HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. – Joe Gibbs Racing officials announced Thursday that Ryan Truex will return to the organization to run four NASCAR Xfinity Series races behind the wheel of the No. 18 Toyota GR Supra.
Truex’s first race will be at the Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway on March 5. The 29-year-old Mayetta, N.J., native is also scheduled to drive the No. 18 Toyota GR Supra at the Martinsville (Va.) Speedway on April 8, Darlington (S.C.) Raceway on May 7 and Texas Motor Speedway on May 21.
“I’m honored to compete in the No. 18 Toyota GR Supra with Joe Gibbs Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series this season,” said Ryan Truex. “Having the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a Joe Gibbs Racing entry is an absolute dream come true. Even better, Toyota is sponsoring my inaugural race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway next weekend. I can’t thank them and Joe Gibbs Racing enough for making this happen.”
Truex ran 13 Xfinity Series races with JGR in two seasons in 2011 and ’12. He had eight top-10 finishes including a career-best second-place effort at the Dover (Del.) International Speedway after starting on the pole.
In eight seasons, Truex has made 79 starts in the Xfinity Series with 24 top-10 finishes. His resume also includes 73 starts in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and 26 career starts in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The deal for Truex to race at Joe Gibbs Racing is in addition to a deal he has to compete with Sam Hunt Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He drove for Sam Hunt Racing last Saturday at Daytona International Speedway, finishing 12th.