Tanner Berryhill will compete full-time in the Cup Series next year for Obaika Racing, Berryhill announced Monday night on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio’s “Late Shift.”
The native of Bixby, Oklahoma will drive the No. 97 Toyota.
“I couldn’t be more excited than to get the news that that was all going to come together, " Berryhill said. “We’re going to be full guns ahead towards Daytona.”
Berryhill, 25, made his first two starts in Cup points races this year in the last two races, driving the No. 97 for Obaika Racing.
His debut in the Nov. 11 playoff elimination race at Phoenix marked his first NASCAR start of any kind since the Monster Open in 2015. He has 40 Xfinity starts, with the last coming in 2014.
“I’ve been ready to go this whole time, just been waiting for somebody to call me to put me in (a ride),” Berryhill told NBC Sports last month before the Phoenix race.
Berryhill placed 31st in Phoenix after a wreck and 38th in season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
“Tanner is a very intelligent and motivated young man, and I am very excited to what he can accomplish during his rookie season,” said team owner Victor Obaika in a press release. “The Obaika Racing team is working hard through the winter to put fast cars on track next year, and I have every confidence that Tanner is going to work hard to improve every race and get the most out of our equipment. 2019 is going to be a great year for this team.”
Berryhill’s sponsor and crew chief will be announced at a later date.
Berryhill joins a rookie class that includes Daniel Hemric, Ryan Preece and Matt Tifft.
Berryhill’s two starts were just the second and third Cup starts for Obaika Racing.
The team debuted in the Nov. 4 race at Texas with David Starr.