MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Action sports legend Travis Pastrana will make his return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for the first time in three years, piloting the Niece Motorsports No. 41 WWEX Racing Chevrolet in the 2023 season-opening race at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on February 17.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Al (Niece, team owner of Niece Motorsports), Cody (Efaw, general manager of Niece Motorsports) and the Niece Motorsports crew quite a bit since the team was formed,” said Pastrana. “I was looking to be part of as much racing as possible during Daytona Speedweeks this year and couldn’t be happier to have the opportunity to drive their 41 truck with support from WWEX Racing in my first Daytona start in the Truck Series.
“Cody was my car chief when I raced Daytona for my first time in the Xfinity Series. We qualified third and finished 10th, despite being backward across the grass when I crossed the line! We have an amazing team with amazing sponsors like Worldwide Express/WWEX Racing, Black Rifle, Dixxon and Wienerschnitzel. As always, we are approaching the race with optimism that we have the package to put in a great result, while having the most fun of anyone at the track!”
His last start with Niece Motorsports came in 2020 when he drove the No. 40 truck at both Kansas and Las Vegas, marking his first two-start Truck season.
“In our second year with Niece Motorsports and competing in the Truck Series, we’re proud to have Travis kick off the season sporting WWEX Racing and Worldwide Express colors,” said Mike Grayson, executive vice president of the WWEX group of brands. “Travis is an amazing ambassador of the brands he represents, and we’re honored to be alongside his other sponsors. Travis is a fierce, multi-disciplinary competitor and we share his passion for excellence and always pursuing new goals.”
The No. 41 Chevrolet Silverado will run the full schedule in the Truck Series with the WWEX Racing Program providing full-time sponsorship with its brands Worldwide Express, GlobalTranz and Unishippers.
Following Pastrana’s Daytona start, a rotation of drivers throughout the season will include Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain, as well as Niece drivers Chad Chastain, Bayley Currey and others to be announced.
“We built last year’s program on a commitment to collaboration and supporting drivers and teams at all stages of their career,” Grayson said. “We’re excited to watch the continued mentorship that occurs this year between Niece, the Trackhouse team and now with the benefit of Travis’ perspective.”
Niece Motorsports has retained veteran crew chief Mike Hillman Jr. to lead the No. 41 team. Hillman has more than 450 starts as a crew chief across NASCAR’s top three series, with 23 wins in the Truck Series.
“I love getting behind the wheel of a race car any chance I get,” said Chastain. “It’s an added bonus working with everyone at Niece Motorsports and the WWEX brands. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to contend for wins in the No. 41 WWEX Racing Chevrolet. Thanks to Niece Motorsports and Trackhouse Racing for giving me the chance to do what I love.”