Ryan Sieg will be making his second career start in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series at Michigan International Speedway after his first one at Dover International Speedway two weeks ago, this time taking the wheel of the No. 23 Toyota.
Sieg has two top fives in his first four seasons of full-time NASCAR XFINITY Series competition, driving for his family’s Chevrolet race team. His biggest career accomplishment was making the inaugural XFINITY Series playoffs last season and finishing ninth in the point standings.
This is the second time in two weeks that BK Racing has hired Sieg. At Dover, Sieg drove the No. 83 Toyota in lieu of regular driver Corey LaJoie even though LaJoie had tweeted about driving at Dover after Charlotte Motor Speedway in May. Sieg finished 26th in the race.
The motor thought it was a 500 mile race, then she quit. Had a solid top 25 tonight. Ready for the @MonsterMile next week.
— Corey LaJoie (@CoreyLaJoie) May 29, 2017
This time, the regular driver of the No. 23, Gray Gaulding, was the one who announced the move over social media with a prepared statement, stating that it was strictly a financial decision. However, in a reply, Sieg mentioned that he was only bringing his “driving shoes” to the table, meaning that he wasn’t paying for the ride.
I wanted to be the one to share the news with my fans and partners but I will not be racing the 23 this weekend at @MISpeedway pic.twitter.com/sTytMTQF3c
— Gray Gaulding (@graygaulding) June 13, 2017
Just an FYI for everyone.The only thing BK wanted me to bring to the table was my driving shoes. Hate it for Gray. Great kid and driver. https://t.co/bcescv3woW
— Ryan Sieg Racing (@RyanSiegRacing) June 13, 2017
Gaulding was originally signed on to start in 35 of 36 MENCS races for BK Racing this year, having to skip the Daytona 500 as NASCAR wouldn’t approve his entry due to a lack of experience at big race tracks. The 19-year old’s best result so far this season has been a 20th at Talladega. He is also a part of this season’s rookie class, along with Erik Jones, Daniel Suarez and Ty Dillon.
It’s unknown whether or not Gaulding will sit out any further races this season.
Michael has watched NASCAR for 20 years and regularly covered the sport from 2013-2021, and also formerly covered the SRX series from 2021-2023. He now covers the FIA Formula 1 World Championship, the NASCAR Xfinity Series, and road course events in the NASCAR Cup Series.