Dawson Cram Evolution: An 18-year-old Dawson Cram found himself working as a mechanic at JD Motorsports in 2020, striving to carve a niche for himself in the world of NASCAR. Now, four years later, he’s back with the team, but this time, he’s not wielding a wrench; he’s taking the reins as the full-time driver of the #4 Chevrolet Camaro for the upcoming 2024 Xfinity Series season.
“Bringing Dawson aboard infuses a fresh racing perspective and a relentless passion,” expressed team owner Johnny Davis. “With a lifetime entrenched in the sport since the age of five, he and his family share a profound connection with NASCAR. We’re dedicated to propelling his career to greater heights. His presence will undoubtedly enrich our team.”
Cram’s journey interwoven with his tenure as a JDM mechanic included sporadic outings in the Truck Series since 2017. In 2021, he made his maiden Xfinity start for Mike Harmon Racing, followed by occasional appearances for MHR, Emerling-Gase Motorsports, and MBM Motorsports in 2022. In the past season, he reunited with Harmon, now rebranded as CHK Racing, contesting thirteen races. However, qualifying woes plagued the team; additional forays with SS-Green Light Racing and Alpha Prime Racing occurred. His strongest finish, a nineteenth place, came at Phoenix with SSGLR.
His 2023 agenda included a one-off Truck Series venture with G2G Racing, concluding at thirty-fifth in Darlington. Notably, he ran a significant portion of the 2021 calendar for his family-owned team.
“I’m thrilled to be venturing forward in NASCAR alongside Johnny’s squad,” shared an enthusiastic Cram. “I’ve witnessed their unwavering dedication and competitive spirit week after week. I’m confident in their ability to craft superior and swift cars. This partnership is bound to be mutually beneficial.”
The #4 car rounded off the 2023 owner’s standings at thirty-fourth, shared by a rotation of Bayley Currey, Ty Dillon, Stefan Parsons, Garrett Smithley, Kyle Weatherman, and J.J. Yeley. Weatherman spearheaded the majority of its six top-twenty finishes, securing four notably on road courses, including a commendable thirteenth place at Watkins Glen. Additionally, JD Motorsports plans to continue running the #6 car; previously helmed by Brennan Poole, who clinched twenty-fourth in driver points but has since shifted gears towards Alpha Prime Racing.
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