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{{Infobox NASCAR team
{{Infobox NASCAR team
| name = Jesse Iwuji Motorsports
| name = Jesse Iwuji Motorsports
| logo =Jesse_Iwuji_Motorsports_logo.png
| logo = Jesse_Iwuji_Motorsports_logo.png
| owners = [[Jesse Iwuji]]<br/>[[Emmitt Smith]]<br/>Matt Casto
| owners = [[Jesse Iwuji]]<br/>[[Emmitt Smith]]<br/>Matt Casto
| base = [[Gaffney, South Carolina|Gaffney]], [[South Carolina]]
| base = [[Gaffney, South Carolina|Gaffney]], [[South Carolina]]
| series = [[NASCAR]] [[NASCAR Xfinity Series|Xfinity Series]]
| series = [[NASCAR]] [[NASCAR Xfinity Series|Xfinity Series]] <br> [[Automobile Racing Club of America|ARCA]] [[ARCA Menards Series|Menards Series]]
| drivers = '''Xfinity Series''':<br>34. [[Jesse Iwuji]] '''(R)''', [[Jesse Little]], [[Kyle Weatherman]], [[Reece Ushijima]]
| drivers = '''Xfinity Series''':<br>34. [[Jesse Iwuji]], [[Andre Castro (racing driver)|Andre Castro]] (part-time) <br> '''ARCA Menards Series''' <br>TBA. Kyle Whisner
| sponsors = '''Xfinity Series''':<br>34. Equity Prime Mortgage, [[Chevrolet]], eRacing Association, ITO HIGHLAND
| sponsors = '''Xfinity Series''':<br>34. [[Chevrolet]], [[University of Chicago Medical Center]], Wings & Wheels Foundation <br> '''ARCA Menards Series''' <br>TBA. Kyle Whisner
| manufacturer = [[Chevrolet]]
| manufacturer = [[Chevrolet]]
| opened = [[2021 in NASCAR|2021]]
| opened = [[2021 in NASCAR|2021]]
| closed =
| closed =
| debut = '''Xfinity Series''':<br>[[2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series|2022]] [[Daytona 300|Beef. It's What's for Dinner 300]] ([[Daytona International Speedway|Daytona]])
| debut = '''Xfinity Series''':<br>[[2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series|2022]] [[Daytona 300|Beef. It's What's for Dinner 300]] ([[Daytona International Speedway|Daytona]])
| final = '''Xfinity Series''':<br>{{Latest NASCAR Busch}}
| final = '''Xfinity Series''':<br>[[2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series|2023]] [[Pennzoil 150]] ([[Indianapolis Motor Speedway|Indianapolis]])
| races = '''Total''': 6<br>'''Xfinity Series''': 6
| races = '''Total''': 33<br>'''Xfinity Series''': 33
| drivers_champ = '''Total''': 0<br>'''Xfinity Series''': 0
| drivers_champ = '''Total''': 0<br>'''Xfinity Series''': 0
| wins = '''Total''': 0<br>'''Xfinity Series''': 0
| wins = '''Total''': 0<br>'''Xfinity Series''': 0
Line 19: Line 19:
}}
}}


'''Jesse Iwuji Motorsports''' is an American stock car racing team that competes in the [[NASCAR]] [[NASCAR Xfinity Series|Xfinity Series]]. It was founded in 2021 by [[National Football League|NFL]] hall of famer, [[Emmitt Smith]], with [[NASCAR]] driver and [[United States Navy Reserve]] officer, [[Jesse Iwuji]], and they currently field the No. 34 [[Chevrolet Camaro (sixth generation)|Chevrolet Camaro SS]] for owner/driver, [[Jesse Iwuji]]. They also field the car for [[Jesse Little]] and [[Kyle Weatherman]].
'''Jesse Iwuji Motorsports''' is an American stock car racing team that competes part-time in the [[NASCAR Xfinity Series]]. It was founded in 2021 by [[National Football League|NFL]] hall of famer, [[Emmitt Smith]], with [[NASCAR]] driver and [[United States Navy Reserve]] officer, [[Jesse Iwuji]], and they currently field the No. 34 [[Chevrolet Camaro (sixth generation)|Chevrolet Camaro SS]] for owner/driver, [[Jesse Iwuji]] and [[Andre Castro (racing driver)|Andre Castro]].


