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Gifford ready for long-awaited Nationwide debut

Sports

August 1st, 2013 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Ryan Gifford has waited for a seat in a top-tier NASCAR race for what seems like forever. Gifford will finally get his shot Saturday night at the Iowa Speedway. The 24-year-old Gifford will make his Nationwide series debut in the No. 33 car for Richard Childress Racing. Gifford, a Drive for Diversity member and the oldest driver in this year’s NASCAR Next program, will be the eighth different driver to run the No. 33 this season.

Gifford says he’s waited his whole life for this opportunity, adding that he’s hoping to simply run a smart race. Gifford will also run Friday night in the K&N Pro Series East series race, where he’s fourth in the standings.