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NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series news

  • David Ragan Joins DGR-Crosley in Truck Series Return to Richmond

    David Ragan Joins DGR-Crosley in Truck Series Return to Richmond

    MOORESVILLE, N.C. (March 11, 2020) – DGR-Crosley announced today that veteran NASCAR Cup Series driver David Ragan would join the team for the upcoming NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series race at Richmond (Va.) Raceway. Select Blinds, the leading online retailer of custom window coverings, will adorn the sides of Ragan’s No. 17 Ford F-150 at the historic venue as the Truck Series makes a return to the ¾-mile track after a 15-year hiatus.

    Ragan, who retired from fulltime racing at the end of the 2019 season, will bring a wealth of knowledge to DGR-Crosley’s Driver Development program. The 34-year-old has over 13 years of Cup Series competition under his belt and has currently moved into a development role with Ford Performance, where he assists teams with simulator work and has a hand in developing the NextGen car that will come into play in 2021.

    “I’m really looking forward to racing one of DGR-Crosley’s F-150’s at Richmond,” said Ragan. “I’ve been friends with David [Gilliland] for a long time, and I see how much work he’s putting into this team and the success they’ve had early on. They have a shop full of great people and I’m glad that we could make all this happen.”

    While Ragan hasn’t competed in the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series since 2006, he has an abundance of experience across all three of NASCAR’s national series, as well as over 30 combined starts at Richmond Raceway. Ragan’s most recent NASCAR start occurred in the Cup Series season opener at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway where he earned a fourth-place finish driving for Rick Ware Racing with Select Blinds on his car. They first sponsored Ragan in 2019 when he was racing fulltime for Front Row Motorsports. Now they will join him in the Truck Series with DGR-Crosley.

    Select Blinds is the online home for all your window covering needs. The company offers child-safe cordless blinds to prevent injury along with a wide variety of blinds and shades for your home or business. Their online home makes it easy, affordable and secure for fans to purchase new window coverings.

    “It’s been a long time since I’ve raced in the Truck Series, and I’m incredibly thankful to Select Blinds for supporting me and allowing me to do this,” remarked Ragan. “This is what I wanted to do when I decided to stop racing full-time at the end of last season; I want to race in different series, with different teams. Obviously, we want to be competitive, and I have no doubt that DGR-Crosley will bring me a great truck. Richmond has always been one of my favorite tracks that we race at; hopefully, we can get the folks from Select Blinds another good finish this year and put on a good show for the fans.”

    The NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series 250 from Richmond Raceway will take place on Saturday, April 18, at 7:30 p.m., ET.

    About DGR-Crosley: DGR-Crosley (DGRC) is a race team owned by NASCAR veteran David Gilliland and Crosley Brands CEO, Bo LeMastus. The team specializes in driver development, competing full-time in the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series, multiple ARCA Menards Series divisions and CARS Tour with factory support from Ford Performance.

    In its first three years of operation, DGR-Crosley has achieved success in each series tallying up multiple wins and championships. The team operates out of three buildings totaling 60,000 square feet in Mooresville, N.C.

  • NGROTS Advance: Atlanta Motor Speedway

    NGROTS Advance: Atlanta Motor Speedway

    No. 38 Mannington Commercial Ford F-150, Todd Gilliland
    ‌
    Track: Atlanta Motor Speedway, 1.54-mile oval
    Race: 3 of 23
    Event: Vet Tix Camping World 200 (200 miles, 130 laps)

    Schedule:    
    Friday, March 13
    1:35 p.m…………Practice
    4:32 p.m…………Final Practice
    Saturday, March 14
    10:05 a.m………..Qualifying
    1:30 p.m…..……Race (FS1)
    (all times ET)

    Todd Gilliland, No. 38 Mannington Commercial Ford F-150

    Todd Gilliland and his No. 38 Front Row Motorsports (FRM) team will carry new colors this weekend at Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway as the team welcomes Mannington Commercial, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of fine flooring, to the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series.

    With a newly structured schedule this season, the Truck Series will head to the one-and-a-half-mile track near Atlanta for the third race of the 2020 season. The No. 38 team has a best finish of seventh-place this year which occurred at Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway. Gilliland and his FRM team have been strong contenders each race weekend, running inside the top-five and challenging for the lead multiple times. They currently sit ninth in Driver Point Standings.