== History ==
== History ==
On August 21, 2021, [[Jesse Iwuji]] announced the formation of his new team, Jesse Iwuji Motorsports, that will compete full-time in the [[NASCAR Xfinity Series]] in 2022. He also announced that [[Emmitt Smith]], a former [[National Football League|NFL]] [[running back]], would co-own the team with him.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2021/08/21/jesse-iwuji-partners-with-nfl-hall-of-famer-emmitt-smith-to-form-full-time-xfinity-series-team-for-2022/|title=Jesse Iwuji partners with NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith to form full-time Xfinity Series team for 2022|last=Wilhelm|first=Chase|website=Official Site of NASCAR|date=August 21, 2020|access-date=February 9, 2022}}</ref> In December 2021, Iwuji announced the [[Sponsor (commercial)|sponsor]] for his team, which would be the Equity Prime Mortgage company.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tobychristie.com/2021/12/10/equity-prime-mortgage-to-serve-as-primary-sponsor-in-eight-races-for-jesse-iwuji-in-2022/|title=Equity Prime Mortgage to Serve as Primary Sponsor in Eight Races for Jesse Iwuji in 2022|website=TobyChristie.com|date=December 10, 2021|access-date=February 9, 2022}}</ref>
On August 21, 2021, [[Jesse Iwuji]] announced the formation of his new team, Jesse Iwuji Motorsports, that will compete full-time in the [[NASCAR Xfinity Series]] in 2022. He also announced that [[Emmitt Smith]], a former [[National Football League|NFL]] [[running back]], would co-own the team with him.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2021/08/21/jesse-iwuji-partners-with-nfl-hall-of-famer-emmitt-smith-to-form-full-time-xfinity-series-team-for-2022/|title=Jesse Iwuji partners with NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith to form full-time Xfinity Series team for 2022|last=Wilhelm|first=Chase|website=Official Site of NASCAR|date=August 21, 2021|access-date=February 9, 2022}}</ref> In December 2021, Iwuji announced the [[Sponsor (commercial)|sponsor]] for his team, which would be the Equity Prime Mortgage company.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tobychristie.com/2021/12/10/equity-prime-mortgage-to-serve-as-primary-sponsor-in-eight-races-for-jesse-iwuji-in-2022/|title=Equity Prime Mortgage to Serve as Primary Sponsor in Eight Races for Jesse Iwuji in 2022|website=TobyChristie.com|date=December 10, 2021|access-date=February 9, 2022}}</ref>

On December 9, 2022, Jesse Iwuji Motorsports filed a {{USD}}4.125 million lawsuit against Equity Prime Mortgage for breach of contract.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.jayski.com/2022/12/09/jesse-iwuji-motorsports-files-lawsuit-against-sponsor-equity-prime-mortgage/ |title=Jesse Iwuji Motorsports files lawsuit against sponsor Equity Prime Mortgage |website=[[Jayski's Silly Season Site]] |publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC |date=December 9, 2022 |access-date=December 9, 2022}}</ref> In February 2023, EPM filed a counterclaim on JIM.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Furlan Nunes |first=Flavia |date=February 13, 2023 |title=EPM files a counterclaim against Jesse Iwuji Motorsports |url=https://www.housingwire.com/articles/epm-files-a-counterclaim-against-jesse-iwuji-motorsports/ |access-date=June 11, 2023 |website=HousingWire}}</ref>


== NASCAR Xfinity Series ==
== NASCAR Xfinity Series ==
[[File:Jesse Iwuji 220422-N-GD018-1011.jpg|left|thumb|Iwuji in the No. 34 car at [[Talladega Superspeedway]] in 2022.]]


