Monster Energy’s Jeremy “Showtime” McGrath To Drive Late Models For JR Motorsports

The seven-time Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Series champion and all-time winningest SX racer begins his new car racing career with Earnhardt Jr.
 
CORONA, Calif., (April 18, 2007) – Monster Energy’s Jeremy “Showtime” McGrath, the seven-time Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Series and all-time winningest supercross racer, has announced his alignment with JR Motorsports – Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s team - and will compete in ten Late Model races this season.
 
“This is something I’ve always wanted to try, and I’m really grateful that Dale Jr. is giving me this opportunity to drive one of his race cars,” said McGrath. “We are going to test this week, weather permitting. I’ve got a lot to learn when it comes to racing something with four wheels, but I’m confident I can pick it up pretty quick.”
 
The announcement was made at the grand opening of the team’s new 66,000-square foot shop. McGrath will compete in a limited 10-race schedule in a Chevrolet late model stock car sponsored by Monster Energy Drink, with R&B Auto Body Transport Refinishing as an associate sponsor. His first race is slated for April 21 at Southern National Raceway Park in Kenly, N.C.
 
According to a press release from JR Motorsports, the addition of McGrath and the Monster Energy car gives JRM its third late model entry. Scott Young and Curtis Truex Jr. currently compete in full-season touring schedules in late model cars sponsored by R&B. JR Motorsports also fields a full-time NASCAR Busch Series team with driver Shane Huffman and full-time USAR Hooters Pro Cup team with driver Richard Boswell. All of these teams operate out of the new JR Motorsports facility located in Mooresville, N.C.

The release continued: “I’m proud to have Jeremy here, and it’s cool to see how excited he is about getting into one of these late models,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “I like his approach, his mentality, and the energy he brings to this shop. I know this isn’t just some fleeting interest on his part. He is as serious about this as anyone I’ve ever been around.”
 
Before Monster Energy skyrocketed to the heights of energy drink success, McGrath was a big proponent of Hansen’s Natural drinks, including the predecessor of Monster Energy – Hansen’s Energy. It was during this time that McGrath recorded the lion’s share of his 72 supercross wins a record that to this day stands out as one of modern action sports’ most unbelievable – and unattainable – marks. Also during his time with Hansen’s McGrath added two his seven 250cc class supercross titles with an overall Outdoor National title (’95) and two 125cc (aka Supercross Lites class) regional titles.
 
“I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of success in supercross, but this is a new type of racing for me,” said McGrath. “I want to succeed at this. It’s not like I’m coming in here and saying that I’m going to be a Nextel Cup driver or anything like that. I want to focus on this chance. And I’m pumped to have Monster on board with me.”



Monster Energy supports the sport. Be it NASCAR, motocross, surf, skate, snow, BMX – name it – the athletes are rockin’ Monster Energy more than anything these days. Check out all the flavors – Original Monster Energy, Monster Lo-Carb, Monster Assault and the new Monster/fruit juice hybrid called “Khaos.” Jeremy “Showtime” McGrath digs ‘em – so will you. On the ‘Net at www.monsterenergy.com.

JR Motorsports, a Mooresville, N.C., based company solely-owned by NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., is a growing team in NASCAR Busch Series, USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series and late model stock car competition. Founded in 2002, the team is entering into its second season in the NASCAR Busch Series with the U.S. Navy and driver Shane Huffman. In addition to fielding the No. 88 Navy Accelerate Your Life Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS in the NASCAR Busch Series, JR Motorsports also 
fields the No. 88 Champion Chevrolet in the USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series with driver Richard Boswell. Scott Young and Curtis Truex Jr. are a part of the R&B Late Model Driver Development Program in the Nos. 71 and 73 R&B Chevrolets and compete at short track across the Southeast. For more information on JR Motorsports, visit www.jrmotorsport.com.