Brett Moffitt will take over the No. 24 NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series ride for GMS Racing in 2019, replacing 2016 champion Johnny Sauter.
Moffitt, the 2018 series champion, was left without a ride despite winning the title due to a lack of sponsorship with Hattori Racing Enterprises. That set into motion a series of surprising moves, beginning with Moffitt’s release, culminating with a ride at GMS.
Johnny Sauter, GMS Racing Part Ways
GMS parted ways with Sauter, who had been with the team for three years, on Wednesday. Sauter later stated that he had no indication that he wouldn’t return with the team for 2019. The No. 21 team will now become the No. 24, with Jerry Baxter serving as the crew chief.
Don’t count him out.#WeAreGMS #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/pJUfk3CNPd
— GMS Racing (@GMSRacingLLC) January 10, 2019
Moffitt won the 2015 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year award driving for Michael Waltrip Racing. When the team disbanded, he returned to the truck tour on a part-time. A victory in his sixth career start led to the opportunity to run full-time for Hattori Racing Enterprises in 2018. Moffitt scored six wins, including the last race at Homestead that locked up the series crown for the 25 year old Iowa native.
The NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series kicks off the 2019 season at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 15.
Frank Velat has been an avid follower of NASCAR and other motorsports for over 20 years. He brings a blend of passionate fan and objective author to his work. Frank offers unique perspectives that everyone can relate to, remembering the sport's past all the while embracing its future. Follow along with @FrankVelat on Twitter.