=== Car No. 34 history ===
=== Car No. 34 history ===
On February 7, 2022, Iwuji and Smith partnered with [[Chevrolet]] as the manufacturer for the [[2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series]] season, with the number being 34, as a tribute to [[Wendell Scott]]. The team would run the full 33-race schedule, with Iwuji competing for [[NASCAR Rookie of the Year|Rookie of the Year]] honors.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2022/02/07/jesse-iwuji-emmitt-smith-announce-partnership-with-chevrolet-for-2022-xfinity-season/|title=Jesse Iwuji, Emmitt Smith announce partnership with Chevrolet for 2022 Xfinity season|last=Montgomery|first=Shane|date=February 7, 2022|access-date=February 9, 2022}}</ref> The team would operate out of the [[JD Motorsports]] race shop, with providing engines from [[Hendrick Motorsports]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2022/02/jesse-iwuji-motorsports-to-field-34-chevrolet-in-2022/|title=Jesse Iwuji Motorsports to field #34 Chevrolet in 2022|last=Nguyen|first=Justin|website=thecheckeredflag.co.uk|date=February 7, 2022|access-date=February 9, 2022}}</ref>
On February 7, 2022, Iwuji and Smith partnered with [[Chevrolet]] as the manufacturer for the [[2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series]] season, with the number being 34, as a tribute to [[Wendell Scott]]. The team was scheduled to run the full 33-race schedule, with Iwuji competing for [[NASCAR Rookie of the Year|Rookie of the Year]] honors.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2022/02/07/jesse-iwuji-emmitt-smith-announce-partnership-with-chevrolet-for-2022-xfinity-season/|title=Jesse Iwuji, Emmitt Smith announce partnership with Chevrolet for 2022 Xfinity season|last=Montgomery|first=Shane|date=February 7, 2022|access-date=February 9, 2022}}</ref> The team operated out of the [[JD Motorsports]] race shop, with providing engines from [[Hendrick Motorsports]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2022/02/jesse-iwuji-motorsports-to-field-34-chevrolet-in-2022/|title=Jesse Iwuji Motorsports to field #34 Chevrolet in 2022|last=Nguyen|first=Justin|website=thecheckeredflag.co.uk|date=February 7, 2022|access-date=February 9, 2022}}</ref>

Iwuji started the [[2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series|2022 season]] with a 27th place finish at [[Daytona International Speedway|Daytona]], and followed with two top thirty finishes at [[Auto Club Speedway|Auto Club]] and [[Las Vegas Motor Speedway|Las Vegas]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Christie |first=Toby |date=March 5, 2022 |title=Video: Jesse Iwuji Loses Control, Collects Ryan Vargas, Stefan Parsons and Cassill in Hard Crash |url=https://tobychristie.com/2022/03/05/video-jesse-iwuji-loses-control-collects-ryan-vargas-stefan-parsons-and-cassill-in-hard-crash/ |access-date=June 11, 2023 |website=TobyChristie.com}}</ref> At [[Phoenix Raceway|Phoenix]], [[Jesse Little]] replaced Iwuji as a last-minute decision for an unknown reason, he would fail to qualify. Iwuji returned the following week at [[Atlanta Motor Speedway|Atlanta]], finishing 27th. After the team failed to qualify for a second time at [[Circuit of the Americas]], it was announced on March 31 that [[Kyle Weatherman]] will drive the 34 car at [[Richmond Raceway|Richmond]], where he would finish 28th.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Christie |first=Toby |date=March 21, 2022 |title=Jesse Iwuji Making Way For Kyle Weatherman to Drive No. 34 Entry at Richmond |url=https://tobychristie.com/2022/03/31/jesse-iwuji-making-way-for-kyle-weatherman-to-drive-no-34-entry-at-richmond/ |access-date=June 11, 2023 |website=TobyChristie.com}}</ref> Although he was only scheduled for a one race deal, Weatherman returned the following week at [[Martinsville Speedway|Martinsville]], giving the team their best-career finish of 16th. He beat that result after finishing 12th at [[Darlington Raceway|Darlington]]. Iwuji and Weatherman would split the driver's seat for the rest of the season. At [[New Hampshire Motor Speedway|New Hampshire]], Weatherman finished in 10th, giving JIM their first-career top ten and their best finish to date. After [[Noah Gragson]] and [[Landon Cassill]] were disqualified from second and third place, Weatherman would later be scored in the eighth position.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roller |first=Josh |date=August 9, 2022 |title=Eyes on Xfinity: Leave the Driver’s Hat on Kyle Weatherman |url=https://frontstretch.com/2022/08/09/eyes-on-xfinity-leave-the-drivers-hat-on-kyle-weatherman/ |access-date=June 11, 2023 |website=Frontstretch.com}}</ref> In the [[2021 Wawa 250|August race at Daytona]], Iwuji survived numerous wrecks and earned his career best finish of 11th. He received sponsorship from [[Coke Zero Sugar 400|Coca-Cola Zero Sugar]] in that race. On September 28, it was announced that [[Kaz Grala]] would drive the 34 car at the [[Charlotte Motor Speedway|Charlotte Roval]], finishing 35th after being involved in a late incident.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Christie |first=Toby |date=September 28, 2022 |title=Kaz Grala to Pilot Jesse Iwuji Motorsports No. 34 at Charlotte Roval |url=https://tobychristie.com/2022/09/28/kaz-grala-to-pilot-jesse-iwuji-motorsports-no-34-at-charlotte-roval/ |access-date=June 11, 2023 |website=TobyChristie.com}}</ref> The team ended the season with one top ten and ten top twenties, finishing 29th in owner's points.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hopkins |first=Dalton |date=November 17, 2022 |title=For Jesse Iwuji, Kyle Weatherman Is the Future of Jesse Iwuji Motorsports |url=https://frontstretch.com/2022/11/17/for-jesse-iwuji-kyle-weatherman-is-the-future-of-jesse-iwuji-motorsports/ |access-date=June 11, 2023 |website=Frontstretch.com}}</ref>

