Kaulig Racing has confirmed that one of its Race for the Seat competitors will make his NASCAR debut next weekend.
Carson Ferguson finished second in the show, which Kaulig and Ram were using to decide the driver of their No. 14 entry in the Truck Series this year. Mini Tyrrell got that drive, but Ferguson picked up $50,000 for winning the season-ending race.
He has now also been handed the chance to drive the No. 25 truck at Bristol next weekend, making his NASCAR national series debut in the truck the team have assigned for 'free agent' drivers.
Tony Stewart was the first driver to compete in the car at Daytona this year, with Ty Dillon, Colin Braun and Corey LaJoie all taking a turn since – Dillon twice, at Atlanta and Rockingham.
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Rice explains Ferguson debut decision
In a team statement, Kaulig CEO Chris Rice said: “Carson proved he has the talent and drive to step up to this level.
“His performance on 'Race for the Seat' showed us what he is capable of, and we're excited to give him this shot in the No. 25 Ram under the Free Agent Program at one of the sport's most iconic tracks.
"We told him during the show that he would have a chance to drive at Martinsville Speedway this year but the more we thought about it the more we wanted to see his talent on the track so we moved him up to Bristol instead. We hope this leads to great things for Carson.”
For his part, Ferguson added: “I’m thrilled for the chance to make my NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series debut at Bristol through the Ram Free Agent Program.
"Competing on 'Race for the Seat' was an incredible experience, and even though I came up just short of the full-time ride, getting this shot to race with Kaulig Racing means a lot.
"Bristol is a tough, high-banked track and a heck of a place to make your pavement debut in NASCAR. I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of that No. 25 Ram and show what I can do.”
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