NASCAR: Joe Gibbs Racing gets a new car owner for 2025

As a seasoned gamer who’s been following NASCAR for decades, I must say, the return of the iconic No. 54 to Joe Gibbs Racing‘s Xfinity Series lineup in 2025 is a moment that brings a nostalgic smile to my face. The history this number carries, from its first win at Phoenix Raceway by Ty Gibbs to his father Coy’s ownership, makes it a significant part of NASCAR lore.

Previously, Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 54 car had been last seen triumphing on the tracks of Phoenix Raceway. In this instance, it was driven by Ty Gibbs who clinched the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship with that victory.

In 2023, Ty took over from Kyle Busch at his grandfather’s Cup Series team, but unlike Busch who had driven the No. 18 for 15 years, Ty opted to keep using the No. 54. Since then, the No. 18 hasn’t reappeared on the track.

2023 saw the Xfinity Series team of the organization forgo using the No. 54. Instead, they opted to utilize solely the numbers 18, 19, and 20. In the following year, they expanded their fleet by incorporating the No. 81 as well.

In 2025, it’s confirmed that Taylor Gray will be driving full-time for Joe Gibbs Racing’s Xfinity Series team, having previously competed full-time in the Truck Series with Tricon Garage.

But Joe Gibbs is not listed as the car owner.

In the year 2022, Coy Gibbs, who was Ty’s father, was recognized as the car owner when Ty clinched the championship. Sadly, he passed away only a few hours later while asleep. Since then, Joe Gibbs has been credited as the car owner for every vehicle the team has entered in subsequent races.

In contrast, things won’t follow this pattern in 2025. The No. 54 will make a comeback in the Xfinity Series after an absence of three years, and Ty Gibbs is slated to be its owner.

Gray hasn’t clinched a victory in the Truck Series as of now, but he remains among eight contenders vying for the 2024 championship. This season, he has achieved seven top-five finishes, with his best performances being a second-place finish at Circuit of the Americas and Talladega Superspeedway – personal career milestones for him.

This year, a young driver from Artesia, New Mexico who races for Joe Gibbs Racing has made certain appearances in the Xfinity Series, piloting the No. 19 Toyota. At Richmond Raceway, his best result was finishing third on his debut race.

For the very first time in his professional racing career, Gibbs made it to the Cup Series playoffs this year, yet he’s yet to secure his maiden win. This season, he has achieved eight top five placements, with his best performance being a second-place finish at Darlington Raceway – a personal best for him.

For the remaining drivers in Joe Gibbs Racing’s Xfinity Series lineup for 2025, Brandon Jones will rejoin the team where he previously spent five seasons before shifting to JR Motorsports. His specific race number hasn’t been decided yet, but Joe Gibbs will be recognized as the owner of that entry.

2024-10-17 15:02

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