Connor Zilisch joins NASCAR Truck team activities through involvement in Brent Crews Motorsports, a newly launched, driver-owned operation set to make its debut at Watkins Glen. Brent Crews, who is at the forefront of this initiative, plans to race his No. 70 Toyota Tundra in the upcoming NASCAR Truck Series event, highlighting a significant shift for young drivers and organizations within the sport.
Brent Crews Leads a New Wave of Driver-Founded Teams
Brent Crews is spearheading a fresh chapter in stock car racing by launching his own NASCAR Truck Series team. Crews, who is just 17 years old, will pilot his No. 70 truck at Watkins Glen, supported by the newly formed Brent Crews Motorsports. Alongside Crews, an assembly of talented young drivers—including Connor Zilisch, Jesse Love, and Jack Baldwin, the son of Tommy Baldwin—are backing this organization, bringing together a diverse background and renewed energy to the competition.
The trucks fielded by Brent Crews Motorsports will be Toyota Tundras. Crews will drive the No. 70 entry throughout this season, supplementing his ongoing participation in the Tricon Garage No. 1 truck. The strategy not only positions Crews as a competitor in multiple machines, but also showcases the versatility and ambition of these youthful drivers.
Funding and Ownership: How the Operation Came Together
Jeff Gluck of The Athletic reported that in a determined move to kickstart the new team, Brent Crews sold his micro sprint cars and his TA2 Trans-Am car. Undertaking this effort at just 17 years of age, Crews is stepping into dual roles as both driver and de facto owner. He clarified on his X (formerly Twitter) account that official ownership will transfer to him when he turns 18 next year, but operationally the team is already under his direction.
Pristine Auction will sponsor the No. 70 truck at the Watkins Glen race, marking not only a bold venture for Crews but also for the fellow drivers associated with his project. Interestingly, both Connor Zilisch and Jesse Love are predominantly linked to Chevrolet, making their involvement in a Toyota-backed Truck Series organization a noteworthy development.
The dynamics of manufacturer alignments suggest that neither Zilisch nor Love is likely to race the No. 70 truck themselves, given their existing affiliations and career trajectories, which currently do not demand additional entries in the Truck Series.
What Lies Ahead for the Young Team and Its Drivers?
The launch of this team prompts speculation about the trajectory Brent Crews could take over the next two years. By 2026, after turning 18, Crews will be eligible to race on NASCAR’s largest tracks, actively opening doors in ARCA, Truck, or even Xfinity Series—though moving to ARCA again appears unnecessary.
In a recent statement, Crews shared the personal drive behind his bold step, drawing inspiration from figures like Brian Keselowski who persevered with their own equipment. He described wanting to live the authentic racing lifestyle where every journey to the track is a story in itself.
I don’t really know where this is going to go, but with all the buzz around road course guys right now, it didn’t seem right to miss Watkins Glen. I love the track. … Watching on TV was NOT an option,
—Brent Crews, Driver and Team Owner
Looking ahead, several paths are possible. Crews might pursue an Xfinity Series career with a major operation like Joe Gibbs Racing while utilizing his truck for select road courses and short track events. The resources, logistics, and expenses linked to running a truck team from race to race add further weight to the decision—making the commitment to field a full-time operation a major endeavor for the teenager and his group.
The Broader Impact: Young Drivers Shaping NASCAR’s Future
The establishment of Brent Crews Motorsports signals a resurgence of driver-owned teams in the NASCAR Truck Series, challenging longstanding norms and offering a fresh model for young talents like Connor Zilisch, Jesse Love, and Jack Baldwin. These drivers, many with ties to major manufacturers and established teams, are now helping redefine what it means to launch and operate a team in the contemporary racing landscape.
Operating out of the Nitro Motorsports facility for now, Brent Crews and his group have promised further announcements in the near future. Their bold approach, resourcefulness, and intense dedication point to significant changes ahead, not only for the drivers involved but for NASCAR as a whole—injecting the sport with innovation, energy, and a renewed sense of ownership among its youngest stars.
