The sponsorship puzzles are moving into place for the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series season for JR Motorsports. On Thursday, the organization announced the addition of Menards, which will serve as the primary sponsor of Brandon Jones and the No. 9 team for the entire 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule.
Jones, who is a longtime partner of Menards, has been sponsored by the family-owned hardware retail store for 128 of his 235 starts in NASCAR Xfinity Series competition. Jones feels Menards and his new team — JRM — share one thing in common, commitment to their partners.
“To be able to make this transition to JRM alongside Menards is a dream come true for me,” Jones said. “I am eager to win races and championships with Menards’ continued support. It will be significant to have my longtime sponsor and John Menard reunite with Dale and JRM. JRM’s commitment to their partners is second to none, and I can’t wait to come out of the gate strong with them in 2023.”
Dale Earnhardt Jr., the owner of JR Motorsports, has also piloted Menards-sponsored cars in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in the past and even won with the brand on his car on three occasions. Earnhardt is ready to get back into the Menards family.
“I’m happy for the chance to work with John (Menard) and Menards again,” said Earnhardt in a team release. “Menards sponsored one of the most dominant cars I ever drove in the Xfinity Series. I have some great memories of winning races together. John and his company are big supporters of racing and have been for many years. I’m glad to have them at JRM backing Brandon.”
Jones, 25, is a five-time winner in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and announced a move from Joe Gibbs Racing to JR Motorsports for the 2023 season back in September.
The current driver of the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing entry appeared to be heading to the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship 4, but was crashed by his teammate Ty Gibbs while battling for the win on the final lap this past weekend at Martinsville Speedway.