    Gilliland has one previous start at Atlanta Motor Speedway, which occurred in 2019. The 19-year-old driver started the race from the 11th position and collected a ninth-place finish in his track debut last season. While Gilliland doesn’t have a lot of experience on the abrasive track in Atlanta, he has practiced on the Ford Performance Simulator as well as spent time with his spotter, Coleman Pressley, reviewing film in preparation for Saturday’s event.

    The No. 38 Mannington Ford F-150 will compete in the 130 lap Vet Tix Camping World 200 on Saturday, March 14, at 1:30 p.m., ET. A live broadcast of the race will be shown on FS1.

    Quick Facts:
    Number of Starts at Atlanta: 1
    Best Start: 11th
    Best Finish: 9th
    2020 Driver Point Standings: 9th

    Gilliland on Atlanta: “Overall, I’m excited for Atlanta this weekend. It’s one of the most fun mile-and-a-half race tracks that we go to because it has a very worn out surface. On top of the great racing it produces, there will be a lot of Cup Series drivers racing this weekend, which will help us put on an even better show for the fans. I’m really hoping that we have a good finish on Saturday for everyone working hard at Front Row Motorsports and for our new sponsor Mannington Commercial. The truck looks great, and I want to give them a nice welcome to our team and the Truck Series. We’ve been strong in both races so far this season, just don’t have the finishes to show how well we’ve been running.”

  • Chandler Smith nabs eight races with Kyle Busch Motorsports

    Chandler Smith nabs eight races with Kyle Busch Motorsports

    Announced today via Kyle Busch Motorsports, Chandler Smith will drive the famed No. 51 Toyota Tundra in the Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series with sponsorship from JBL. The Georgia native made a lot of noise early on in his Truck Series career by having outstanding performances.

    Last year Smith competed in four races and will add four more in 2020 for a total of eight races with KBM. Those eight races include Richmond International Raceway on April 18 and Dover International Speedway on May 1. During those two races, he will be a part of the annual “Triple Truck Challenge.” Then the next time Smith will be on-track in the truck will be August 8 at Michigan International Speedway, World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway on August 21, Bristol Motor Speedway on September 17, Las Vegas Motor Speedway on September 25, Talladega Superspeedway on October 3 and his final race of the year will be at Phoenix International Raceway on November 6.

    While some of these tracks may be new to Smith, he competed in four races last year and had stellar performances by achieving three top fives and four top-10 finishes with a best finish of second at Bristol last August. The KBM driver made his first start at Iowa Speedway last June and led 55 laps. During that time, the Georgia native was able to learn quickly in those four races.

    “I learned a lot about racing in the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series last season in my four races and I’m thankful to everyone at KBM, JBL, Toyota and TRD for the opportunity to have an expanded schedule this year,” Smith said. “Danny Stockman (crew chief) and all the guys on the No. 51 team are already off to a great start getting a win with Kyle (Busch) at Las Vegas and having a strong run with Riley (Herbst) at Daytona. I know they are going to provide me with fast JBL Tundras every week. If I do my job and we execute as a team, I’m confident that we’ll be able to rack up a few wins and put ourselves in position to bring home another owner’s championship for KBM.”

    Team-Owner Kyle Busch says Smith reminds him a lot of former drivers Erik Jones and most recently driver Christian Eckes.

    “Chandler is one of those young drivers that come along and are able to produce speed and run up front at every level as they progress up the ladder and it was no different for him last year in the Truck Series,” owner Kyle Busch said. “He was fastest in practice for his first truck race and went out and led a bunch of laps. Although he had just four races on his schedule, he was in the mix for the win a couple of times and we feel that his first of many wins at KBM is just around the corner.

    While running a part-time schedule this year, Busch says it’s intended to prepare Smith for running full-time in 2021.

    “Much like some of the younger guys before him, Erik Jones and most recently Christian Eckes, we feel that the schedule he is running for his second year in trucks is a mix of different types of tracks and with a good portion of his races coming during the Playoffs it will help to prepare him for running for rookie of the year and competing for a championship next season.”

