In what is an organization first for Sam Hunt Racing, the young team will field an additional entry when the NASCAR Xfinity Series visits the Indianapolis Road Course later this month.
Kris Wright, originally signed for the road courses for SHR, will pilot the traditional No. 26 Supra, while Will Rodgers will make his second start of the season in a No. 24 Supra. GoodRx, who backed the 26-year-old in his 2021 debut at Nashville, will return as the primary sponsor alongside RaceToEndHepC.com.
“It’s definitely an exciting milestone, and more so just a testament to how committed this group is when it comes to growing and taking the next step for our program,” said Sam Hunt in a media release. “We’ve been discussing debuting the 24 car for a while, but we wanted to make sure the opportunity and timing were right when we made the decision. Having Will be the first to roll out with the 24 number is really special, and I’ve got no doubts he’ll make us proud. Will and Kris will be able to utilize each other and should both run strong.”
Team history is being made. We introduce to you: No. 24.@willrodgers65 will pilot #24 for the first time in the #Pennzoil150 at the @IMS Road Course next weekend. What do you think of the @GoodRx / https://t.co/EZVmlq0YpI Supra?#TeamToyota | #RaceToEndHepC | @liverhealthfdn pic.twitter.com/wQw9EytRsk
— Sam Hunt Racing (@Team_SHR26) August 3, 2021
It’s been three years since the No. 24 has been on track in the Xfinity Series, last driven by Justin Haley for GMS Racing at Watkins Glen in 2018. The number has only parked in an Xfinity Series victory lane three times in its history through over 550 starts.
The team has had many young drivers in its flagship No. 26 this season, including Rodgers and Wright, Santino Ferrucci, and John Hunter Nemechek.
Rodgers, who has previously mentioned road courses as a strength for him, is eager to challenge himself at one of NASCAR’s newest configurations.
“Heading into Indy, I’m mostly looking forward to being back on a road course…but this time, in the best equipment I’ve ever been able to get in,” Rodgers said. “I’ve never raced at Indy, but I know this type of track suits my driving style and always puts on a really great show. After a successful run at Nashville, I think it will be easier to carry the momentum built into Indy. I now have the first race with this team under my belt, and I think we’re all on a very similar page when it comes to performance on the track and off. This experience should only help us focus on the task at hand — to run as well as possible.”
Rodgers is expected to get one more race with SHR, saying to TobyChristie.com in June that he has a storng eye to jump back in the seat at Charlotte Roval for SHR. The Hawai’i native has one start at the Roval during his time with Brandonbilt Motorsports in the No. 86 Camaro.
Fans can see the Sam Hunt Racing duo hit the track together on Saturday, August 14th at 4:00 PM EST for the Pennzoil 150 on NBCSN.
