Austin Dillon and Ernie Francis, Jr. have been added to the star-studded roster for the 2023 Camping World SRX Series, the series announced on Wednesday.
Dillon, a champion of the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, will make his first-ever start in the series on August 10th, at Eldora Speedway.
The Welcome, North Carolina native has winning experience at the half-mile dirt oval, scoring the victory in the inaugural NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series MudSummer Classic in 2013.
“I love dirt racing. It’s so much fun, and Eldora Speedway has been such a key place for my dirt racing career over the years,” said Austin Dillon. “I’m thrilled to be able to join SRX Racing at a track that has a lot of history and means so much to me personally. I can’t wait to make more memories at Eldora Speedway and battle alongside some of the most accomplished names in motorsports.”
In addition to being a multi-time NASCAR champion, Dillon has also scored victories in two of the biggest crown jewel events in NASCAR, the Coca-Cola 600 (2017) and the Daytona 500 (2018).
“We are very happy to announce that Austin Dillion will be joining us at Eldora Speedway. Eldora is not new to Austin – it’s a place where he’s found success and had some great career moments,” said Don Hawk, SRX Chief Executive Officer. “It’s my belief that Austin can jump in at Eldora against the best in the business and be right in the hunt from the drop of the green flag.”
Francis, Jr., who competed full-time in the Superstar Racing Experience's inaugural season in 2021, will return for the season-finale at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri on August 17.
A native of Davie, Florida, Francis currently competes full-time in the Indy NXT Series for Force India, where he has scored a single podium.
“SRX is always a blast to compete in," said Ernie Francis, Jr. "The drivers are some of the best from their distinct disciplines, and I am excited to put myself to the test on the dirt at Lucas Oil."
Over the last two seasons, the 25-year-old driver has made nine starts in the Camping World SRX Series, in which time he's netted a single victory at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis.
“We are excited to welcome back Ernie for year three of SRX," said SRX CEO, Don Hawk. "He’s a fierce competitor who has made his own marks in the series. We are excited to say that we will see you at Lucas Oil Speedway for the Championship on August 17."
Both drivers will be a part of the landmark season for the Superstar Racing Experience, as the broadcast rights for the series move to ESPN for 2023, as part of the network's reinvigorated "Thursday Night Thunder".
Coverage of the Superstar Racing Experience will take place on ESPN at 9:00 PM ET every Thursday from July 13 to August 17.
-- Image Courtesy of Craig White, Racing America
