Wallace, Boat Set For Series Debuts

Matt Wallace

A pair of second-generation drivers are set for career landmarks this weekend, with Matt Wallace and Chad Boat making their respective debuts in the NASCAR XFINITY and Camping World Truck Series.

Wallace, son of NASCAR veteran racer Mike Wallace, will make his NASCAR XFINITY Series debut this weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.  The 19-year old racer will drivethe No. 26 Toyota for JGL Racing in the Lakes Region 200.

"This is an absolute thrill and honor," said Wallace.  "I am getting to do what a lot of teenagers in the world today would love to do.  This program came together very quickly and I appreciate the opportunity that everyone at JGL Racing has given me." 

Wallace is currently racing Late Models for his family owned team. He made his ARCA Series debut in May with a 10th-place finish at Toledo Speedway.  After his NASCAR XFINITY Series debut this weekend, Wallace will compete in the ARCA Racing Series at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis next weekend, before returning to the No. 26 Toyota for JGL Racing the following weekend at Iowa Speedway.

"It is a pleasure to welcome Matt Wallace to the JGL Racing team," added James Whitener, owner of JGL Racing.  "His father Mike has raced for us and it is neat to now put his son into one of our cars.  Our JGL Racing organization has some exciting things happening and it has been fun bringing along young talented racers such as Matt." 

Chad Boat

Boat, meanwhile, will make his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut in the Billy Boat Motorsports No. 15 CorvetteParts.net Chevrolet Silverado on Wednesday night at Eldora Speedway. 

After starting his open-wheel racing career at the young age of five, Boat will add a NCWTS race to his 17-career NASCAR XFINITY Series starts.  The 23-year-old’s resume includes over 100-career wins on dirt, including USAC Rookie of the Year titles in both the midget and Sprint Car divisions.  He  also holds the record as the youngest driver in USAC history to win a dirt track Sprint Car race.  

 

“I’m thankful for the incredible opportunity CorevtteParts.net and BBM has given me to be able to get back behind the wheel on dirt next week,” said Boat. “Growing up racing midgets and sprint cars, Eldora will always be one of those tracks that have a certain type of nostalgia when racing there.  For that reason, making my first NCWTS start here is really special.  I look forward to taking my dirt track experience and the progress that BBM has been making on the track to capture a solid finish in the No. 15 CorvetteParts.net Chevrolet Silverado.”