The team returned for the [[2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series|2023 season]], but only for a partial schedule due to sponsorship issues.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Starcevic |first=R. J. |date=February 17, 2023 |title=Jesse Iwuji Motorsports Not Contesting Full Xfinity Series Campaign in 2023 |url=https://tobychristie.com/2023/02/17/jesse-iwuji-motorsports-not-contesting-full-xfinity-series-campaign-in-2023/ |access-date=June 11, 2023 |website=TobyChristie.com}}</ref> Iwuji ran the [[2023 Beef. It's What's for Dinner. 300|season-opener at Daytona]], finishing 30th after being involved in a wreck. He attempted to make the race at [[Talladega Superspeedway|Talladega]], but failed to qualify. On June 9, it was announced that the [[USF2000 Championship]] driver [[Andre Castro (racing driver)|Andre Castro]] would make his [[NASCAR Xfinity Series|Xfinity Series]] debut for the team at the [[Chicago Street Course]], with sponsorship from the [[University of Chicago Medical Center]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 9, 2023 |title=Andre Castro driving for Jesse Iwuji Motorsports in Xfinity race at Chicago Street Course |url=https://www.jayski.com/2023/06/09/andre-castro-driving-for-jesse-iwuji-motorsports-in-xfinity-race-at-chicago-street-course/ |access-date=June 11, 2023 |website=[[Jayski's Silly Season Site]] |publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC.}}</ref>


