Joe Graf Jr. has been added to the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series driver lineup for RSS Racing, competing in a minimum of 28 events for the family-owned operation, starting with the season-opener at Daytona International Speedway.
The Mahwah, New Jersey-native, who has spent the last three seasons with Bobby Dotter and SS Green Light Racing, will also contest the Xfinity Series’ sole event at Talladega Superspeedway with the team, where he picked up a career-best eighth in 2022.
According to a release from Graf’s management team, the 24-year-old will continue his relationship with Ford Performance, and Roush Yates Engines, while also continuing to have a technical alliance with Stewart-Haas Racing through RSS Racing.
Steve Addington will serve as the crew chief for Graf in his NASCAR Xfinity Series starts with RSS Racing in 2023. Addington joined the team in 2022 as the crew chief of the No. 38 Ford Mustang, which featured drivers CJ McLaughlin, Kyle Sieg, and Patrick Gallagher.
“I am very appreciative to be welcomed into the RSS Racing family,” said Joe Graf Jr. “I am opening a new chapter in my Xfinity Series career in 2023 and I am determined to make it my best yet. I’m looking forward to having Ryan (Sieg) who is not only respected in the garage as my teammate but also driving for a family-owned team is certainly going to bring back memories. I hope we are able to make some new memories of our own this season with all of our great marketing partners.”
Moving to RSS Racing in 2023, Graf brings former marketing partners Bucked Up Energy Drink, CoverSeal, G-Coin, Gtechniq, and Jacob Companies, while introducing new marketing partner Lefcourt Brothers Racing.
“My brother Jeff and I have been fans of motorsports our entire lives. Jeff even owns a local racetrack,” said Lefcourt Brothers Racing co-owner Jonathan Lefcourt. “We have both spent many years cultivating extensive exotic car collections. Lefcourt Brothers Racing has given us the opportunity to be more involved in racing and to support a talented young driver.”
With the addition of Graf to the organization’s NASCAR Xfinity Series lineup in 2023, RSS Racing will field at least two full-time entries, with additional announcements to be made in the coming weeks.
“We saw the improvement of Joe’s on-track performance during the course of the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series season and we believe he can continue that progression with RSS Racing this season,” said team spokesperson Rod Sieg. “Joe brings a welcomed enthusiasm with a determined focus to help make 2023 one of the best seasons yet for RSS Racing.”
“Without the support of my longtime partners this season would not have been possible,” added Graf Jr. “It means a lot to continue to have the support of Bucked Up Energy Drink, CoverSeal®, G-Coin, and Gtechniq while welcoming Lefcourt Brothers Racing front and center this season. “I will work hard to continue to build their brands through our marketing initiatives while looking forward to having the opportunity to race near the front in their colors with RSS Racing in 2023.”
Graf will kick off his Xfinity Series season behind the wheel of an RSS Racing Ford Mustang in the season-opener at Daytona International Speedway, on Saturday, February 18th.
