[autotag]Joe Gibbs Racing[/autotag]’s program in the NASCAR Xfinity Series has gone through several drivers over the last few seasons and this year is not any different. In 2024, John Hunter Nemechek will drive for Legacy Motor Club in the NASCAR Cup Series while Sammy Smith moves to JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series,
It will represent the second straight season that Joe Gibbs Racing needs to completely rebuild their Xfinity Series program. Last year, Ty Gibbs was promoted to the Cup Series while Brandon Jones also moved to JR Motorsports. Now, the organization is faced with the task once again as it needs to figure it out soon.
After the report of Ryan Truex returning to Joe Gibbs Racing in 2024, it made sense to pursue a full-time opportunity with him. Now, Truex remains the only obvious choice for a seat. If the NASCAR team wants to give the Xfinity Series winner a chance, this would be the right time as there are several openings.
A dominating day in Dover! Retweet to congratulate Ryan Truex on his first career NASCAR Xfinity Series victory. pic.twitter.com/SKNkKNQP2Q
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) April 29, 2023
If not, Trevor Bayne could be another solid option as he has competed in a few races with Joe Gibbs Racing. Both drivers would be veteran presences and fit well in the program. Bayne hasn’t seen the success of Truex with the organization but he has still run well in his select starts. Overall, the two drivers would make sense as the favorites.
Joe Gibbs Racing still plans to run the “All-Star car” and a few drivers that make sense would be Ty Gibbs, John Hunter Nemechek, Corey Heim, and William Sawalich later in the year when turns 18 years old. There could also be other drivers who are given a chance, as seen by Joe Graf Jr., Myatt Snider, and Connor Mosack this year.
Overall, the future of Joe Gibbs Racing in the Xfinity Series appears to be pretty murky but answers should be coming sooner rather than later. The organization needs to fill out its lineup and with time ticking before the next NASCAR season, it will be very interesting to see who becomes a full-time driver in 2024.
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