  • iRacing to Sponsor Ty Majeski and Niece Motorsports in 2020

    iRacing to Sponsor Ty Majeski and Niece Motorsports in 2020

    iRacing to Sponsor Ty Majeski and Niece Motorsports in 2020

    STATESVILLE, N.C. (Feb. 19, 2020) – Ty Majeski’s No. 45 Chevrolet Silverado will carry familiar colors for several races during the 2020 NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series (NGROTS) season, as iRacing joins Majeski and Niece Motorsports.

    “I can’t thank iRacing enough for their support as we move into the Truck Series this year,” said Majeski.  “They’ve been a long-time partner of mine, and I’m thrilled to continue that this season.  The entire organization has been working incredibly hard this offseason to make sure that we have trucks capable of taking our partners to Victory Lane.”

    iRacing will make its debut with Majeski at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

    “We couldn’t help but notice Ty years ago, piling up wins and climbing to the highest oval skill rating on iRacing,” said Tony Gardner, iRacing president.  “Not long after that, we got involved supporting his late model program and watched him stack up big wins in the real world as well.  It has been exciting for iRacing to be involved in his career progression, and we’re proud to be part of this next big step with Niece Motorsports.”

    Majeski’s No. 45 Chevrolet Silverado will also carry the iRacing colors at Richmond Raceway, Martinsville Speedway and in the season-finale at Phoenix Raceway.

    “I know for all of the men and women that build our race trucks, the offseason flew by,” said team owner Al Niece.  “But it’s seemed like forever to me.  We had a great season last year, and I know how hard everyone has been working to prepare for this year.  We’ve been fortunate enough to add several great driving talents to our team, in addition to great partners like iRacing.  I’m honored that iRacing has decided to come on board and support Ty and Niece Motorsports.”

    With over 110,000 active users, iRacing is the world’s premier motorsport racing simulation.  Since it was established in 2004, iRacing has developed dozens of formal partnerships in the motorsport industry to help create the most authentic racing simulation in the world.  iRacing promotes elite eSport world championships with eNASCAR, Porsche, and World of Outlaws, and allows users to race just about any discipline imaginable on more than 80 tracks.

    Majeski is one of the world’s premier oval iRacers.  In 2,535 starts, Majeski has earned 1,892 wins, 2,225 top-five finishes, and 1,717 poles on iRacing.  As part of the partnership, iRacers will have the opportunity to race alongside Majeski throughout the season in a series of special events on the simulator that will be announced at a later date.

    iRacing will also adorn Ross Chastain’s truck at Pocono Raceway, as Chastain looks to defend last year’s dominating performance; an event where he led 54 of 60 laps on the way to the victory.

    “I’m excited to have iRacing on board at Pocono,” said Chastain.  “Last year’s race was about as perfect as it gets, and I’m confident we’ll contend to take iRacing to Victory Lane when we head back to Pocono this summer.”

    Last season was a breakout year for Niece Motorsports.  In just its third full time season, Niece Motorsports and Ross Chastain earned one pole, three wins and 10 top-five finishes.  In addition, Chastain captured the most stage wins and led the most laps.  Chastain and the No. 45 team finished second in both the driver and owner point standings in 2019.

    About Niece Motorsports:

    Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece.  In 2020, Niece Motorsports enters its fifth season in the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series.  Niece also owns Niece Equipment, which has for over 40 years provided clients with reliable products at competitive prices.  Niece Equipment’s reputation is built on service, integrity and dependability.  The company provides water and fuel / lube trucks that are engineered with quality and durability in mind for the construction and mining industry.  Follow the team on Facebook and Instagram @NieceMotorsports as well as Twitter @NieceMotorsport.

  • Busch set for five-race schedule in the Truck Series

    Busch set for five-race schedule in the Truck Series

    Kyle Busch Motorsports announced today that the all-time winningest driver in the Truck Series, Kyle Busch, will once again be back in the Truck Series field for 2020. The Las Vegas, Nevada native is set to do a five-race stint in his famed No. 51 Toyota Tundra. That’s the most Busch can do due to the five-race rule limit set by NASCAR.

    Busch is scheduled to compete at the following races. His first race will be February 21 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, March 14 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Homestead Miami Speedway on March 20, Texas Motor Speedway March 27 and his final Truck Series race will be at Kansas Speedway on Saturday night May 30.

