Carson Kvapil Set to Drive the No. 97 Grant County Mulch Truck at Richmond Raceway

Carson Kvapil, an up-and-coming star in the NASCAR scene, is gearing up to prove his mettle at Richmond Raceway. CR7 Motorsports has officially announced that Kvapil will climb into the No. 97 Grant County Mulch Chevrolet Silverado RST for the EERO 250.

A Long-Awaited Comeback for the No. 97 Truck

For the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, this isn’t just a race, but more so a revival. The No. 97 Grant County Mulch Chevrolet hasn’t hit the track since 2024, when it was last driven at Daytona by none other than team owner Codie Rohrbaugh. Talk about poetic. Bringing the truck back into the spotlight at Richmond Raceway feels like a homecoming for Rohrbaugh and his team.

Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Carson Kvapil is the one they’ve tapped for the job. Fresh off a solid showing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with JR Motorsports, where he’s notched five top-five and ten top-ten finishes this year, the kid’s résumé speaks volumes. Yet, this isn’t just about stacking numbers. It’s an opportunity to see what Kvapil can do in the intense world of Truck Series racing.

“A Bit of a Learning Curve”?

Carson Kvapil humbly acknowledged that Richmond Raceway is uncharted territory for him. If his past performances are any indication, it’s safe to say he has the grit to tackle it head-on. “It will be a bit of a learning curve as I have never been to Richmond,” Kvapil told reporters during a recent press release. “But I look forward to the experience and opportunity.

I can’t wait to get on track with the No. 97 group and see what we can do, he added. “That’s the kind of optimism that makes NASCAR exciting and keeps fans coming back each week. Sure, learning curves exist, but they tend to bend for drivers like Carson Kvapil.

CR7 Motorsports Brings the Heat

Codie Rohrbaugh’s enthusiasm for this race is palpable. Bringing back the No. 97 wasn’t a casual decision, and pairing it with a driver of Carson Kvapil’s caliber shows how serious the team is about making a splash.“We are thrilled to have Carson in the No. 97 truck,” Rohrbaugh noted.

Honestly, who wouldn’t be? Between Kvapil’s talent and Grant County Mulch’s support, the energy feels electric. Oh, and did anyone else catch this detail? Michael Shelton, the veteran crew chief, is coming out of retirement to call the shots from the pit box. No pressure, right?

The Schedule You Don’t Want to Miss

Fans mark your calendars, because the EERO 250 is set to go live at 7:30 PM EST, Friday, August 15th. You can catch all the action on Fox Sports 1, tune in with MRN, or even vibe along on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Fans Are Watching, and Kvapil Knows It

Joining CR7 Motorsports for this Richmond race isn’t just another line on Carson Kvapil’s résumé. It’s a chance to perform in front of Codie Rohrbaugh’s friends and family, the hometown crowd for Grant County Mulch. That kind of environment comes with its own pressures but also its own rewards. Kvapil’s ability to rise to the occasion will be a testament to his potential as a top-tier driver.

What This Means for Carson Kvapil’s Career

As a young driver still carving out his place in NASCAR’s competitive landscape, the pivotal moments of his career are everything. A solid debut in the No. 97 truck could solidify Kvapil’s reputation as a driver to watch in the Truck Series and beyond. Furthermore, with Carson Kvapil’s natural talent, the meticulously-prepped No. 97, and the expertise of CR7 Motorsports behind him, the odds are looking favorable. A podium finish at Richmond would not only silence skeptics but also highlight why Kvapil deserves the buzz.

The Bottom Line

For CR7 Motorsports, Richmond Raceway is more than just another track. It’s an opportunity to reintroduce the iconic No. 97 truck in style. And who better to take the wheel than Carson Kvapil? Sure, there’s some risk involved when you toss an untested rookie onto a challenging circuit, but as Kvapil himself put it, this is an opportunity. All eyes will be on the No. 97 Chevrolet Silverado RST as Kvapil tackles Richmond for the first time. Will it be smooth sailing? Hopefully. Will there be drama? Probably. Will we love every minute of it? Absolutely.