Toyota Racing Development (TRD) prospect Gio Ruggiero will graduate to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series on a full-time basis in 2025.
Ruggiero will run for Rookie of The Year honors for TRICON Garage, taking over the reins of the No. 17 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro from Taylor Gray.
The next chapter of the No. 17 starts now.
Welcome to TRICON, @Gio_Ruggiero1 ? pic.twitter.com/NMEUlfiR8l
— TRICON (@TRICONGarage) December 2, 2024
“I am super thankful to have the opportunity to run full-time with TRICON in 2025,” said Ruggiero. “I look forward to getting to work with all of the guys on the 17 team and contending for wins this season.”
The 18-year-old driver brings a decorated short-track resume with him to the NASCAR Truck Series in 2025, which includes a victory in the Winchester 400 and championships in the 2022 Show Me The Money Pro Late Model Series, 2023 CRA Super Series and 2023 Southern Super Series.
A native of Seekonk, Massachusetts, Ruggiero spent last season competing in ARCA, earning seven top-five and nine top-10 finishes in 10 starts on the national circuit, and one win, five top-five, and six top-10 finishes in eight starts in the East Series.
“Gio has shown a lot of promise in his young career, and we are super excited to welcome him into our program,” said David Gilliland, partner, TRICON Garage. “Jumping into the Truck Series is no small feat, but Gio has proven that he adapts quickly, and we have no doubt that he will have a successful rookie season with us as he takes over the 17 truck.”
With the addition of Gio Ruggiero, TRICON Garage has now officially filled its four-driver full-time lineup. Toni Breidinger (#5), Corey Heim (#11), and Tanner (#15) will also compete full-time for the team in 2025.
