Austin Theriault will make his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut this season, as JR Motorsports has signed him to drive three races in the No. 5 Chevrolet.
Theriault, a 20-year-old late model racer from Fort Kent, Maine, will make his debut on May 18 at Iowa Speedway, driving the No. 5 Chevrolet replete with primary branding from SPY, the eyewear brand behind Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Signature 88 Collection and innovative Happy Lens™ technology. The upper-rear quarter-panels of the car will carry the logo of Dirty Mo Radio, the internet home for Earnhardt Jr.-related podcasts throughout the NASCAR season.
“SPY is happy to offer continued support to the JR Motorsports team and be a part of the exciting Nationwide Series debut of Austin Theriault,” said Michael Marckx, SPY CEO and president. “On the heels of our commitment to Dirty Mo Radio, this is only the beginning of the excitement SPY looks to bring to NASCAR, and we’re happy to do it with JR Motorsports.”
Nationwide Series races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (July 12) and Kentucky Speedway (Sept. 20) will fill out Theriault’s three-race schedule. The seat of the No. 5 is filled by multiple drivers throughout the season.
“Our company is known for putting young talent in cars and giving them a shot on one of NASCAR’s biggest stages, and that is what we are giving Austin with this three-race opportunity,” said Kelley Earnhardt Miller, general manager of JR Motorsports. “This keeps our No. 5 car on the track, and it gives Austin the chance to show what he’s got with a lot more eyeballs taking notice.”
Theriault was the 2012 Maine Vintage Race Car Association’s Driver of the Year, and he made his NASCAR K&N Pro Series debut after winning “Maine Young Guns” inaugural competition in 2012. It was that same year he became a part-time developmental driver for Brad Keselowski Racing.
Theriault’s Super Late Model success in 2013 included three Pro All Star Series (PASS) wins. His victories came in the Rumble in the Pines at Southern National Motorsports Park, the South Carolina Clash at Dillon Motor Speedway, and the PASS 400 Championship Race at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway. His win in the South Carolina Clash came by way of a last-lap pass that resulted in the closest finish in PASS South history. Theriault finished the season with three wins and eight top-10s in 25 races.
“I am excited to be continuing my professional development with JR Motorsports in the Nationwide Series,” Theriault said. “I have been working hard for this opportunity, and to be associated with JR Motorsports and SPY is a dream come true.”
SPY is the presenting sponsor for two of Dirty Mo Radio’s weekly programs—The Monday Recap and The Dale Jr. Download. Dirty Mo Radio is housed at DaleJr.com but also available free of charge on iTunes, TuneIn Radio and other major podcasting outlets.
Through seven races, the No. 5 team ranks fourth in the Nationwide Series owner standings on the strength of five top-five finishes, led by drivers Earnhardt Jr. and Kevin Harvick.
