Elliott Sadler’s “retirement” didn’t last long.
The four-time NASCAR Xfinity Series Most Popular Driver (2011, 2016-2018) will compete in two Xfinity races this season for Kaulig Racing, the team announced Thursday in a release.
“I’m back,” Sadler, 43, said in a tweet this morning (see below).
Sadler, who has 13 wins in the NXS and three in the NASCAR Cup Series, will drive the No. 10 Chevrolet Camaro SS in the Xfinity race April 12 at Richmond Raceway and the Sept. 14 race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The Emporia, Virginia, native will be sponsored in both races by Nutrien Ag Solutions.
Citing a desire to spend more time with family, he had wrapped up his full-time career in 2018.
“I said I would only return to the racetrack if the right opportunity came along, and this is it,” Sadler said. “I’m thrilled to partner with Nutrien Ag Solutions and Kaulig Racing for these two races and team up with Ross Chastain behind the wheel of the No. 10 Chevy.
“I believe in the mission of Nutrien Ag Solutions, as they help farmers lead the field, and they wanted me to put my helmet back on to do the same at Richmond and Las Vegas.”
In addition to having Justin Haley run the full season in the No. 11, Kaulig Racing has plans to field the No. 10 as a second car for more than half of the 2019 Xfinity season. In addition to Sadler, Chastain also will pilot the No. 10 for at least three races.
“We are so excited to have Elliott drive for us at Kaulig Racing,” Kaulig Racing president Chris Rice said. “Elliott and I grew up racing together at South Boston Speedway, so to have him race for us at his home track is special. We have a great partnership with Nutrien Ag Solutions, who are huge supporters of Elliott, so it is a win-win for our team.”
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