==== Car No. 34 results ====
==== Car No. 34 results ====
Line 76: Line 83:
! rowspan="4" | [[2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series|2022]]
! rowspan="4" | [[2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series|2022]]
! [[Jesse Iwuji]]
! [[Jesse Iwuji]]
! rowspan="4" | 34
! rowspan="6" | 34
! rowspan="4" | [[Chevrolet|Chevy]]
! rowspan="6" | [[Chevrolet|Chevy]]
| style="background:#CFCFFF;"| [[2022 Beef. It's What's for Dinner. 300|DAY]]<br><small>27</small>
| style="background:#CFCFFF;"| [[2022 Beef. It's What's for Dinner. 300|DAY]]<br><small>27</small>
| style="background:#CFCFFF;"| [[2022 Production Alliance 300|CAL]]<br><small>36</small>
| style="background:#CFCFFF;"| [[2022 Production Alliance 300|CAL]]<br><small>36</small>
Line 84: Line 91:
| style="background:#CFCFFF;"| [[2022 Nalley Cars 250|ATL]]<br><small>27</small>
| style="background:#CFCFFF;"| [[2022 Nalley Cars 250|ATL]]<br><small>27</small>
| style="background:#FFCFCF;"| [[Pit Boss 250|COA]]<br><small>DNQ</small>
| style="background:#FFCFCF;"| [[Pit Boss 250|COA]]<br><small>DNQ</small>
| colspan=3|
| colspan=2|
| style="background:#FFCFCF;"| [[Ag-Pro 300 (spring race)|TAL]]<br><small>DNQ</small>
| [[Drydene 200|DOV]]
| colspan=2|
| [[Steakhouse Elite 200|DAR]]
| style="background:#EFCFFF;"| [[2022 SRS Distribution 250|TEX]]<br><small>34</small>
| [[Alsco Uniforms 250|TEX]]
|
| [[Alsco Uniforms 300 (Charlotte)|CLT]]
| style="background:#CFCFFF;"| [[2022 Pacific Office Automation 147|PIR]]<br><small>26</small>
| [[Portland International Raceway|PIR]]
|
| [[Tennessee Lottery 250|NSH]]
| [[Henry 180|ROA]]
| style="background:#CFCFFF;"| [[Henry 180|ROA]]<br><small>22</small>
| style="background:#CFCFFF;"| [[2022 Alsco Uniforms 250|ATL]]<br><small>32</small>
| [[Credit Karma Money 250|ATL]]
| colspan="5" |
| [[Ambetter Get Vaccinated 200|NHA]]
| style="background:#DFFFDF;"| [[2022 Wawa 250|DAY]]<br><small>11</small>
| [[Pocono Green 225|POC]]
|
| [[Pennzoil 150|IND]]
| style="background:#CFCFFF;"| [[Kansas Lottery 300|KAN]]<br><small>36</small>
| [[New Holland 250|MCH]]
| colspan=2|
| [[Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey 200 at The Glen|GLN]]
| style="background:#CFCFFF;"| [[Sparks 300|TAL]]<br><small>28</small>
| [[Wawa 250|DAY]]
| colspan="5" |
| [[Sport Clips Haircuts VFW 200|DAR]]
! rowspan="4" | 29th
| [[Kansas Lottery 300|KAN]]
! rowspan="4" | 392
| [[Food City 300|BRI]]
! rowspan="4" |<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 3, 2023 |title=2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series Owner Standings |url=https://tobychristie.com/2022-nascar-xfinity-series-owner-standings/ |access-date=June 11, 2023 |website=TobyChristie.com}}</ref>
| [[Andy's Frozen Custard 335|TEX]]
| [[Sparks 300|TAL]]
| [[Drive for the Cure 250|CLT]]
| [[Alsco Uniforms 302|LVS]]
| [[Contender Boats 250|HOM]]
| [[Dead On Tools 250|MAR]]
| [[Desert Diamond Casino West Valley 200|PHO]]
! rowspan="4" | -*
! rowspan="4" | -*
! rowspan="4" |
|-
|-
! [[Jesse Little]]
! [[Jesse Little]]
Line 122: Line 120:
| style="background:#CFCFFF;"| [[2022 ToyotaCare 250|RCH]]<br><small>28</small>
| style="background:#CFCFFF;"| [[2022 ToyotaCare 250|RCH]]<br><small>28</small>
| style="background:#DFFFDF;"| [[2022 Call 811 Before You Dig 250|MAR]]<br><small>16</small>
| style="background:#DFFFDF;"| [[2022 Call 811 Before You Dig 250|MAR]]<br><small>16</small>
