Search
Close this search box.

Partner

Raphael Lessard OUT at GMS Racing, Ryan Reed Takes Over No. 24 at Darlington

After seven NASCAR Camping World Truck Series events this season, Raphael Lessard’s bid for a full-season with GMS Racing will faulter, the team announced on Monday Morning.

“Due to unfortunate circumstances, Raphael Lessard will no longer compete in the No. 24 for GMS Racing for the remainder of the 2021 season. Information on the No. 24 entry will be announced at a later date,” a statement from GMS Racing reads.

Since the beginning, the St.-Joseph de Beauce, Quebec-native has been open about his struggles to find a full-season of sponsorship in order to maintain the championship-caliber ride, which he spoke about – among other things — in an exclusive interview with TobyChristie.com at the start of April.

Amid Season-Ending Sponsorship Concerns, Raphael Lessard Keeping Cool Head, Working Hard to Stay Full-Time in NCWTS

Lessard’s team cites the unfavorable conditions from the COVID-19 pandemic as the main factor for the team’s sponsorship struggles, as it didn’t allow the team to deploy the strategy planned to search for funding, throughout the 2020 and 2021 season.

“We always believed in it and we still believe in it. Over the past few years, the team and I have focused our efforts on completing a full season in top NASCAR circles and we have succeeded. However, we are currently in a situation where we cannot continue this season and it’s hard to tell you that, all I want and always wanted is to be behind the wheel and win! Lessard explains with emotion.

“We’re not putting an end to all auto racing. My dream is still to do the Daytona 500 in the Cup and see my parents sitting in the stands! We are open to opportunities and above all, we are working with GMS Racing to come back stronger in 2022, that’s the goal. Besides, I enjoyed every moment with them, from the preparation to the track, and I would like to especially thank Maurice J. Gallagher (Maury), Mike Beam, Josh Wise, Chevrolet, my agent Christopher Biby, my manager. team Chad Walter, my scout Tyler Monn and every teammate at GMS Racing.”

According to NASCAR’s Team Roster Portal, Ryan Reed – who has piloted the No. 49 Chevrolet Silverado for CMI Motorsports over the series’ last two races — will take over driving duties of the No. 24 Chevrolet Silverado at Darlington Raceway, with no further plans announced for that truck’s future.

A May 1 report from Le Journal De Montreal also suggests that Jack Wood – GMS Racing’s ARCA Menards Series driver — may also acquire some on-track time in the No. 24 Chevrolet Silverado.

Upon learning of this development, TobyChristie.com has reached out to representatives for Raphael Lessard Racing, as well as Ryan Reed.

At the time of publishing, requests for comment by Raphael Lessard Racing and Ryan Reed have gone unanswered.

share it
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit

One Response

  1. Bob Pockrass on Twitter: Jack Wood, who races in ARCA for GMS, is listed on the team roster for COTA as the driver of the No. 24 truck. @NASCARONOFX

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Post

Kyle Weatherman JJ Yeley Jason Miller shove post race fight video 2024 Atlanta NASCAR Xfinity Series
Video: "Next Time You Touch My Racecar" Kyle Weatherman Takes Post-Race Shove After on-Track Incident with Yeley
Screen Shot 2024-03-08 at 9.15
Stewart-Haas Hauler Involved in Multi-Vehicle Accident in Texas; Headed Back to North Carolina
NASCAR TV schedule Saturday March 16 Bristol Truck Series Weather Guard Truck Race NASCAR Cup Series
NASCAR TV Schedule: Saturday, March 16 at Bristol
2024 NASCAR Cup Series manufacturer point standings
2024 NASCAR Cup Series Driver Point Standings
Hopkins Butcher
Video: Late-Race Battle Ends in Crash, Retaliation at Hickory
Denny Hamlin Jim France NASCAR Team Owners Charter Agreement negotiations
'It's Disappointing': Denny Hamlin on Jim France Declining a Meeting with Cup Series Teams at Daytona

Join Our Newsletter

Ready to have NASCAR news hand-delivered to your email daily?

Related Article