Chad McCumbee will make his first career NASCAR Nationwide Series start in the O'Reilly 300 on Saturday, April 17 at the 1.5 mile Texas Motor Speedway. McCumbee will drive the No. 09 RAB Racing Ford Fusion.

"This is a great opportunity for me," said McCumbee. "This is group of young, determined, talented individuals just like me so I can't think of a better team to make my first Nationwide Series start with."

The 25 year-old North Carolina native has made several starts at the Texas venue, primarily in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series events.

"Texas is a place that I am familiar with," explained McCumbee. "Although this will be my first start in a NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Texas, I've had the opportunity to test a Nationwide car. Texas is a fast place that rewards those that take care of their equipment. I've run seven truck races there, so I feel like my experience at Texas in a truck will help me a lot this weekend.  The track is multi-grooved so there is more than one fast way around."

ESPN2 will broadcast Nationwide Series qualifying Friday, April 16 at 2:30 pm ET with coverage of the O'Reilly 300 beginning at 3:00 pm ET Saturday, April 17, also on ESPN2.

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