|
| colspan="25" |
| style="background:#CFCFFF;"| [[2022 A-GAME 200|DOV]]<br><small>27</small>
| style="background:#DFFFDF;"| [[2022 Mahindra ROXOR 200|DAR]]<br><small>12</small>
|
| style="background:#EFCFFF;"| [[2022 Alsco Uniforms 300 (Charlotte)|CLT]]<br><small>36</small>
|
| style="background:#EFCFFF;"| [[2022 Tennessee Lottery 250|NSH]]<br><small>38</small>
| colspan=2|
| style="background:#FFDF9F;"|[[Ambetter Get Vaccinated 200|NHA]]<br> <small>8</small>
| style="background:#DFFFDF;"| [[Pocono Green 225|POC]]<br> <small>19</small>
| style="background:#CFCFFF;"| [[Pennzoil 150|IND]]<br> <small>30</small>
| style="background:#DFFFDF;"| [[New Holland 250|MCH]]<br> <small>16</small>
| style="background:#CFCFFF;"| [[Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey 200 at The Glen|GLN]] <br> <small>22</small>
|
| style="background:#DFFFDF;"| [[Sport Clips Haircuts VFW 200|DAR]]<br> <small>16</small>
|
| style="background:#DFFFDF;"| [[Food City 300|BRI]]<br> <small>17</small>
| style="background:#EFCFFF;"| [[Andy's Frozen Custard 335|TEX]]<br> <small>22</small>
| colspan="2" |
| style="background:#DFFFDF;"| [[Alsco Uniforms 302|LVS]]<br> <small>14</small>
| style="background:#DFFFDF;"| [[Contender Boats 250|HOM]]<br> <small>20</small>
| style="background:#EFCFFF;"| [[Dead On Tools 250|MAR]]<br> <small>30</small>
| style="background:#DFFFDF;"| [[Desert Diamond Casino West Valley 200|PHO]]<br> <small>14</small>
|-
|-
! [[Reece Ushijima]]
![[Kaz Grala]]
| colspan="8" |
| colspan="28" |
| style="background:#EFCFFF;"| [[Drive for the Cure 250|CLT]]<br> <small>35</small>
| [[Ag-Pro 300 (spring race)|TAL]]
| colspan="24" |
| colspan="4" |
|-
! rowspan="2" |[[2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series|2023]]
![[Jesse Iwuji]]
| style="background:#EFCFFF;"| [[Beef. It's What's for Dinner. 300|DAY]]<br><small>30</small>
| [[Production Alliance Group 300|CAL]]
| [[NASCAR Xfinity Series at Las Vegas|LVS]]
| [[NASCAR Xfinity Series at Phoenix (spring race)|PHO]]
| [[Nalley Cars 250|ATL]]
| [[Pit Boss 250|COA]]
| [[ToyotaCare 250|RCH]]
| [[NASCAR Xfinity Series at Martinsville|MAR]]
| style="background:#FFCFCF;"| [[2023 Ag-Pro 300|TAL]]<br><small>DNQ</small>
| [[A-GAME 200|DOV]]
| [[NASCAR Xfinity Series at Darlington|DAR]]
| [[Alsco Uniforms 300 (Charlotte)|CLT]]
| [[Pacific Office Automation 147|PIR]]
| [[Sonoma Raceway|SON]]
| [[Tennessee Lottery 250|NSH]]
| colspan="18" |
! rowspan="2" | 49th
! rowspan="2" | 9
! rowspan="2" |
|-
![[Andre Castro (racing driver)|Andre Castro]]
| colspan="15" |
| style="background:#EFCFFF;"| [[Chicago Street Course|CSC]]<br><small>37</small>
|[[Alsco Uniforms 250 (Atlanta)|ATL]]
|[[Ambetter Health 200|NHA]]
|[[Explore the Pocono Mountains 225|POC]]
|[[Henry 180|ROA]]
|[[Cabo Wabo Tequila 250|MCH]]
| style="background:#EFCFFF;"| [[Pennzoil 150|IRC]]<br><small>36</small>
|[[Shriners Children's 200 at The Glen|GLN]]
|[[Wawa 250|DAY]]
|[[NASCAR Xfinity Series at Darlington|DAR]]
|[[Kansas Lottery 300|KAN]]
|[[Food City 300|BRI]]
|[[Andy's Frozen Custard 300|TEX]]
|[[NASCAR Xfinity Series at Charlotte (fall race)|ROV]]
|[[NASCAR Xfinity Series at Las Vegas|LVS]]
|[[NASCAR Xfinity Series at Homestead-Miami|HOM]]
|[[NASCAR Xfinity Series at Martinsville|MAR]]
|[[NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship Race|PHO]]
|}
|}


