Xfinity Series competition heats up as RCR-backed team is ready to join the fray

Richard Childress Racing (RCR) will supply race cars to Cope Family Racing, a newly announced team led by former NASCAR driver Derrike Cope. Set to debut in the 2025 Xfinity Series, Cope Family Racing will field a single entry in NASCAR's second-tier division, marking an exciting chapter for both the team and its partnership with RCR.

Derrike Cope will serve as the team’s General Manager, overseeing operations for the CFR #70 car. Driving responsibilities will be shared by two promising young talents, Leland Honeyman Jr. and Thomas Annunziata. Honeyman is set to kick off the season at Daytona, while road course specialist Annunziata will take the wheel at COTA.

The update about CFR joining the ranks of the Xfinity Series, in partnership with Richard Childress Racing was reported by Fox Sports renowned journalist Bob Pockrass. He wrote on X:

"Derrike Cope and his family have started Cope Family Racing to compete in the Xfinity Series next season. Leland Honeyman Jr. and Thomas Annunziata will split driving duties of the No. 70 car; full schedule of races TBD. Will get cars from RCR and engines from ECR."

Richard Childress Racing (RCR) maintains several key partnerships within NASCAR. Its subsidiary, Earnhardt Childress Racing Engines, will power CFR in its debut campaign. Additionally, RCR supplies engines to notable teams such as Kaulig Racing, Trackhouse Racing, and Jordan Anderson Racing, among others, showcasing its pivotal role in supporting competitive teams across the series.

Cope Family Racing will debut in the United Rentals 300 at Daytona International Speedway on February 15th, at 5:00 PM ET. Catch their debut in their #70 entry on CW Network, Motor Racing Network, and SiriusXM,s NASCAR Channel.

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"Another chapter for us in NASCAR": Derrick Cope reflects on new NASCAR venture following partnership with RCR

Former NASCAR driver Derrike Cope debuted in the Cup Series in 1982 at Riverside International Raceway. He secured his first Cup Series win at the prestigious 1990 Daytona 500, followed by a second victory later that year at Dover Motor Speedway.

Now, ahead of Cope Family Racing’s historic return to Daytona, the veteran driver reflected on his comeback and the journey leading to this moment. (via Jayski)

“After some time away from the sport, the creation of Cope Family Racing begins another chapter for us in NASCAR,” said Cope. “To have the opportunity for such a high caliber effort to present in 2025 feels amazing! Elyshia and I are excited to be working alongside Nick and Johanna and look forward to having two young talented drivers, Leland Honeyman Jr. and Thomas Annunziata, showcase their potential in the highly competitive Xfinity Series. We are reunited with Bob Fisher at ECR for our engine program and will utilize RCR race cars for our return to the Xfinity Series.”

Meanwhile, NASCAR's pre-season Clash is scheduled for February 2 at the historic short oval, the Bowman Gray Stadium. The race will begin at 8:00 PM ET, exclusively available on FOX, MRN, and SiriusXM.