    Last season, Busch was able to go five for five, winning in all five of his starts including three tracks that are on his schedule this year as well, Las Vegas, Atlanta, and Texas. However, you’ll have to go back to 2014 almost six years ago when Busch last competed at Homestead. In that race, he started fifth and finished fourth after six laps led. As for Kansas Speedway, it will be the first time in over two years since Busch last raced in the Truck Series there. He came up just shy of winning the race that night, finishing second to then KBM teammate, Noah Gragson.

  • NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series Playoffs Expand to 10

    NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series Playoffs Expand to 10

    The Gander Trucks playoff field in 2020 will expand from eight drivers/trucks to 10 drivers/trucks.
    The new structure will be as follows:

    Round of 10: World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park and Bristol Motor Speedway

    Round of 8: Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway, Martinsville Speedway

    Championship 4: Phoenix Raceway

    NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series Managing Director, Brad Moran, explained the decision.

    “Expanding the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series playoff field to 10 is a win-win for drivers, teams and, most importantly, the passionate fans who support our Gander Trucks. This will only increase the competitive intensity this series offers, as more drivers and teams vie for one of the most coveted championships in all of racing.”

  • Howie DiSavino III to drive for Win-Tron Racing in NASCAR’s Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series

    Howie DiSavino III to drive for Win-Tron Racing in NASCAR’s Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series

    RICHMOND NATIVE DISAVINO TO DRIVE FOR WIN-TRON RACING IN NASCAR’S GANDER RV & OUTDOORS TRUCK SERIES

    CONCORD, NC (Jan. 21, 2020) — It’s about to get busy for Howie DiSavino, III, in 2020. After several starts with Mooresville, N.C.-based Win-Tron Racing in 2019, the team is announcing DiSavino is signing on to pilot the team’s NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series (NGOTS) entry. DiSavino’s truck series debut will be at Richmond Raceway, his home track, on Saturday, April 18, 2020, as well as, other select NGOTS and ARCA Menards Series races. The deal will also feature two new Virginia-based partners for DiSavino, KEES Travel™ and Bud’s Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electric.

    Howie DiSavino III
    “Everyone at Win-Tron Racing is very excited to have Howie back behind the wheel. From the time he first jumped in the #32 ARCA car at Elko, MN, we could see that Howie is a smart and intelligent driver. He is a quick learner and a respectful young man with a huge future in front of him. We are proud to be a part of that future. Howie is a rising star, and we are truly looking forward to working with him and his partners again!” said Kevin Cywinsky, owner of Win-Tron Racing and former American Speed Association Champion.

    Having local partners join on for the season makes DiSavino’s debut even more special, “It feels amazing to show pride in my Virginia partnerships and show racing fans what KEES Travel™ and Bud’s Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electric have to offer. My partners have made my dream a reality, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate them.”

    “It also means the world to me to be able to make my NASCAR debut in my hometown at Richmond Raceway. I started racing at Southside Speedway and Dominion. Through all of those races, I knew it was my dream to make it to NASCAR. Now it’s starting to sink in. I’m especially thankful for the support of my family. I know I’ll be making them proud,” said DiSavino of his NASCAR opportunity.

    On the ARCA front, DiSavino has set a goal of top-10 finishes and sees the truck starts as a way to hone his skills and continue to learn about racing in NASCAR’s higher-level series. He knows that working with a team he already has a relationship with will help him in his transition, “I love the guys at Win-Tron and the way we work together. It will be a great year running with them on the ARCA side and the truck side. Working with PMG and Win-Tron, I have learned so much, and I want to continue to keep learning with them behind me.”

    During the off-season, DiSavino has been busy keeping his skills sharp through simulation racing and staying active in the gym to be physically ready for this new level of racing. Yet, he views his biggest work as fostering relationships with new partners, who will be able to experience a new level of exposure and access to a larger group of potential customers.

    “I couldn’t be happier with the new partnership with Howie DiSavino, III, and the opportunities surrounding the relationship. There are few things more important to our company than the KEES brand. We feel Howie represents that brand and our values well,” said Jeremy Grogg, RRP, CHA, President of KEES Vacations.

