Joe Gibbs Racing has chosen 17-year-old Brent Crews to fill the No. 19 Toyota seat in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series for most of the 2026 season, leaving fans questioning the continued Corey Heim NASCAR snub, especially after Heim’s dominant championship run. While Toyota’s development program is renowned for nurturing young talent, this decision raises fresh debate about team dynamics and opportunities within the organization.
Joe Gibbs Racing Commits to Brent Crews for 2026
In a move highlighting their ongoing investment in emerging talent, Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) has secured Brent Crews to race in 29 of 33 scheduled events in the 2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Due to age restrictions tied to superspeedway venues, Crews will miss a few key races, including anticipated debuts at Daytona and Talladega, extending his wait for those high-profile events.
“🚨 NEWS 🚨 Toyota Development Driver Brent Crews will pilot the No. 19 Toyota GR Supra in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series for 29 races in 2026!#TeamToyota pic.twitter.com/hg24BD97pG”
— Joe Gibbs Racing (@JoeGibbsRacing)
The No. 19 JGR Toyota GR Supra proved its strength during the 2025 season, winning three races, largely under the guidance of experienced driver Aric Almirola. Other well-known names such as Justin Bonsignore, Jack Perkins, Riley Herbst, Ty Gibbs, Chase Briscoe, and Christopher Bell also contributed to the team’s performance last season, making this car a highly desirable seat for young stars.
Corey Heim’s Ongoing Exclusion Sparks Questions
Amid the enthusiasm for Crews, much of the NASCAR community is questioning why Corey Heim, widely regarded as one of Toyota Racing Development’s brightest prospects, remains on the sidelines. Heim dominated the 2025 season, capturing the championship and winning 11 races, including the season finale. Despite such achievements, uncertainty surrounds his next move, as his current options with Legacy MC and contract complications with 23XI Racing leave his path unclear.
Industry observers suggest that Heim, after three standout seasons in the Trucks division, more than deserves a promotion—at minimum, a secure seat in the sport’s second division. One underlying issue may involve past on-track conflicts with Ty Gibbs, who not only drives for JGR but also holds co-ownership in the team, complicating Heim’s prospects within this organization.
“If JGR wanted Heim, they would have had him in the car this year. The ARCA battles between him and Ty apparently don’t make that a good fit.”
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass)
Many believe that lingering tensions from Corey Heim’s ARCA series exchanges with Ty Gibbs have left an imprint on Joe Gibbs himself, shaping team decisions and fueling speculation about Heim’s long-term fit at JGR. Should Heim find no viable opportunity within the Toyota network, it is expected that top Ford and Chevrolet teams would compete for his signature, highlighting his recognized talent throughout the paddock.
Brent Crews: Youth Matched by Significant Racing Experience
While Brent Crews is just 17, he brings an array of competitive experience to his new role. His ascent includes a part-time campaign in NASCAR’s Truck Series, where he started 10 events—nine for Tricon Garage and one for his own operation, Brent Crews Motorsports. His standout performance was a second-place result at the Charlotte Roval, marking him as a rising talent on the national stage.
In ARCA Menards Series competition, Crews has already driven for respected teams like Venturini Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Nitro Motorsports over three years. During that period, he captured six wins and secured 13 top-ten finishes in just 17 starts, reflecting rapid progression and adaptability. He also competed in the CARS Tour, a Late Model Stock Car racing series, debuting with Lee Faulk Racing and later joining Kevin Harvick Inc. for his second season, where he won three races from 16 starts and finished fifth overall in the final standings.
Crews’ racing résumé extends to winning the 2023 SCCA Trans-Am TA2 ProAm Series, the 2024 World Series of Asphalt Super Late Model Series, and the 2017 Rotax Grand Nationals Micro Max Series. These milestones underscore his readiness for stiffer competition, yet the jump to a nearly full season in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series marks a significant increase in pressure and expectations for the young driver.
What Lies Ahead for the Drivers and Teams?
As Brent Crews steps into a prime seat with JGR, the arrangement both highlights Toyota’s faith in its development system and fuels uncertainty surrounding Corey Heim’s future. The ongoing Corey Heim NASCAR snub, linked in part to internal team rivalries involving Ty Gibbs, remains a topic of intense discussion and speculation among fans and industry insiders.
If Heim secures a competitive ride outside the Toyota camp, it could shift the balance of power among teams seeking the next breakout Cup series star. Meanwhile, all eyes are on Brent Crews to see whether his junior accolades will translate into success at the sport’s second highest level and whether JGR’s bet on the teenage prodigy will pay off in the seasons ahead.
🚨 NEWS 🚨
Toyota Development Driver Brent Crews will pilot the No. 19 Toyota GR Supra in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series for 29 races in 2026!#TeamToyota pic.twitter.com/hg24BD97pG
— Joe Gibbs Racing (@JoeGibbsRacing) November 24, 2025
If JGR wanted Heim, they would have had him in the car this year. The ARCA battles between him and Ty apparently don't make that a good fit.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) November 7, 2025
