Ryan Truex will compete in the season-opening NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Daytona International Speedway for Sam Hunt Racing, SHR announced Jan. 13.
Truex will drive the team’s No. 26 with sponsorship from Circle B Diecast.
According to its release, SHR plans to have Truex in the car for other races in 2022, though those have not yet been announced.
“Being able to work with Ryan, not only a real talent, but one of my best friends, is definitely one of the coolest opportunities I’ve had as a car owner,” team owner Sam Hunt said in a release. “He’s a proven driver and well deserving, and he can also help continue SHR’s growth with his experience and knowledge of where we are at as a team. We know each other far past the sport, and we have been able to lend advice to one another prior to this as friends. Anytime you get to go to work with one of your favorite people – I see it as a win.
“We will have a beautiful, fast Circle B Diecast Toyota GR Supra in Daytona, and I believe a real shot to stir the pot and contend for a win. Ryan will be a big part of SHR’s growth both on and off the track in 2022.”
“Sam and I have known each other for a long time,” Truex added. “We’ve become great friends and I’ve watched him build Sam Hunt Racing into the powerhouse it is today. I’m thankful that our friendship has grown into a business relationship and for the opportunity Sam has given me. I will give it everything I’ve got to get SHR and Circle B Diecast a solid finish at Daytona.”
Truex is the first driver to be announced for SHR in 2022. In 2021, the No. 26 competed in the full Xfinity schedule, with its best finish a third at Richmond Raceway with John Hunter Nemechek. It added a part-time entry, the No. 24, as well.
Truex competed in the full Camping World Truck Series schedule in 2021 for Niece Motorsports, earning two top fives and three top 10s en route to a 16th-place finish in points.
In 78 Xfinity starts since 2010, Truex boasts four top fives and 24 top 10s.
About the author
Rutherford is the managing editor of Frontstretch, a position he gained in 2015 after serving on the editing staff for two years. At his day job, he's a journalist covering music and rock charts at Billboard. He lives in New York City, but his heart is in Ohio -- you know, like that Hawthorne Heights song.
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