Sam Hunt Racing has seen impressive growth among the last few seasons of NASCAR Xfinity Series competition, with a roster of drivers sharing the fleet of Supras and delivering consistent improvement for the Toyota organization.
SHR will again add some bolster to their driver lineup for 2022, announcing on Thursday that Ryan Truex will make a handful of starts for the team starting at the season opener in Daytona next month. The New Jersey native will pilot the No. 26 Circle B Diecast Toyota GR Supra.
“Sam and I have known each other for a long time,” Truex said. “We’ve become great friends, and I’ve watched him build Sam Hunt Racing into the powerhouse it is today. I’m thankful that our friendship has grown into a business relationship and for the opportunity Sam has given me. I will give it everything I’ve got to get SHR and Circle B Diecast a solid finish at Daytona.”
?PUMP UP THE JAMS ?@ryan_truex will pilot the No. 26 @diecast_b Toyota GR Supra in the #Beef300 at @DAYTONA!#TeamToyota | #NASCARDiecast | #GoRyan | #XfinitySeries pic.twitter.com/XvzBotdufm
— Sam Hunt Racing (@Team_SHR26) January 13, 2022
In 10 starts across all three national series, Truex has three top-five finishes and four top 10 finishes, making the 29-year-old a potential dark horse favorite to take home his first career NASCAR Xfinity Series win. Truex spent 2021 in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, piloting the No. 40 for NIECE Motorsports, notching two top-fives and three top-ten finishes.
“Being able to work with Ryan – not only a real talent but also one of my best friends – is definitely one of the coolest opportunities I’ve had as a car owner,” said team owner Sam Hunt, “He’s a proven driver and well-deserving, and he can also help continue SHR’s growth with his experience and knowledge of where we are at as a team. We know each other far past the sport, and we have been able to lend advice to one another prior to this as friends. Anytime you get to go to work with one of your favorite people – I see it as a win. We will have a beautiful, fast Circle B Diecast Toyota GR Supra in Daytona, and I believe a real shot to stir the pot and contend for a win. Ryan will be a big part of SHR’s growth both on and off the track in 2022.”
With Circle B Diecast following Truex to SHR, it marks an extension between the Truex family and the die-cast dealer. The 2022 paint scheme will be shared at a later date.
“I’m looking forward to having Ryan behind the wheel of another one of our Circle B Diecast machines at Daytona,” said Brent Powell, President of Plan B Sales. “This livery is a little different but definitely encompasses the vibe of Sam Hunt Racing. It’ll be great to see the Circle B Diecast paint scheme on track in the first race back for the NASCAR Xfinity Series.”
Additional races are expected for Truex and SHR, as well as the rest of the 2022 plans for the organization will be confirmed at a later date.
The Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. 300 is set to go green on February 19th at 5:00 pm ET on FOX Sports 1 and the Motor Racing Network.
