Road course savvy driver Will Rodgers will make his first NASCAR national series start of the 2023 season after being tapped by Young’s Motorsports to pilot the team’s flagship entry in Saturday afternoon’s NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
Rodgers is set to make his career fourth Truck Series start and first for the Mooresville, N.C.-based team.
The popular driver is hoping Saturday’s O’Reilly Auto Parts 150 once again offers an opportunity for him to showcase his road racing craft and the chance to earn his first career NASCAR top-10 finish.
“Returning to the Truck Series at Mid-Ohio, I’m quietly confident, but excited,” Rodgers told CATCHFENCE.com. “Over the years, I’ve been able to occasionally piece together solid opportunities to perform, and I consider this to be one of those.
“The last time I was at Mid-Ohio in the National Series, it was with Brandonbilt Motorsports in 2019 for my first real Xfinity race; we finished 12th that day. It was the first time I raced at the track, so I feel confident there.”
While it has been nearly four years since Rodgers has competed at the Lexington, Ohio road course in a NASCAR-sanctioned event, the 28-year-old driver invades Mid-Ohio on the heels of a recent successful weekend at the 2.25-mile, 13-turn course.
Two weeks ago, Rodgers competed in two TransAm classes at Mid-Ohio, winning the XGT class and padding his track experience in the TA2 division.
“Recently, I was fortunate to compete at Mid-Ohio in both the TA2 & XGT TransAm classes and was able to log lots of laps,” explained Rodgers. “Although my TA2 race didn’t go as planned, my XGT race was very good in preparation for the Truck. I think this will give me a slight advantage as our practice and qualifying in the Truck is so limited.”
Rodgers knows that capturing another checkered flag at Mid-Ohio would be significant for his career, but he also realizes the competition in the Truck Series is the strongest it’s been in recent years.
Still, believing his Young’s Motorsports team will bring him a competitive piece, he is prepared to leave nothing on the table and take advantage of the opportunity he’s been handed.
“My goal for Mid-Ohio would be starting and finishing inside the top five,” added Rodgers. “I know I’m capable of this, and I believe Young’s Motorsports No. 02 truck is too. Being that this race doesn’t have competitive pit stops, track position will be critical, but hopefully, with a good qualifying effort, we can run near the front all day.”
Rodger’s expectations are realistic, especially considering the recent speed that Young’s Motorsports has showcased not only on the road courses but on the ovals recently most notably with Kaden Honeycutt.
“I’ve recognized the speed in the No. 02 truck has shown on road courses in the past with several drivers,” explained Rodgers. “That definitely gives me confidence going into this race. I’ve worked with the 02 crew chief, Andrew Abbot, several times in the past, and I trust his abilities to give me a fast truck.”
While NASCAR hasn’t been front and center for Rodgers this season, his aspirations to be a full-time NASCAR driver are still alive and he is hoping Mid-Ohio paves the path for more racing in the future.
“Even with a solid showing at Mid-Ohio, I have no other NASCAR National series plans this season, it’s all dependent on sponsorship opportunities,” Rodgers explained. “Honestly, this hasn’t been my focus this year, but I’m not opposed to more races this season either with Young’s Motorsports or other teams, just need to find the right opportunities.”
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01 or email: [email protected].
