HYNDMAN, Pa. — Fresh off his Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Year campaign, Drake Troutman will join forces with GR Smith’s Team 22 Inc. next season.
The team will operate out of Troutman’s Pennsylvania race shop, with Smith’s Team 22 Inc. in Cornelius, N.C., serving as a secondary base of operations.
Additionally, Longhorn Chassis is just a short distance from Smith’s facility in the Tar Heel State.
Both Troutman and Smith are enthusiastic about the new venture and eager to continue their strong partnership with Longhorn.
“I couldn’t be more excited for this next chapter,” Troutman said. “I have spent the past week with GR and his wife Stacy, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity. I think we have all the same goals in mind and I am looking forward to kicking off next year with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Speedweeks opener in Georgia. We are not committing to a tour quite yet, but we plan to.”
The pairing will see Troutman in the driver’s seat of a Longhorn Chassis with a Cornett Racing Engines power plant and a Bilstein shock package.
“We’re a great fit,” Troutman added. “I have learned a lot from my time in a Longhorn and I am looking forward to continuing my relationship with everyone over there. With GR’s shop nearby, I think that will give us an extra advantage.”
As Troutman gets set to take the reins of the No. 22 late model, Smith sees significant promise in the Pennsylvania youngster.
“I have been watching Drake for a while now and I have always been impressed with how he carries himself,” Smith said. “Drake has great potential for how young he is, but his work ethic in the pit area is unmatched. I am excited to get to work with him and see what we can do.”
Troutman has already assembled a strong crew to join him and Team 22 Inc. on the road. Tommy Greco from Longhorn Chassis will assist returning crew members, Hunter Cornell and Kyle Beckett.