Joe Gibbs Racing‘s ARCA championship pursuit is reaching a pivotal moment as the No. 18 team aims to secure its fifth straight ARCA Menards Series East Owner’s Championship at Bristol Motor Speedway on Thursday. With a commanding 34-point lead over the No. 79 entry before the season finale, the team, featuring efforts from drivers Brent Crews, Max Reaves, and William Sawalich, is poised to clinch the title by having Crews finish 29th or higher in the last race.
Brent Crews Set for Bristol Debut with High Stakes
Brent Crews will make his debut at Bristol Motor Speedway in the ARCA Menards Series East, piloting the No. 18 Mobil 1 Toyota Camry. Although this will be Crews’ first start at this track in the series, his performances throughout the season have helped establish Joe Gibbs Racing’s lead in the owner’s standings.
Recap of Crews’ Recent Performances
In his latest start with Joe Gibbs Racing at Watkins Glen, Crews showcased his talent by winning the pole position and leading 38 out of 40 laps. Unfortunately, a mechanical problem forced him to pit from the lead and eventually finish in ninth place. In the interim, competing with Nitro Motorsports, Crews earned a victory at Springfield and a 15th-place result at DuQuoin, further demonstrating his competitive edge.
Busy Night Ahead: Crews to Compete in Two Events
Brent Crews will have a packed schedule on Thursday. Following his ARCA outing in the Bush’s Beans 200, he is also set to compete in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event that same evening. Driving for TRICON Garage in the No. 1 Toyota Tundra, this marks his sixth start of the season in the Truck Series, where he currently has one top-10 finish and an average result of 17.2.
Crews’ ARCA Menards Series East Track Record in 2023
This season, Crews has participated in four ARCA Menards Series East races, securing two wins at Rockingham and Indianapolis Raceway Park. His efforts are also marked by two pole positions, 217 laps led, and an average finishing position of 6.3, all during a part-time campaign that has contributed significantly to Joe Gibbs Racing’s strong position.
Building a Notable Racing Resume at a Young Age
At just 17 years old, Brent Crews has quickly made a name for himself in motorsports. His achievements include three wins in the CARS Late Model Tour, multiple triumphs in dirt midget races, and records for being the youngest champion and race winner in the Trans-Am TA2 ProAM division at age 14. Most recently, Crews captured the notable Golden Driller trophy at the Tulsa Shootout Non-Wing A-Feature, adding to his growing list of accomplishments in the racing world.
Mobil 1 Continues Partnership with No. 18 Team
The No. 18 Toyota Camry at Bristol will prominently feature Mobil 1 branding, reinforcing the longstanding association between Joe Gibbs Racing and the renowned synthetic motor oil supplier. Mobil 1 is recognized for its performance and reliability, mirroring the standards upheld by the racing team as they approach a potential fifth consecutive series owner’s title.
What Comes Next for Joe Gibbs Racing
The final ARCA Menards Series East race at Bristol sets the stage for potential history, as Joe Gibbs Racing stands on the verge of a fifth consecutive championship in the owner’s standings. With contributions from drivers like Crews, Reaves, and Sawalich, the team aims to further solidify its legacy in ARCA competition and build momentum heading into future events.