    Robert W. Nelson, Owner/CEO of Bud’s Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electric echoed Grogg’s excitement on the new partnership with DiSavino, “When the option to partner with HDIII Racing became available, it was a no-brainer. Anytime I have the opportunity to get my people excited and demonstrate pride in my company and its direction with community involvement, I’m doing it. It’s great to be sharing support for HDIII Racing within other top-notch companies. I’ve known the DiSavino family for 2 decades and hold them in the highest regard. Howie is a shining example of focus and drive. It’s refreshing to see these qualities in a person his age. 2020 is going to be a great year for everyone involved.”

    With a seat on a competitive team and dedicated partners, DiSavino is set to make an impact in the 2020 racing season but is keeping his definition of success simple, “A successful season is just to compete with the racers up front and to come home with the car or truck in one piece. I strongly believe we will have a great season with my team, partners and family. I want to focus on getting better and learning, my ultimate measure of success in 2020.”

    Before getting behind the wheel of the truck, DiSavino’s first race will be in Win-Tron’s No. 32 ARCA Menards Series entry at Phoenix International Raceway (Avondale, Az.) on March 6.

    About Howie DiSavino, III
    A pair of free tickets. That’s what started Howie DiSavino’s love for racing at the age of 8. After his dad took him to an Arena Racing show in the Richmond, Virginia area with those tickets, young Howie begged his family for a racecar.

    Finally, at age 13, Howie got his wish. He and his family spent a couple years racing the arena circuit before making the jump to full-fledged late models just two years later. Since then, he has grown as a driver and a person, contributing to his race team and his community utilizing racing as an avenue for charitable giving while also building relationships with his partners and supporters.

    In 2019, Howie took another step toward his NASCAR dreams, making his ARCA debut with WinTron Racing at Elko Speedway in Minnesota. 2020 looks to be a promising year as this skilled, young driver makes his NASCAR debut in the Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series. Learn more at www.howiedisavino.com, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

    About Bud’s Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electric
    Bud’s Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electric has offered Legendary Service since 1969. We have a well-established tradition of excellence. You can trust our company with 24-hour emergency service! We also have NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certified technicians to make certain that you only receive the best service.

    From routine maintenance to full system replacements, we are well equipped to handle all of your comfort needs. As members of Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Safety Coalition (AC&R), and the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA), Bud’s is on the cutting edge of industry trends. With specialists in Geothermal and Hybrid systems as well in Indoor Air Quality products, Bud’s designs the most efficient and superior home comfort systems on the market. Learn more at www.budsusa.com, Facebook and YouTube.

    About KEES Travel™
    It all started because the vacation rental and timeshare rental markets only offered weekly stays. KEES Travel™ saw this as an opportunity to offer travelers more accessibility to these accommodations for a short-term or partial stay. We believe everyone deserves a vacation no matter the length.

    KEES Travel™ believes in providing quality accommodation for our guests and taking care of our properties for our owners. We strive to give each the best experience possible in hospitality management. Our partners GOODMANagement manage our timeshare rental properties, and we work closely to take care of both owners and guests. Learn more at www.keestravel.com, Facebook and Twitter @KEESVacations.

    About Win-Tron Racing
    Headquartered in Mooresville, N.C., Win-Tron Racing is a professional race team entering its 14th season of Motorsports competition located in “Race City USA.” Owned by former champion racer Kevin Cywinski, in 2020 the team will compete in the ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series. Learn more at www.Win-TronRacing.com, Facebook or on Twitter @WinTronRacing.

    About PMG
    PMG is an industry leader with a fresh perspective on driver career path management, sponsorship acquisition, and the value of digital branding in motorsports. Headquartered in Concord, North Carolina, we work with drivers, teams and sponsors nationwide in multiple levels and divisions of motorsports competition. PMG’s principle partners have over 100 years of combined experience in marketing, public relations, competing in NASCAR, and race team management. We put that experience to work for our clients, helping them achieve their goals in motorsports. Learn more at www.racingpmg.com.

  • Natalie Decker to Pilot No. 44 for Niece Motorsports in Partial Schedule

    Natalie Decker to Pilot No. 44 for Niece Motorsports in Partial Schedule

    STATESVILLE, N.C. (Jan. 16, 2020) – Natalie Decker will pilot the No. 44 Chevrolet Silverado for Niece Motorsports in the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series (NGROTS) on a part-time basis during the 2020 season.

    Decker will make her debut with Niece Motorsports in the first race of the 2020 season, at Daytona International Speedway.

