By Dustin Albino
Coming off his first full NASCAR Xfinity Series season in 2020, Joe Graf Jr. is returning to the series in 2021 for SS Green Light Racing, though will switch over to pilot the No. 07 Chevrolet.
“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Joe Graf Jr. back [to the team],” Bobby Dotter, owner of SS Green Light Racing told Jayski.com. “With a full season under his belt now, I know Joe will show what our team is capable of.”
In his rookie campaign, Graf finished 22nd in the championship standings, posting an average finish of 24.3. He earned a best result of 13th on three occasions (Bristol Motor Speedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway and Kentucky Speedway), en route to four top 15-finishes for the season.
Prior to the Xfinity Series doubleheader at Homestead last year, Graf and Bucked Up Energy agreed to a multi-year deal. Bucked Up went on to sponsor Graf in 22 of the final 25 races of the season.
For additional sponsors, the team is in conversation with many new companies to enter the sport this season.
Dotter has brought in Mike Tyska, formerly of Rick Ware Racing to serve as Graf’s crew chief, after Patrick Donahue departed the team to join the Big Machine Racing team. Industry veteran Robin Pemberton has also been added to the team, serving as a consultant for the 2021 season.
An official announcement is scheduled for later today.