(photo credit Leon Hammack)

Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) announces that Gio Ruggiero will drive the No. 19 First Auto Group Toyota GR Supra in the first two NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races this season at Daytona International Speedway (February 14) and EchoPark Speedway (February 21). Additionally, Ruggiero will pilot the team’s No. 18 Toyota Camry in six ARCA Menards Series races, including the season opener at Daytona.

The Seekonk, Massachusetts native has already experienced success early in his career. Competing full-time in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series in 2025, Ruggiero earned Rookie of the Year honors, highlighted by his first career win at Talladega Superspeedway, in addition to seven top-five finishes, 11 top-10s, and more than 100 laps led.

“Last season gave me a great opportunity to get my feet wet with the team, and I am excited to be able to have my debut with the winningest team in the series,” Ruggiero said. “Going into this season, I feel more prepared than ever, and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish. This opportunity allows me to gain valuable experience on the mile-and-a-half and superspeedways, which I can then apply to the truck series. I also have so much fun driving the ARCA cars, and I can’t wait to put the No. 18 up front again.”

In 2025, the 19-year-old gained seat time with JGR ARCA Menards Series development program, having made two starts in the No. 18 at Michigan International Speedway and Kansas Speedway. Ruggiero posted two top-fives, led over 100 laps, and claimed a second-place finish at Kansas.

“We are thrilled to have Gio back for this upcoming season,” said Steve DeSouza, Executive Vice President of O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and Development for JGR. “He showed strong progress in his limited starts with us last season, and we are excited to see what he can accomplish with more opportunities this season.”

TIL NEXT TIME, I AM STILL WORKING ON MY REDNECK!