    “Change is inevitable, change is expected and exciting, and change is also frightening,” said Decker. “But this year is a year I’m ready for! I have never felt so prepared with my health, in the gym, and mentally. There are so many things to be excited about working with Niece Motorsports, starting with my teammates Ross and Ty. I’m ready to learn from them and be 100% open minded going into the season!”

    Decker made 19 starts in the NGROTS last year for DGR Crosley. Decker joins Ty Majeski, Ross Chastain and Carson Hocevar, who will all race for Niece Motorsports in 2020.

    “We are excited to have Natalie join the team,” said team owner Al Niece. “Natalie has shown a lot of talent, and we are excited to see her continue to develop that at Niece Motorsports. We are certain we will put her in competitive equipment that will really give her a chance to shine.”

    Decker got her star racing go-karts in her native Wisconsin, where she won four track championships. From there, she made the move into full-sized stock cars. She was the CWSSA Super Stock champion out of a talented field of 35 drivers. Success continued in the Limited Late Model division, where she won one race and had two podium finishes.

    Next, Decker moved into the competitive Late Model ranks, completing every lap of the World Series of Stock Car Racing at Florida’s New Smyrna Speedway in 2013. Her on-track success led her to being selected to the 2013 and 2014 NASCAR Rev Racing Drive for Diversity combine.

    At State Park Speedway in Wisconsin, Decker had 10 fast times and seven feature races in 2014, leading her to the track championship. She was also the Rookie of the Year and finished fourth in overall points in the State Park Super Late Model division.

    Decker also won in the Super Late Model division at Wisconsin’s Golden Sands Speedway and on the competitive TUNDRA Super Late Model series in the upper Midwest in 2014.

    In 2015, Decker was selected by NASCAR to be a part of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program, with proven race-winning team Rev Racing. She battled week-in-and-week-out against the top short track racers in the country at “The Birthplace of the NASCAR Stars,” Hickory Motor Speedway.

    Decker turned heads at Hickory and beyond with the Rev Racing team and also saw plenty of success with her family-operated Super Late Model at tracks from Wisconsin to Florida, with wins at Golden Sands and State Park Speedways.

    Decker became the first female racer to score a podium finish in the ARCA Midwest Tour. Her success in the state of Florida through the season also earned Decker the prestigious title of NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Rookie of the Year in the Sunshine State.

    In 2018, Decker earned the pole and finished fifth in the ARCA Racing Series at Daytona International Speedway. She finished seventh overall in the ARCA Racing Series point standings.

    About Niece Motorsports:

    Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2020, Niece Motorsports enters its fifth season in the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series. Niece also owns Niece Equipment, which has for over 40 years provided clients with reliable products at competitive prices. Niece Equipment’s reputation is built on service, integrity and dependability. The company provides water and fuel / lube trucks that are engineered with quality and durability in mind for the construction and mining industry. Follow the team on Facebook and Instagram @NieceMotorsports as well as Twitter @NieceMotorsport.

  • DGR-Crosley Names Shane Wilson as Crew Chief for Tanner Gray

    DGR-Crosley Names Shane Wilson as Crew Chief for Tanner Gray

    MOORESVILLE, N.C. (January 15, 2020) — DGR-Crosley announced today that veteran crew chief Shane Wilson will lead rookie Tanner Gray and the No. 15 Ford Performance F-150 team for the 2020 NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series season. Wilson most recently worked full-time with Ryan Sieg in the NASCAR Xfinity Series last year.

    Wilson has a history of proven success from atop the pit box across NASCAR’s top three national series. The veteran crew chief has worked with top NASCAR Cup Series drivers including Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer, and Brendan Gaughan among many others.

    Throughout his illustrious career, Wilson has collected two Cup Series wins, 18 top-five, and 64 top-10 finishes. He has an Xfinity Series Championship in 2006 with Kevin Harvick, 17 Xfinity Series wins, 52 top-five, 112 top-10 finishes and three pole awards. In the Truck Series, Wilson has collected eight wins, 30 top-five, 41 top-10 finishes and three pole awards.

    “I couldn’t be more excited to have Shane join our program at DGR-Crosley,” said team co-owner David Gilliland. “I think the combination of Tanner’s fresh talent and Shane’s veteran poise will be a great pairing. We expect this team to be a threat and contend for wins throughout the season.”

