Thursday Dec. 8 Announcements Rundown

By: Tom Luttermoser

Thursday was a HUGE day for announcements in NASCAR topped off with RCR's Kyle Busch #8 announcements. 

TRD's Announcements;

• Toyota Racing Development (TRD) will feature five full-time supported Toyota GR Supras for the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, an increase of one full-time Supra from the 2022 season with the addition of the 24 car for Sam Hunt Racing.
• TRD will continue to support Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) and Sam Hunt Racing (SHR) in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
• No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota GR Supra
  • Driver: Sammy Smith
  • Crew Chief: Jeff Meendering

• No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota GR Supra
  • Driver: Ryan Truex, others to be announced
  • Crew Chief: Jason Ratcliff
• No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota GR Supra
  • Driver: John Hunter Nemechek
  • Crew Chief: Ben Beshore
• No. 24 Sam Hunt Racing Toyota GR Supra
  • Driver: Connor Mosack (20 races), others to be announced
  • Crew Chief: Kris Bowen
• No. 26 Sam Hunt Racing Toyota GR Supra
  • Driver: Kaz Grala
  • Crew Chief: Allen Hart

Image Via: Xfinity Racing Twitter 

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• Niece Motorsports announced today the return of mt fellow Michigan native, Carson Hocevar. Hocevar made the Playoffs in 2022 despite a mid-season injury and is still in the hunt for his first career win. 
• The #42 Niece Chevrolet Silverado with World Wide Express returning as Primary sponsor.

Image Via: Niece Motorsports Twitter

After the pink window nets were on display during the NASCAR Cup Series ROVAL race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Kurt Busch's Window of Hope program raised over $100,000 for the second consecutive year. 

This year’s proceeds will directly benefit the local Charlotte community through Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute’s Project PINK, which was established to increase access to life-saving mammography screenings for uninsured women in the local area. Project PINK provides “Free Mammography Days” in underserved communities where the need is highest. 

“I am so grateful for the support that helped make Window of Hope a success by raising more than $100,000 for the second year in a row,” said Busch. “This was a team effort on all fronts, and it’s been incredible to see everyone team up together to raise awareness and funds to support the fight against breast cancer. I am thankful for the support of our 23XI partners, Blue Cross NC, Thermal Control Products, Charlotte Motor Speedway, drivers, and of course the fans. Everyone that has been impacted by breast cancer has a different story and a different experience, and it’s extra special this year knowing the funds will go right back into the local Charlotte community that we live in through Project PINK.”

Kyle Busch was by far the hottest free agent in years, he was swooped up by RCR later in 2022 and we have all been awaiting the announcements about details such as sponsorship. Thursday we found out;

• Cheddar's Kitchen will increase their support of primary sponsorship.
• 3Chi, Lenovo, Bet MGM & Alsco will all return to the #8 for 2023
• RCR changed the font for the #8 Chevrolet to give Busch a little more personalization for his time in the ride