The biggest opportunity of Josh Bilicki’s NASCAR career is right around the corner.
On Tuesday, Joe Gibbs Racing confirmed that Bilicki, a native of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, would join the organization’s roster in select NASCAR Xfinity Series events, piloting the No. 19 Toyota GR Supra.
“Words can’t describe how excited I am for this opportunity to join Joe Gibbs Racing,” Bilicki said in a social media post. “Driving for a championship-caliber team like JGR is something I have dreamt about since I first started racing go-karts at five years old. I’m so thankful for everyone who has helped make this a reality. First up – Portland Raceway.”
Bilicki will make his first start of the year for Joe Gibbs Racing at Portland International Raceway on June 1. The remainder of his schedule in the No. 19 Toyota GR Supra will be announced at a later date.
“Josh [Bilicki] brings a unique skill set to our program that is going to be particularly valuable for us with our road course efforts,” said Steve deSouza, Executive Vice President of JGR’s Xfinity Series program. “We’re looking forward to having him in the car as our No. 19 GR Supra continues its owner’s championship campaign.”
The 28-year-old driver has made 96 starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series since his debut in 2016, earning a pair of top-10 results, including a career-best eighth-place run at Road America for DGM Racing last season.
Throughout his nine-year NASCAR career, Bilicki has spent time in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, mostly for underfunded or family-owned operations. So far this year, Bilicki has been the anchor driver of the No. 92 Chevrolet Camaro, a second entry for DGM Racing.
“This is a huge opportunity for me and my partners,” said Bilicki. “I’ve been blessed to race for a lot of teams but given JGR’s reputation in the Xfinity Series, I’m particularly excited to see what we can accomplish in their equipment.”