R&S Race Cars announced today that Philip Morris will be the driver for its No. 19 Toyota Camry in-house car. Morris will compete for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series championship. Co-owner Marcus Richmond will also be the crew chief.
The Ruckersville, Va., native is no stranger to Victory Lane. The veteran racer is a five-time national champion and has earned 294 NASCAR late model wins, with 229 on asphalt and 65 on dirt.
“I am honored and grateful to be able to work with Steve Stallings and Marcus Richmond for the 2020 season,” Morris said. “They bring the highest level of experience and ingenuity to motorsports and business. Success, professionalism and achievement are synonymous with the names Stallings and Richmond.
“My goal for 2020 is to put forth my best effort, focus and dedication to victory that Steve and Marcus are accustomed to and exemplify in their respective fields. I am renewed with confidence and anticipation for the drop of the green flag on the 2020 season piloting the R&S-prepared Camry.”
With locations in Concord, N.C., and Cluster Springs, Va., R&S Race Cars builds Late Model Stock Car chassis and also offers additional services including body hanging, building and selling parts and turn-key purchases.
“We’re honored to have Philip Morris drive our R&S Race Cars Toyota this season,” Richmond said. “We’re looking forward to having Philip’s knowledge, experience and ability to win races in our in-house car. His input can not only help us win races, but also help us improve our product for our customers.
“The number 19 is sentimental to me,” Richmond continued. “My dad ran that number when he raced, and I also ran it when I raced a little bit in my early years.”
“I’m very excited that we have secured one of the best late model stock car drivers, Philip Morris, to drive our very first in-house R&S Race Car chassis,” said co-owner, Steve Stallings. “It’s a super competitive class and having Philip as a driver will give us the edge we need to win right out of the gate. With Marcus (Richmond) as crew chief and Philip driving, I could not have asked for a better scenario starting this new venture.”