    Wilson will make his debut appearance atop the pit box for DGR-Crosley on Friday, February 14, at the NASCAR Gander & Outdoors Truck Series season-opener at Daytona (Fl.) International Speedway.

    About DGR-Crosley: DGR-Crosley is a race team owned by NASCAR veteran David Gilliland and Crosley Brands CEO, Bo LeMastus. The Ford Performance team operates out of three buildings totaling 60,000 square feet in Mooresville, N.C. DGR-Crosley specializes in driver development where drivers are coached and given the tools to prepare for NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series, ARCA Menards Series and Late Model competition. In just two years of operation, the newly formed team has achieved success across each series, collecting multiple wins and Championships.

    DGR-Crosley on Social Media:
    Facebook: Facebook.com/DGRCrosleyRacing
    Instagram: @dgr_crosley
    Twitter: @DGR_Crosley

  • Front Row Motorsports Expands to Truck Series in 2020; Todd Gilliland Named Full-Time Driver

    Front Row Motorsports Expands to Truck Series in 2020; Todd Gilliland Named Full-Time Driver

    MOORESVILLE, N.C. (January 13, 2019) – Front Row Motorsports (FRM) announced today that the team would expand operations to the NASCAR Gander RV and Outdoors Truck Series in 2020 through an alliance with DGR-Crosley. Nineteen-year-old Todd Gilliland is set to drive the team’s No. 38 Ford F-150 in a full-time effort.

    Gilliland, a third-generation NASCAR driver, will look to deliver a successful debut season for the team as he takes on his third full-time year in the Truck Series. In 48 combined starts, he has one win, 12 top-five, and 26 top-10 finishes. In his teenage years, Gilliland spent time developing in NASCAR’s regional series where he achieved many accomplishments in a short amount of time. After winning in his debut NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race as a 15-year-old, the North Carolina native went on to win back-to-back Championships and has collected 20 K&N Pro Series wins in 53 races. Gilliland also has two ARCA Menards Series victories in only nine attempts.

    “I’m really looking forward to racing an F-150 in the Truck Series this year with Front Row Motorsports as part of the Ford family,” said Gilliland. “I’ve been around Bob Jenkins and the whole Front Row crew for a long time growing up with my dad racing for them. The talent that they’ve brought in for my program is really exciting. I know or have worked with almost every person that’s on my team this year at some point in my career. That helps tremendously in building relationships and trust with each other.”

    The No. 38 Ford that Gilliland will pilot has significant meaning to his family. Gilliland spent most of his childhood watching his father, David Gilliland, race that number in NASCAR’s premier Cup Series driving for FRM and Ford Performance, but the story doesn’t end there. David’s father, Butch Gilliland, also raced the No. 38 winning a Championship in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West in 1997; three years before Gilliland was born.

    “Car numbers are important to a driver because they are essentially your identity when you’re on track. It’s cool to think about a Gilliland being back in the No. 38, and I’m really proud to be able to drive the same number that my dad and grandpa did.”

    “We’re all very excited for this expansion,” said FRM owner Bob Jenkins. “I’ve watched Todd grow up in this sport and have seen the talent he brings firsthand. Not only does he come from a racing family, but he’s got the natural ability of a winning driver. I’m confident that having him drive in our debut season will be a great success.”

    Gilliland will have former NASCAR Cup Series engineer Jon Leonard as his crew chief throughout the duration of the 2020 season. Leonard brings significant knowledge and experience to the newly formed team. He served as an interim crew chief for Levine Family Racing for several months before moving back into an engineering role at Richard Childress Racing last season. Gilliland will have veteran NASCAR Cup Series spotter Coleman Pressley guiding him from the spotter stand.

    The 2020 Truck Series will kick-off their 23-race season at Daytona (Fla.) International on February 14 at 7:30 p.m., ET.

    About Front Row Motorsports
    Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup Series. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields two full-time entries – the No. 34 of Michael McDowell and the No. 38 of John Hunter Nemechek – from its Mooresville, N.C., headquarters just outside of Charlotte. In 2020, the team announced an expansion to include the No. 38 Ford F-150 in the NASCAR Gander RV and Outdoors Truck Series, driven by Todd Gilliland. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @team_frm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.