Line 135: Line 198:


== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{Official website|https://www.jesseiwujimotorsports.com/}}
* {{Racing-Reference owner}}


{{Jesse Iwuji Motorsports}}
* [https://www.jesseiwujimotorsports.com/ Official website]
{{JD Motorsports}}
{{NASCAR Xfinity Series teams}}
{{Chevrolet in NASCAR}}


* {{Racing-Reference owner}}
{{Jesse Iwuji Motorsports}}{{NASCAR Xfinity Series teams}}{{JD Motorsports}}{{Chevrolet in NASCAR}}
[[Category:American auto racing teams]]
[[Category:American auto racing teams]]
[[Category:NASCAR teams]]
[[Category:NASCAR teams]]

Latest revision as of 15:35, 29 June 2024

Jesse Iwuji Motorsports
Owner(s)Jesse Iwuji
Emmitt Smith
Matt Casto
BaseGaffney, South Carolina
SeriesNASCAR Xfinity Series
ARCA Menards Series
Race driversXfinity Series:
34. Jesse Iwuji, Andre Castro (part-time)
ARCA Menards Series
TBA. Kyle Whisner
SponsorsXfinity Series:
34. Chevrolet, University of Chicago Medical Center, Wings & Wheels Foundation
ARCA Menards Series
TBA. Kyle Whisner
ManufacturerChevrolet
Opened2021
Career
DebutXfinity Series:
2022 Beef. It's What's for Dinner 300 (Daytona)
Latest raceXfinity Series:
2023 Pennzoil 150 (Indianapolis)
Races competedTotal: 33
Xfinity Series: 33
Drivers' ChampionshipsTotal: 0
Xfinity Series: 0
Race victoriesTotal: 0
Xfinity Series: 0
Pole positionsTotal: 0
Xfinity Series: 0

Jesse Iwuji Motorsports is an American stock car racing team that competes part-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. It was founded in 2021 by NFL hall of famer, Emmitt Smith, with NASCAR driver and United States Navy Reserve officer, Jesse Iwuji, and they currently field the No. 34 Chevrolet Camaro SS for owner/driver, Jesse Iwuji and Andre Castro.

History

[edit]

On August 21, 2021, Jesse Iwuji announced the formation of his new team, Jesse Iwuji Motorsports, that will compete full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2022. He also announced that Emmitt Smith, a former NFL running back, would co-own the team with him.[1] In December 2021, Iwuji announced the sponsor for his team, which would be the Equity Prime Mortgage company.[2]

On December 9, 2022, Jesse Iwuji Motorsports filed a US$4.125 million lawsuit against Equity Prime Mortgage for breach of contract.[3] In February 2023, EPM filed a counterclaim on JIM.[4]

NASCAR Xfinity Series

[edit]
Iwuji in the No. 34 car at Talladega Superspeedway in 2022.

Car No. 34 history

[edit]

On February 7, 2022, Iwuji and Smith partnered with Chevrolet as the manufacturer for the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, with the number being 34, as a tribute to Wendell Scott. The team was scheduled to run the full 33-race schedule, with Iwuji competing for Rookie of the Year honors.[5] The team operated out of the JD Motorsports race shop, with providing engines from Hendrick Motorsports.[6]

Iwuji started the 2022 season with a 27th place finish at Daytona, and followed with two top thirty finishes at Auto Club and Las Vegas.[7] At Phoenix, Jesse Little replaced Iwuji as a last-minute decision for an unknown reason, he would fail to qualify. Iwuji returned the following week at Atlanta, finishing 27th. After the team failed to qualify for a second time at Circuit of the Americas, it was announced on March 31 that Kyle Weatherman will drive the 34 car at Richmond, where he would finish 28th.[8] Although he was only scheduled for a one race deal, Weatherman returned the following week at Martinsville, giving the team their best-career finish of 16th. He beat that result after finishing 12th at Darlington. Iwuji and Weatherman would split the driver's seat for the rest of the season. At New Hampshire, Weatherman finished in 10th, giving JIM their first-career top ten and their best finish to date. After Noah Gragson and Landon Cassill were disqualified from second and third place, Weatherman would later be scored in the eighth position.[9] In the August race at Daytona, Iwuji survived numerous wrecks and earned his career best finish of 11th. He received sponsorship from Coca-Cola Zero Sugar in that race. On September 28, it was announced that Kaz Grala would drive the 34 car at the Charlotte Roval, finishing 35th after being involved in a late incident.[10] The team ended the season with one top ten and ten top twenties, finishing 29th in owner's points.[11]

