In the latest Joe Gibbs Racing news 2026, Toyota Development Driver Brent Crews has been tapped to compete in 29 races for the team’s No. 19 Toyota GR Supra in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series next season. The North Carolina native will debut at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) and is set for a dynamic entry under NASCAR’s recently updated eligibility rules, which permit him to race on certain tracks before turning 18 in March.
Crews Prepares for Expanded NASCAR Schedule
The 17-year-old driver, with four years of experience as a Toyota development driver, is scheduled to run road course events and compete on ovals up to 1.25 miles prior to his 18th birthday, after which he will transition to full-time duties for the remainder of the 2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Crews brings versatility to Joe Gibbs Racing, having logged laps on dirt, ovals, and road courses throughout his career, and now steps into the O’Reilly Series as a highly anticipated rookie.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to be able to race with a winning organization and Toyota,”
Crews said. — Brent Crews, Toyota Development Driver
“I’ve learned a lot so far with the ARCA program and at the track with the No.19 team. I have a lot to prepare for this season, but I feel confident with all the resources that JGR and Toyota provide to help with an easy transition.”
— Brent Crews, Toyota Development Driver
Racing Achievements and Early Success
Crews’ impressive racing resume includes a record as the youngest Trans-Am TA2 Series Champion in 2023, as well as the title of World Series of Asphalt Super Late Model Champion and a Rookie of the Year award with the CARS Tour in 2024. His career began with a notable milestone in 2021, becoming the youngest winner in POWRi National Midget Series history at age 13, and he accumulated 12 national karting championships from 2016 to 2021.
Strong Performance in ARCA and Truck Series
During the 2025 season, Crews made a strong impression in the ARCA Menards Series with Joe Gibbs Racing by winning his debut race at Phoenix and securing five victories, six poles, and completing nine starts across ARCA’s National, East, and West divisions. Additionally, he participated part-time in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, scoring two top-five finishes, three in the top ten, and leading over 100 laps in just 10 races. These performances have positioned him as both a rookie and a top contender as he advances to the O’Reilly Series.
Team Endorsement and Leadership
Joe Gibbs Racing executives have publicly supported Crews’ advancement, with Steve de Souza, Executive Vice President of O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and Development at JGR, expressing high expectations for the young driver.
“We are excited to have Brent continue his racing career with us this upcoming season,”
said de Souza. — Steve de Souza, Executive Vice President of O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and Development for JGR
“He showed a lot of success in our equipment throughout the 2025 ARCA season, and we are confident that he will continue to be a top contender in the O’Reilly Series.”
— Steve de Souza, Executive Vice President of O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and Development for JGR
Crews is set to work closely with crew chief Seth Chavka, who guided the No. 19 team to three wins and secured the 2025 Xfinity Series Owners Championship, further strengthening the efforts as Crews embarks on his rookie O’Reilly Series season.
Impact on Joe Gibbs Racing and the Series
This new partnership highlights Joe Gibbs Racing’s ongoing commitment to nurturing young talent, particularly as Brent Crews transitions from a decorated developmental career into the national spotlight. His early achievements and rapid progression position him as a potential standout not only for his team but also for the series as a whole. With leadership from Seth Chavka and robust support from Toyota, the organization aims to sustain its history of competitiveness while giving Crews the opportunity to develop into a series leader.
