By David Morgan, Associate Editor
HAMPTON, Ga. – Ryan Truex is making the most out of the opportunities in front of him
Running a part-time schedule behind the wheel of the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, Saturday’s Alsco Uniforms 250 was the last of his starts this season with the team and he ended his six-race stretch on a high note, finishing third – his best NASCAR Xfinity Series finish of the year.
Truex was originally only scheduled for five races this season, but Auto Owners Insurance, who also sponsor his older brother Martin Truex Jr in the Cup Series, worked out a deal to get Ryan an additional race.
Starting back in 21st place after qualifying was rained out, Truex raced his way into the Top-10 by the end of the second stage, advancing up to third place by the time the checkered flag fell. Truex and the others in the lead pack made a last-ditch effort to get by leader Austin Hill on the final lap, but came up just short.
“I definitely have something to prove,” Truex said. “This feels good because, you know, I felt like every race I’ve run we’ve had speed and probably not finished where we should have. I felt like Texas, we had a car that could have won the race. And obviously the JRM cars have been super strong this year. Especially at most of the races I’ve run, so it’s been an uphill battle.
“It feels good, you know, to not have this race on my schedule, to come here and get a top three. Thought we were gonna have a chance at the win, but 21 was just super strong. So, congrats to him.
“We’ll see what this brings. I’m optimistic because, I didn’t have this one on my schedule and it worked out. So, we’ll see. I’m not very secret that I’m trying to work to stay with this team for a long time. My goal is to be racing full time in Xfinity with JGR. I’ve known these guys for a long time. Been with Toyota Racing a long time, so yeah, that’s what I’m working on. I don’t know if it’ll be this year, but we’re working on it.
Truex added that the relationship he has built with the team from owner Joe Gibbs on down is a big reason why he wants to stay on board into the future, explaining that he has been affiliated with both JGR and Toyota as a whole for several years, whether it’s been for his racing career or his brother’s.
“You know, when Coach comes up to you after the race and says good job and everything, it’s a great feeling,” Truex said. “It says a lot…
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