Chase Austin to debut with new team in Nationwide race at Daytona
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Driver Chase Austin is debuting a new NASCAR Nationwide Series team this weekend at Daytona International Speedway, driving for XXXtreme Motorsports in Friday night’s Subway Jalapeno 250.
The team is owned by John Cohen and will be sponsored by the Cavi clothing line. Austin is driving the No. 07 normally used by SK Motorsports, but Austin said the team will also use the No. 58 Chevrolet in future races. Mike Harmon is in the No. 58 this weekend.
“Right now, since we’re working out of the same shop, the 07 was locked in on points, so [listed team onwer] Armando [Fitz] let us use the 07,” Austin said. “We’re going to be 58 for the most part.”
Austin said he and the team are only entered for Daytona but could run more races this season.
“I’m really excited,” Austin said. “Anybody who gets to drive a Nationwide car in Daytona should be excited. It’s a great opportunity. I’m glad I got another chance to do it.”
Austin competed in the Camping World Truck Series race at Daytona in February, but was still under restrictions at Daytona. Austin said NASCAR told him to make single-car qualifying runs in practice.
“We didn’t find out until the end of the second practice that it would’ve been OK to draft,” Austin said. “We didn’t find that out until five minutes to the end of practice, so I have yet to draft with somebody in a Nationwide car. The first time is going to be the green flag.”
