Brent Crews, a standout in the racing world, is expected to secure a full-time seat with the Joe Gibbs Racing Xfinity Series in 2026, according to recent sports industry developments. This move comes amid discussions about succession planning for Denny Hamlin‘s position at Joe Gibbs Racing as he continues his celebrated career.
Brent Crews Emerges as a Leading Young Talent
Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports has recognized Brent Crews as one of the top three NASCAR prospects currently vying for a breakthrough. At only 17, Crews has quickly established himself with two victories and a second-place finish from just five ARCA national series races. His performance stands out, especially considering his limited experience at this level.
“Crews has two wins and a second in five ARCA national series starts. He also has one top 10 in three truck starts. He’ll likely race full time in Xfinity next season at Joe Gibbs Racing after he turns 18 in March.
Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports on Brent Crews
He also achieved a top-10 finish in three starts in the Truck Series, marking him as a talent to watch. Crews made his Truck Series debut in 2025 at North Wilkesboro Speedway, finishing 22nd overall but capturing eighth place in Stage 2. Shortly after, he secured eighth at Lime Rock, further validating his potential at a very young age.
A Rapid Ascent Compared to Other Rising Drivers
The transition for Crews into a full-time Xfinity Series seat would be a notable leap, especially as he has only participated in a handful of Truck races so far. This is a significant contrast to other racers, such as Connor Zilisch, who was 19 when he began competing full time in the Xfinity Series this season. The quick ascent of Crews underscores Joe Gibbs Racing‘s confidence in his capabilities and the anticipation surrounding the Joe Gibbs Racing Xfinity Series 2026 lineup.
Future Implications for Joe Gibbs Racing and NASCAR
Bob Pockrass‘s report comes after Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic identified Crews as a possible heir to Denny Hamlin’s No. 11 car, possibly as early as the 2028 season. While Hamlin currently has no plans to retire, he has indicated he might extend his career if the NASCAR championship structure is altered in the future.
With Connor Zilisch poised to join the Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing next season, attention is increasingly focused on emerging prospects like Crews. At the same time, Corey Heim, who has been dominating the current Truck Series season, might also vie for a full-time spot in the Xfinity lineup in 2026. This environment of rising talent places even more scrutiny and excitement on the potential contributions Crews could make to Joe Gibbs Racing and the broader NASCAR field.
What to Watch for Next Season
The possibilities for Joe Gibbs Racing in the Xfinity Series are rapidly evolving as younger stars ascend through the ranks. As Brent Crews approaches his 18th birthday in March, expectations are high for his full-time entry and the potential ripple effects on team strategy. The coming seasons could reshape the NASCAR competitive landscape, with figures like Crews, Zilisch, and Heim expected to play prominent roles in determining future Cup and Xfinity Series successes.
