Tricon Garage has confirmed Tanner Gray and Gio Ruggiero will remain with the organization for its 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series campaign, ensuring consistency for the team. The Tricon Garage 2026 NASCAR lineup continues to take shape, with big moves creating anticipation within the series’ Toyota camp.
Gray and Ruggiero Continue with Tricon Garage
Tricon Garage made headlines by announcing that both Tanner Gray and Gio Ruggiero will return for another season in its truck stable. Gray extends his consecutive tenure to a seventh year, tracing his roots to the team’s earlier eras as David Gilliland Racing and DGR-Crosley. Despite his experience, Gray still seeks his first win in the Truck Series, but remains a mainstay for Tricon’s continuity efforts.
Gio Ruggiero, on the other hand, enters his second year in the series, having already made waves as a rookie by notching a victory. At just 19 years old, Ruggiero draws attention as a promising talent and potential future Cup Series star, adding both energy and expectation to the team’s lineup.
“Job’s not finished.Tanner Gray and Gio Ruggiero will return to TRICON for the ‘26 season ✍️ pic.twitter.com/7zXZ0KyqDH”
— TRICON (@TRICONGarage)
With Gray and Ruggiero occupying the No. 15 and No. 17 trucks, Tricon Garage fortifies its position as the flagship Toyota organization in the Truck Series.
Changes to Other Tricon Garage Trucks
Kaden Honeycutt has been confirmed to pilot the No. 11 truck, stepping in for Corey Heim who previously led the top Tricon entry. This new appointment signals a fresh chapter for the No. 11, as Tricon looks to blend new talent with experienced drivers. The fate of the No. 1 and No. 5 trucks remains unresolved, sparking speculation across the garage about potential roster decisions for 2026.
While there is clear forward momentum in settling the primary drivers, the open seats invite possibilities for Tricon Garage to either opt for an all-star rotation or surprise the paddock with new faces.
Unanswered Questions Around No. 1 and No. 5 Trucks
Last season, the No. 1 truck featured a rotating cast of drivers, and it appears this may continue. William Sawalich, a familiar face from previous appearances, is a likely candidate for additional starts in 2026. Brent Crews also remains on the radar, considering his previous outings with Tricon. Offseason content showing Sawalich hints at his probable return to the seat, contributing to ongoing rumors and guesses in the NASCAR community.
The Uncertain Future for Toni Breidinger
Much of the fan curiosity surrounds the No. 5 truck and the possible return of Toni Breidinger to the series. Breidinger’s 2025 performance was challenging, marked by persistent on-track issues and a lack of competitive speed compared to the rest of the Tricon team. Although she is noted for attracting unique sponsors to NASCAR, consistent results on race days will be critical if she is to secure another full-time season.
Her initial part-time starts in 2023 showcased the potential to break into the Truck Series top-15, but that form did not translate during her full-time effort in 2025. At present, her trajectory within the sport remains an open question.
Impact on the 2026 Truck Series Season
Tricon Garage is coming close to settling its driver roster for the 2026 NASCAR season, leaving fans and insiders to debate who will round out the team’s final seats. With Gray and Ruggiero’s return, supported by the addition of Kaden Honeycutt, Tricon seeks to maintain a balance of established partnerships and emerging talent. As the team cements its reputation as Toyota’s leading truck program, its decisions in the coming months are likely to shape not only its own prospects but the competitive landscape of the Truck Series next year.
Job’s not finished.
Tanner Gray and Gio Ruggiero will return to TRICON for the ‘26 season ✍️ pic.twitter.com/7zXZ0KyqDH
— TRICON (@TRICONGarage) December 18, 2025
