CONCORD, N.C. — Marco Andretti is going NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series racing this weekend at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
The third generation NTT IndyCar Series racer and 2022 Superstar Racing Experience champion will pilot Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Group 1001 Chevrolet Silverado in the July 8 O’Reilly Auto Parts 150 Truck Series race at Mid-Ohio.
The 36-year-old Nazareth, Pa., native made his lone NASCAR Xfinity Series start in 2022 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL where he started 30th and finished 36th.
“I can’t wait to get my feet wet in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series,” said Andretti. “I’m grateful for Group 1001 and Spire Motorsports for making this happen. I have a lot of laps in an Indy car around Mid-Ohio. It’s going to be a bit different but a lot of fun. The Cup Series’ guys I have spoken to said I will love it.”
Spire and Gainbridge, a Group 1001 company, also announced a multi-year partnership Wednesday that will showcase the online digital platform, offering trusted financial products simplified for the modern age, aboard the team’s Nos. 7 and 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1s in the NASCAR Cup Series with drivers Corey LaJoie and Ty Dillon.
“We look forward to partnering with Spire Motorsports, Corey, and Ty and adding to the robust Gainbridge motorsports sponsorship portfolio,” said Mike Nichols, Chief of Sponsorship Strategy & Activation at Group 1001. “We are excited to watch Marco compete at Mid-Ohio this weekend in the Group 1001 paint scheme alongside Rev Racing’s Nick Sanchez, who has had a successful rookie campaign competing for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship carrying the Gainbridge colors.”
The partnership will rotate as the primary sponsor between both LaJoie and Dillon, beginning with the July 9 Quaker State 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway where LaJoie will carry the Gainbridge livery on his No. 7 Camaro. Following the Atlanta race, Gainbridge will alternate primary positions among both driver’s cars for 16 of the final 18 races of the season.
“Today is a monumental day and a pivotal moment as we welcome Gainbridge to the Spire Motorsports family,” said Spire Motorsports co-owners Jeff Dickerson and T.J. Puchyr. “This is the culmination of uncompromised dedication and hard work by many people. When we made the commitment to bet on NASCAR and become team owners almost five years ago, achieving a seminal moment like this was a foundational part of the plan. The mission of Spire Motorsports has always been both giving and earning respect. We undertook this journey to prove ourselves to the industry, while positioning our team to work with and represent global brands. This announcement validates that journey.
“Gainbridge values opportunity through access, integrity, and empowerment and that resonates strongly with Spire Motorsports. Partnering with Gainbridge, an organization that understands and appreciates our vision, continues to substantiate our principles. We recognize the work is still just beginning, and we’re eager to continue elevating our program to position Gainbridge as one of the most visible and influential brands on the starting grid.”