Former NASCAR Cup Series driver Matt Tifft and partner B.J. McLeod announced details surrounding their new NASCAR Cup Series team in preparation for February’s season-opening Daytona 500.
The team has branded the organization as Live Fast Motorsports and has tabbed McLeod as the driver of the team’s No. 78 Ford Mustang next season.
The Mooresville, N.C.-based team did not name a crew chief for their efforts but will have a strategic alliance with Stewart-Haas Racing to assist the team in competition and navigating the difficulties of developing a successful NASCAR Cup Series team.
The team will operate out of McLeod’s NASCAR Xfinity Series shop.
“Live Fast Motorsports is excited to be joining an incredible group of owners, as well as the new teams and ownership coming into the sport,” the team said in a statement. “NASCAR’S Next Gen car and model for teams will provide opportunities for new teams to compete at a higher level. Live Fast Motorsports and its partners are ready to take on the challenge to grow and develop as a team.”
Last month through a relationship with former NASCAR Cup Series owner Joe Falk, Tifft and McLeod obtained the remaining rights to the Circle Sport Racing Cup charter that was shared with Go Fas Racing will no longer compete full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The sale to Tifft and McLeod will be a reunion of sorts. Tifft ran three NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series races for McLeod back in 2014 – finishing eighth in their debut at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway.
The possession of a charter guarantees McLeod and Live Fast Motorsports a starting spot in the Feb. 14 Daytona 500 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.
Tifft has been sidelined as a driver in NASCAR since Martinsville last October after suffering a seizure shortly before NASCAR Cup Series practice. In November, Tifft and his then team Front Row Motorsports agreed to mutually part ways so the Hinckley, Ohio native could focus on his health.
McLeod has transitioned into an owner in the Cup Series this season with 15 races. 13 were driven by the Wauchula, Fla. native, while Garrett Smithley drove twice.
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