Spencer Gallagher announced Friday afternoon (Oct. 19) at Kansas Speedway that he will no longer race after the 2018 season comes to a close.
“It had been an incredible journey being able to watch this team grow and flourish and become something incredible from very humble beginnings,” Gallagher said. “This is not me stepping back from NASCAR. If anything, this is me diving in further.
“My greatest utility to GMS lies somewhere other than the driver’s seat. I think there’s so much opportunity inside this industry and I’m here to chase it.”
In fact, Gallagher is stepping into a managerial position with the team, though his role at this time isn’t clear. The announcement did not specify who might end up behind the wheel of the No. 23 Chevrolet for the 2019 season.
“We’re interviewing several capable candidates right now, but I want to let everyone know the seat’s open season,” he continued. “I believe we have excellent stuff and we’re taking auditions.”
Gallagher did admit that being on the road, away from his family played a role in the decision to hang up his helmet.
“I’ve spent 10 years out here away from my family, and a couple months ago, it occurred to me if one of my parents kicks the bucket tomorrow and I had spent the last 10 years out here driving racecars and being away from them, I don’t know if I’d ever be able to forgive myself.
“Trust me when I say this is the hardest decision I have ever had to make, and I did not make it lightly.”
While Gallagher didn’t completely close off the possibility of future NASCAR starts, saying “I love me some truck plate races,” he is “not currently scheduled to resume NASCAR competition at any point at this time.”
Gallagher will finish out the 2018 season as already planned. In 55 XFINITY Series starts, he has the lone win earlier this season at Talladega Superspeedway, along with three top fives and 10 top-10 finishes.
