SALISBURY, N.C. — StarCom Racing has signed Quin Houff as the team’s full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver for the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
Houff will pilot the No. 00 entry for StarCom next season, taking the reins of that car from Landon Cassill, as he embarks on his first full year at the Cup Series level.
Wednesday’s announcement adds to StarCom Racing plan of building its program around young talent as the Derrike Cope-guided organization enters its third full NASCAR season.
“I’m very excited to become a part of the StarCom Racing family,” said Houff. “This is the chance of a lifetime, to be able to become a full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver and to turn my childhood dream into a reality. I can’t thank those that were involved throughout my career enough, especially my family and sponsors! I also would like to thank StarCom Racing for this opportunity. I am looking forward to building a reputation and experience alongside this young, fast-growing team at the top level of motorsports.”
Houff competed in 17 NASCAR Cup Series races this season, splitting time between the Spire Motorsports No. 77 and Jay Robinson’s Premium Motorsports team.
He also has 10 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts on his resume as well, with a 15th-place finish at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway in his series debut in 2017 and a career-high 12th-place run at Iowa Speedway that same year. Both of those starts were with owner Rick Gdovic.
“In our efforts to continue the progression of StarCom Racing, we have many plans for building the team in 2020 and being prepared for the introduction of the Next Gen car,” said Cope, StarCom’s team manager. “I am pleased to have young and passionate driver Quin Houff join us to help continue his progression in the NASCAR Cup Series.
“Quin is a delightful, quick-witted young man that is eager to finally showcase his talents and race in his first Daytona 500 in February.”
Houff will start his first Great American Race and kick off his maiden full-time voyage on Feb. 16 at Daytona (Fla.) Int’l Speedway.
For Cassill, his future with the StarCom organization was unclear as of Wednesday.
The 30-year-old from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, took over driving duties for StarCom at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway in 2018 and has raced for the team the last two seasons.
StarCom officials did indicate, however, that they have “a commitment” to Cassill that they will see through next season, appearing to indicate that he’ll have a place in the sport and with StarCom in some fashion.
“We are thankful for all that Landon Cassill has brought to StarCom Racing’s program in 2019,” team officials said in a prepared statement. “We have a commitment to Landon that we plan to honor in 2020. Details on that commitment will come at a later date.”