The 2016 Sprint Cup field continues to be solidified with the news that Premium Motorsports, owned by Jay Robinson, has hired Cole Whitt to drive its No. 98 car this season.
Whitt joins the team after spending 2015, his second full-time Sprint Cup season, with Front Row Motorsports. Last season, Premium Motorsports used four different drivers and competed with all three manufacturers.
“Jay and the crew at Premium Motorsports impressed me with their vision for the future and commitment to making the No. 98 car competitive week in and week out,” said Whitt in a press release. “I look forward to being a big part of the family atmosphere at Premium and having a successful start at the Daytona 500 in a few weeks.”
The 24-year-old California native finished 31st in the Cup point standings in 2014 and 2015, but improved his average finish from 29.2 to 28.7. His best race finish was 13th at Talladega in May.
Earlier this offseason, the team purchased equipment from Circle Sport Racing and hired Mike Hillman to fill the role of competition director and Mark Hillman to serve as crew chief on the No. 98.
“We believe Cole is an accomplished young driver who drives aggressively, yet smart,” Robinson said in the press release. “He’s a great fit for our team as we look to improve our competitiveness in the Sprint Cup Series.”
In 2008, Whitt became the youngest USAC national midget champion. He transitioned to NASCAR in 2010 to run in the K&N Pro Series East before rising through the Xfinity and Camping World Truck Series. Whitt broke into the Sprint Cup Series in 2014 with Swan Racing and BK Racing.
