[autotag]Joe Gibbs Racing[/autotag]’s program in the NASCAR Xfinity Series will have a different look for the 2024 season. It was announced on Wednesday evening that John Hunter Nemechek would leave the organization for a ride in the NASCAR Cup Series with Legacy Motor Club starting next year. It marked the end of a multi-year journey for Nemechek to return to the Cup Series.
Now, Joe Gibbs Racing needs to make some changes. Sammy Smith should return to the No. 18 car but that only leaves one full-time driver for the organization with the No. 20 car becoming vacant and the No. 19 car being used as an “All-Star” entry. However, there is one move that makes sense for everyone involved.
Ryan Truex will return to Joe Gibbs Racing with hopes for a full-time season. It makes all of the sense in the world to make Truex the full-time driver of a second entry alongside Smith. The focus right now is finding the needed sponsorship but there isn’t a driver that deserves an opportunity at a full-time ride for Joe Gibbs Racing more than Truex.
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
There are other names that also make sense for Joe Gibbs Racing, such as Trevor Bayne and Corey Heim. With Bayne, he has competed in the All-Star entry several times over the last two seasons and would bring veteran experience. As for Heim, he is a rising driver who currently drives in the NASCAR Truck Series for TRICON Garage. Both would make sense for next year.
Either way, Joe Gibbs Racing will need to make some changes to its lineup and if everything goes according to plan, Truex should be the one that claims Nemechek’s spot as a full-time driver. It will be interesting to see what happens next as Joe Gibbs Racing represents one of the powerhouse organizations in the Xfinity Series.
[lawrence-related id=1125]