drivers in the national series ranks.

His father, Chad Little, had a long, successful career in his own right, earning six career wins in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He most famously raced for Roush Racing in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, posting sixteen Top 10 finishes in the Cup Series. Jesse looks to expand on the successful family lineage next season with JDM.

Jesse was quoted prior to the announcement saying "I am beyond excited to have the privilege to race full time in 2020 for JD Motorsports with Gary Keller in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. It's something I have honestly dreamed about since I can remember. They are a successful, established team that I can't wait to begin working with. I hope to represent Johnny, the JDM brand, and especially all their partners to the highest satisfaction.”

Following Jesse to the Xfinity Series will be longtime partners SkuttleTight, Dkota Investments, Parker Fiber Net, and Visit Kingsport, who have supported him throughout the Truck Series ranks. More sponsors will be announced at a later date.

Though the NASCAR Xfinity Series season is winding down for 2019, our team is focused on making 2020 a successful one. Be sure to keep an eye out for more driver lineup announcements coming shortly. To keep up with Jesse Little and his journey into the NASCAR Xfinity Series, follow his social media pages @JesseLittle97. For all things JDM, follow along on our social media pages @JDMotorsports01. #TeamJDM

MEDIA CONTACT:

Leighton Sibille

lsibille@jdavismotorsports.com

Office: (864) 488 - 1276

Cell: (909) 486 – 5873

STEFAN PARSONS SET TO JOIN JD MOTORSPORTS WITH GARY KELLER AT TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

Gaffney, SC –

JD Motorsports with Gary Keller (JDM) is proud to announce that Cornelius, North Carolina’s Stefan Parsons will pilot the No. 15 Chevrolet this Saturday at Texas Motor Speedway. This weekend will mark Parson’s sixth career NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) start, and first ever NASCAR national series start at Texas.

Parsons, who is the son of NASCAR On Fox analyst Phil Parsons, comes from a family with a long heritage throughout the sport of NASCAR. His father, Phil, raced throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s and has two career NXS and one career NASCAR Cup Series win to his name. Stefan’s uncle, Benny Parsons, recorded 21 career Cup Series wins, along with the 1973 series championship.

In five previous NXS starts, which all came in 2019, Parsons has a best career finish of 12th – which came at Daytona International Speedway in July. All of his career starts were made driving for fellow JDM driver BJ McLeod at BJ McLeod Motorsports. Saturday’s O’Reilly Auto Parts 300 will mark the first time that the two will be teammates, as McLeod will be driving the team’s No. 4 Chevrolet for the fourth time this season.

“I’m really thankful to Johnny Davis and everybody involved with JD Motorsports with Gary Keller for giving me the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the No. 15 Chevrolet this weekend. Johnny and his team have come a long way in a short span of time, and I am eager to see what we can do at Texas. Hopefully, we are able to close out the season on a strong note.”

With just three races to go in 2019, the No. 15 Chevrolet sits 25th in the owner’s points standings, not far behind JDM’s No. 0 and No. 01 machines. Parsons will aim to eclipse the #15Machine’s season-best finish of 16th, which was set by McLeod two races ago at Dover International Speedway.

The NASCAR Xfinity Series heads to Texas Motor Speedway for the running of the O’Reilly Auto Parts 300 on Saturday, November 2nd. Be sure to tune in on NBCSN at 8:30 PM ET to watch Stefan Parsons make his JD Motorsports with Gary Keller debut at the track dubbed “No Limits Texas”.For all things JDM, follow along on our social media pages @JDMotorsports01. #TeamJDM

MEDIA CONTACT:

Leighton Sibille

lsibille@jdavismotorsports.com

Office: (864) 488 - 1276

Cell: (909) 486 – 5873