The team returned for the 2023 season, but only for a partial schedule due to sponsorship issues.[12] Iwuji ran the season-opener at Daytona, finishing 30th after being involved in a wreck. He attempted to make the race at Talladega, but failed to qualify. On June 9, it was announced that the USF2000 Championship driver Andre Castro would make his Xfinity Series debut for the team at the Chicago Street Course, with sponsorship from the University of Chicago Medical Center.[13]

Car No. 34 results

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NASCAR Xfinity Series results
Year Driver No. Make 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 NXSC Pts Ref
2022 Jesse Iwuji 34 Chevy DAY
27 		CAL
36 		LVS
34 		ATL
27 		COA
DNQ 		TAL
DNQ 		TEX
34 		PIR
26 		ROA
22 		ATL
32 		DAY
11 		KAN
36 		TAL
28 		29th 392 [14]
Jesse Little PHO
DNQ
Kyle Weatherman RCH
28 		MAR
16 		DOV
27 		DAR
12 		CLT
36 		NSH
38 		NHA
8 		POC
19 		IND
30 		MCH
16 		GLN
22 		DAR
16 		BRI
17 		TEX
22 		LVS
14 		HOM
20 		MAR
30 		PHO
14
Kaz Grala CLT
35
2023 Jesse Iwuji DAY
30 		CAL LVS PHO ATL COA RCH MAR TAL
DNQ 		DOV DAR CLT PIR SON NSH 49th 9
Andre Castro CSC
37 		ATL NHA POC ROA MCH IRC
36 		GLN DAY DAR KAN BRI TEX ROV LVS HOM MAR PHO

References

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  1. ^ Wilhelm, Chase (August 21, 2021). "Jesse Iwuji partners with NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith to form full-time Xfinity Series team for 2022". Official Site of NASCAR. Retrieved February 9, 2022.
  2. ^ "Equity Prime Mortgage to Serve as Primary Sponsor in Eight Races for Jesse Iwuji in 2022". TobyChristie.com. December 10, 2021. Retrieved February 9, 2022.
  3. ^ "Jesse Iwuji Motorsports files lawsuit against sponsor Equity Prime Mortgage". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. December 9, 2022. Retrieved December 9, 2022.
  4. ^ Furlan Nunes, Flavia (February 13, 2023). "EPM files a counterclaim against Jesse Iwuji Motorsports". HousingWire. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
  5. ^ Montgomery, Shane (February 7, 2022). "Jesse Iwuji, Emmitt Smith announce partnership with Chevrolet for 2022 Xfinity season". Retrieved February 9, 2022.
  6. ^ Nguyen, Justin (February 7, 2022). "Jesse Iwuji Motorsports to field #34 Chevrolet in 2022". thecheckeredflag.co.uk. Retrieved February 9, 2022.
  7. ^ Christie, Toby (March 5, 2022). "Video: Jesse Iwuji Loses Control, Collects Ryan Vargas, Stefan Parsons and Cassill in Hard Crash". TobyChristie.com. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
  8. ^ Christie, Toby (March 21, 2022). "Jesse Iwuji Making Way For Kyle Weatherman to Drive No. 34 Entry at Richmond". TobyChristie.com. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
  9. ^ Roller, Josh (August 9, 2022). "Eyes on Xfinity: Leave the Driver's Hat on Kyle Weatherman". Frontstretch.com. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
  10. ^ Christie, Toby (September 28, 2022). "Kaz Grala to Pilot Jesse Iwuji Motorsports No. 34 at Charlotte Roval". TobyChristie.com. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
  11. ^ Hopkins, Dalton (November 17, 2022). "For Jesse Iwuji, Kyle Weatherman Is the Future of Jesse Iwuji Motorsports". Frontstretch.com. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
  12. ^ Starcevic, R. J. (February 17, 2023). "Jesse Iwuji Motorsports Not Contesting Full Xfinity Series Campaign in 2023". TobyChristie.com. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
  13. ^ "Andre Castro driving for Jesse Iwuji Motorsports in Xfinity race at Chicago Street Course". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. June 9, 2023. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
  14. ^ "2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series Owner Standings". TobyChristie.com. February 3, 2023. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
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