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New NASCAR Cup series team StarCom Racing has signed Jeffrey Earnhardt for its first full season in 2018.
StarCom recently leased a charter from Richard Childress Racing after Paul Menard moved to Wood Brothers at the end of the 2017 season.
Former Daytona 500 winner Derrike Cope had driven its Chevrolet Camaro in two races last year ahead of Earnhardt’s signing and Cope will continue as team manager in 2018.
Earnhardt drove for Circle Sport last season, taking a career-best finish of 26th at Kansas and Indianapolis.
“I am so appreciative of everyone at StarCom Racing and [sponsor] VRX for having confidence in me and making this a reality,” said Earnhardt.
“There’s been an Earnhardt driving in the 500 for 39 years so to be able to keep that streak going for a 40th year means a lot to me and I’m sure a lot of Earnhardt fans are going to be happy to hear this news.
“I knew Derrike casually before but I didn’t realise how much he knows about race cars.
“He’s got a tremendous amount of technical expertise and speaking with him gave me confidence that StarCom has big plans and I want to be part of that progression.”
Cope said it was essential that the team had a well-backed driver in its maiden year.
“It was imperative for our young team to have a sponsored driver for our start-up year, and we did have several options,” he said.
“We felt that Jeffrey was the best fit for our team and VRX has already shown the type of enthusiasm and commitment that SCR has both for Jeffrey and for the sport.
“It will be a very exciting year for us.”