The Montana Tech Orediggers are about to turn the heads of NASCAR fans as they unveil the No. 27 Montana Tech Ford in late July in Butte. Behind the wheel for the Orediggers will be NASCAR K&N Pro Series Driver Gracin Raz from Lake Oswego, Oregon.

Tech announced the partnership on its website on Tuesday.

“Montana Tech is extremely excited to be part of Gracin Raz Racing,” said Joe McClafferty, Vice Chancellor for Advancement and University Relations and President of the Montana Tech Foundation. “Gracin’s journey is similar to that of Montana Tech students and alumni. Gracin is from ordinary, humble upbringings, who is accomplishing extraordinary feats. We are excited to hold alumni and outreach events during many of the races where over 11,000 Orediggers will be rooting for the No. 27 car.”

Raz, a first generation driver for Jefferson Pitts Racing, recently turned 18 and graduated high school last weekend. He is currently second in the NASCAR K&N championship point’s series for the west and leading a tight race for Rookie of the Year.

Raz also has strong ties to the Montana, where his mother was raised on a ranch in Northeastern Montana and grandparents, aunts and uncles reside today.

“My Montana family has always extended incredible support to me,” Raz said. “To represent such a prestigious university that my family holds in high regard is an incredible honor. I’m excited to showcase the Montana Tech brand and help ensure every race car fan knows who Montana Tech is.”

Montana Tech will host events in Butte on July 24 where faculty, staff, students, alumni and guests will have an opportunity to personally meet Raz, view the No. 27 Montana Tech Ford, and see the official Montana Tech racing suit that he will wear. Expected to be in attendance are members of Trinity Energy based in Billings and current primary partner to Gracin Raz Racing.

“The NASCAR K&N Pro Series has been a great platform for our team to develop relationships with each other and our prospective partners,” said CFO and Principal Garth Harmon. “While few of us had familiarity with motorsports racing, we became instantly hooked after seeing Gracin and his team in action at the start of the season. This is truly a special platform that I am confident will serve Montana Tech well on a number of levels; I know our team looks forward to our continued partnership with Gracin Raz Racing.”

The No. 27 Montana Tech Ford will be on track in Newton, Iowa, starting Aug. 1, followed by events in Monroe, Washington; Dacono, Colorado; Meridian, Idaho; Roseville, California; and Phoenix, Arizona. Each event is televised by NBCSN and attracts up to 7,500 fans to the track.

— Montana Tech