By Dustin Albino
Dillon Bassett confirmed to Jayski.com that his family will start a family-run operation for the duration of the 2021 NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule.
“It’s huge because we’re a small family-owned team,” Bassett told Jayski. “To try to take on this full schedule, it’s going to be tough, but we’re definitely up for the challenge. The key part is trying to make the Daytona race since there is no qualifying for most of the events. That’s going to be a key to our full season.”
Bassett Racing will roll out the No. 77 Chevrolet at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 13, with elder brother Ronnie Bassett Jr. as the driver. East Coast Wings + Grill and Jerry Hunt Supercenter will be the sponsor for Daytona, but Bassett Gutters & More will be the team’s primary sponsor for the season.
The plan is for both Bassetts to compete in the car throughout the season, though aren’t ruling out other drivers competing for the team.
Over the past two years, the Bassett brothers have combined to compete in 25 races for DGM Racing with a best finish of 13th (twice). Nathan Kennedy will serve as crew chief the No. 77 car, after working with the Bassetts for 20 races over the past two years. Kennedy also sat atop the pit box for Alex Labbe and Josh Williams for a total of four races in 2020.
Between 2013 and 2018, the Bassett family owned a K&N Pro Series East team, collecting two victories (Dillon in 2015 at Motodrome Speedway and Ronnie in 2017 at New Smyrna Speedway).