Rheem Joining Joe Gibbs Racing Xfinity Series Program in 2018

Rheem most recently sponsored Richard Childress Racing in XFINITY
(Photo-CCK Photography)

Joe Gibbs Racing announced today that Rheem, a leading provider of gas furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, air handlers, indoor air quality products, gas and electric water heaters, will sponsor the No. 20 of Christopher Bell and the No. 18 of Ryan Preece in select races next season in the XFINITY Series. 

"We are delighted to partner with Joe Gibbs Racing. Joe Gibbs’ life, business accomplishments, and his company’s values fit well with Rheem’s culture of innovation, integrity, and philanthropy. We are also pleased to join JGR’s partner family comprised of some of the world’s most successful, innovative companies that are also committed to leading and winning. We look forward to working and winning with Coach Gibbs and his team,” said Chris Peel, Rheem President, and COO in the team release. 

Bell won the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Championship this season with JGR affiliated Kyle Busch Motor Sports. He makes his move from the truck series to the XFINITY Series to pilot the No. 20 full-time. 

“I’m incredibly fortunate to have a partner like Rheem come on board and support me as we run for the Championship as well as Rookie of the Year honors in the XFINITY Series in 2018,” said Bell. “Rheem is at the top of their business and they know racing having supported the sport for so long. I’m proud to have the opportunity to represent them.”

Preece will pilot the No. 18 in select races next season. Preece has truly worked his way up the ranks of NASCAR earning his first career victory earlier this year at Iowa. Preece is a NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Champion (2013) and has built up from the Whelen Modifieds all the way to the XFINITY Series, just like in the old NASCAR video games. 

“My family has worked in the HVAC business, so we know first-hand that Rheem is the leader in this industry,” said Preece. “I’m thrilled to have them on board with me for 10 races next year and hope to keep them at the front of the field where they belong.”

Rheem will make their debut with Joe Gibbs Racing at Daytona in February with Christopher Bell. The first scheduled start with Rheem on board with Preece will be at Auto Club Speedway in March. (Koelle,2017)