The 2024 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season is just weeks away from dropping the green flag on another thrilling season. But with only a few weeks left, there remain a number of open rides that have yet to be announced. With seats needing to be filled and talent waiting to sign on the dotted line, let’s go over what seats remain and what could be the best fit for each driver and team.
First, let’s go over what dominoes have already fallen for 2024 in the Truck Series.
Returning Drivers/Teams
Of drivers making their return to their respective rides, the biggest name staying put was Championship 4 contender Corey Heim. Heim ended 2023 with the series’ highest average finish of 6.8 in the TRICON Garage No. 11 Toyota Tundra.
Heim returns to what will be a five-truck operation for TRICON along with full-time teammates Dean Thompson in the No. 5, Tanner Gray in the No. 15, and Taylor Gray in the No. 17.
In the Chevrolet camp, McAnally-Hilgemann Racing made a splash with the return of standout Christian Eckes to the No. 19 entry for 2024. Eckes finished 2023 tied the most wins at four and won the season finale at Phoenix Raceway.
Nick Sanchez, who made the playoffs in his rookie season, is also set to make his return to the No. 2 Rev Racing Chevrolet.
Three of the four ThorSport Racing entries will also feature familiar faces in Matt Crafton, Ty Majeski, and defending champion Ben Rhodes.
New Faces in New Places
As for everyone else, the deck has been reshuffled by teams and drivers since the end of last season. Here’s where some of the top Truck Series talent landed for 2024.
First, Front Row Motorsports hired rookie Layne Riggs, the son of former NASCAR driver Scott, full-time for the No. 38 Ford F-150. Riggs replaces former Truck Series champion Zane Smith, who departed to the Cup Series and a ride with Spire Motorsports and Trackhouse. Riggs ran part-time in both the Truck and Xfinity series in 2024, posting a best finish of third at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park last summer.
Over at Thorsport Racing, Jake Garcia will pilot the No. 13 entry in his sophomore season. Garcia, who came from McAnally-Hilgemann, fills the gap left by Hailie Deegan, who heads to the Xfinity Series after one season with the team.
McAnally, meanwhile, expanded their operation to three trucks after absorbing some of the remnants of GMS Racing. A rebranded No. 18 truck will be piloted by Tyler Ankrum while Daniel Dye…
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