Joe Graf Jr. kicks off Speedweeks 2019 on the dirt

Joe Graf Jr. (@joegrafjr) is getting a jumpstart on Speedweeks 2019.

Before Graf steers his attention later this week towards a championship effort in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards for Chad Bryant Racing, Graf Jr. will sling in the dirt at Volusia Speedway Park driving for Ken Schrader Racing (KSR).

Graf Jr. will drive the No. 17 Lethal Chassis open wheel dirt modified alongside veteran Schrader who will drive the No. 9 Federated Auto Parts modified beginning Tuesday night. “It’s going to be fun to be racing in the dirt this week,” said Graf Jr. “Of course, my focus is on the ARCA car – but having the opportunity to race on the dirt and especially for Ken Schrader Racing provides a chance for me to broaden my horizons.

Schrader says he’s looking forward to having the Mahwah, New Jersey native apart of the week’s festivities.

“We’re looking forward to it,” said Schrader on the addition of Joe Graf Jr for Speedweeks. “We had him in the (modified) car at DuQuoin last year and he finished inside the top-five. It’s quite a different experience, but he seems to adjust pretty dang quick and we’re looking forward to the results.”

Graf, 20, mentioned that having the opportunity to work alongside the iconic Schrader allows him to inhale a wealth of knowledge.

“I really appreciate the opportunity given to me by Kenny and his team,” added Graf. “Not only do I have respect for him as a competitor, but now as a teammate. I know I can lean on him a lot over the next week and he’ll do everything he can to make me a better driver and I appreciate that. I’m ready to have some fun.”

Action gets underway Tuesday, Feb. 5 with 20-lap features at half-mile dirt oval. Graf is also currently scheduled to compete on Wednesday (Feb. 6), Thursday (Feb. 7), Friday (Feb. 8), Sunday (Feb. 10) and a 50-lap feature on the final night Mon., Feb. 11.

For more on Joe Graf Jr, please like him on Facebook (Joe Graf Jr.) and follow him on Twitter (@JoeGrafJr) and visit his brand new website at JoeGrafJr.com.

Joe Graf Jr. PR