NXS: Vinnie Miller Announces 2018 Racing Plans

Vinnie Miller, a 20-year old racer from Metamora, Michigan, went on Tradin’ Paint with Jim Noble and Chocolate Meyers on Tuesday afternoon to announce his 2018 racing plans. The Michigan native announced that he will join JD Motorsports for a full-time slate in the NASCAR XFINITY Series piloting the No. 01 Chevrolet Camaro.

While growing up in Michigan, the young driver grew up racing with 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year driver Erik Jones. He’s even competed at some of the same facilities as 2012 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski.

“It’s a dream come true,” Miller said. “As a young racer, you certainly dream of making it to this level and competing with the best of the best, without being sure it will ever happen. I have several people to thank, but mostly importantly, I need to thank my family for their support. The sacrifices they have made to allow me to chase my dreams do not go unnoticed, and it will be really special to share the next step in this journey with them.”

Miller made one start in the NASCAR XFINITY Series in 2017 at Chicagoland Speedway. In his debut, Miller started 31st and went on to finish 29th in the House.com 300. About a month later, Miller made his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut at Talladega Superspeedway. Piloting the No. 66 Master Manufacturing Chevrolet for owner Jeff Bolen, Miller went on to a seventh-place finish after starting 24th that afternoon.

His resume also includes ARCA and NASCAR K&N Pro Series East starts. In six ARCA races in 2017, Miller finished inside the top 10 four times. His six NASCAR K&N Pro Series East starts includes one top five finish at South Boston and two top 10 finishes

“I see a lot of potential in Vinnie,” said team owner, Johnny Davis. “He is a hard-working young man, and he has demonstrated his ability as a racer. He’ll have a lot to learn next year, but my team is committed to giving him the resources he needs to have a successful rookie year. Vinnie already fits in great with the team, so we’re looking forward to the 2018 season.”

Miller said his representatives and JD Motorsports worked on putting the deal together and had to wait three months before the announcement. The driver mentioned on SiriusXM NASCAR Ch. 90 just how special the announcement was for he and his family members.

“The reactions on their faces whenever they found out about the news was real funny to watch,” said Miller on SiriusXM NASCAR. “Their jaw dropped and they couldn’t believe the news. My grandmother, who has supported me since my late grandfather passed away, cried her eyes out when she heard the news. My mom and dad were super excited for me as well. Nobody could believe it when I told them.”

A crew chief for Miller and other details were not mentioned in the team release.

Brett Winningham
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