NASCAR to nab another Supercross star

UPDATE This rumor is upgraded to 'fact' today. JR Motorsports introduced seven-time Supercross champion Jeremy McGrath as its newest late model driver on Tuesday, pairing one of the most popular Supercross stars of all time with NASCAR’s four-time most popular driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr. The announcement was made at the grand opening of the team’s new 66,000-square foot shop. McGrath will compete in a limited 10-race schedule in a Chevrolet late model stock car sponsored by Monster Energy Drink, with R&B Auto Body Transport Refinishing as an associate sponsor. His first race is slated for April 21 at Southern National Raceway Park in Kenly, N.C. “This is something I’ve always wanted to try, and I’m really grateful that Dale Jr. is giving me this opportunity to drive one of his race cars," McGrath said. “We are going to test this week, weather permitting. I’ve got a lot to learn when it comes to racing something with four wheels, but I’m confident I can pick it up pretty quick."

04/10/07 With it's popularity falling NASCAR is now buying up popular athletes from other series and sports in an effort to lure their fans over to NASCAR. Ricky Carmichael, now Jeremy McGrath, Juan Montoya, AJ Allmendinger, Sam Hornish Marcus Ambrose, etc. The list is long, too long for it to be just a coincidence anymore. It appears to be a well thought-out tactic.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s JR Motorsports will announce that it is signing seven-time Supercross champion rider Jeremy McGrath to a developmental driver contract, according to SportsBusiness Journal. Following in the tire tracks of another former Supercross champion, Ricky Carmichael, McGrath will run Late Model races before potentially moving up to the Busch Series, according to the report.

Monster Energy Drink will be his primary sponsor, according to the SportsBusiness Journal. It’s Monster Energy’s third car sponsorship in the last few weeks, following announcements with Carmichael and Champ Car’s Paul Tracy.