GAFFNEY, S.C. – Ryan Vargas will return to JD Motorsports with Gary Keller this year for his first full season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

The NASCAR Drive for Diversity and NASCAR Next graduate will compete for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors aboard the No. 6 Chevrolet Camaro after making 12 starts during the last two seasons for the team.

Vargas, who made his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at Iowa Speedway in 2019, ran nine races for team owners Johnny Davis and Gary Keller last season, including the final six races after securing sponsorship from the social media platform TikTok.

The move to full-time competition comes after a late season breakout where he earned his first top-10 finish at Texas Motor Speedway in October.

“Having the opportunity race the No. 6 Chevy for JD Motorsports full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series is an absolute dream come true,” said Vargas. “This has been my dream since I was a kid and I have worked towards for the last nine years. I don’t come from a racing family, but they have embraced my dream and allowed me to chase it. I can’t wait to put my hometown of La Mirada, Calif., on the map and make them proud.”

“Spending the last two years running part-time opened up the opportunity for me to learn more about the cars and develop great relationships with everyone at JDM,” Vargas continued. “I’m mentally and physically ready for what this season has in store and I’m excited to chase the Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors.

“Thank you to Johnny Davis, Gary Keller, Bryan Berry and everyone at JD Motorsports for believing in me and allowing me to have the opportunity to race full time at the National level.”

The addition of Vargas to the roster means that for the first time in team history, there will be four drivers competing full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Vargas is joined by Colby Howard, Jeffrey Earnhardt and Landon Cassill.

No sponsorship details were announced for Vargas’ No. 6.