TRICON Garage revealed Thursday that it has locked in driver contract extensions with Tanner Gray and Gio Ruggiero for the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season, underscoring a commitment to team continuity and competitive excellence. The TRICON Garage driver contract extensions come as the team looks to build on recent successes and maintain a strong presence in the upcoming racing season.
Key Drivers Cement Their Return
Both Tanner Gray and Gio Ruggiero will remain with TRICON Garage through the upcoming season, following official confirmation from the team. The announcement signals confidence in both drivers’ abilities and highlights TRICON’s strategy as it continues competing at the top level of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
“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”
Gio Ruggiero, a native of Seekonk, Massachusetts, has had an impressive start to his career. In his rookie year, Ruggiero notched his first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series win at Talladega Superspeedway, prevailing over teammate Corey Heim in the Love’s RV Stop 225. His season also included earning his second career pole position.
With seven top-five finishes and 11 top-ten results in 2025, Ruggiero concluded his debut year ranked 11th in the championship standings and secured Rookie of the Year honors. He continues to progress within the Toyota Driver Development program, positioning himself as a rising star in the series.
Tanner Gray’s Enduring Partnership with TRICON
Tanner Gray has been a mainstay with TRICON since its inception in 2023, carrying forward his experience from the organization’s prior identities, including David Gilliland Racing and DGR-Crosley. Gray’s 2025 season featured three top-fives, highlighted by a second-place finish at Pocono Raceway. Over his seven-season career in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Gray has accumulated 13 top-five and 33 top-ten results, along with two pole awards.
The New Mexico driver matched his series-best finish in 2025 by placing 13th in the championship standings, demonstrating his ongoing competitiveness and value to the TRICON team.
2026 Full-Time Lineup Takes Shape
Joining Gray and Ruggiero on the confirmed roster for 2026 is Kaden Honeycutt, who is set to take over the No. 11 truck. Honeycutt steps into this role following a strong run to the Championship 4 driving for Niece Motorsports and Halmar-Friesen Racing in 2025. His 2025 campaign included four top-five and 14 top-ten performances, with his best finish—second at Martinsville Speedway—securing his place in the season-ending championship battle.
Corey Heim, who captured the 2025 series championship with 12 wins, will hand over the No. 11 TRICON entry to Honeycutt. The Texas native will be paired with Scott Zipadelli, the second-winningest crew chief in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series history, as he transitions to his new team for the 2026 season. Honeycutt brings 59 career starts and six top-five finishes to TRICON, aiming to continue his growth with the organization.
Outlook for TRICON Garage in the 2026 Season
As TRICON Garage finalizes its plans for the next chapter, the driver contract extensions for both Tanner Gray and Gio Ruggiero ensure stability and experienced leadership moving forward. The integration of Kaden Honeycutt, along with his partnership with veteran crew chief Scott Zipadelli, further strengthens the team’s competitive prospects. More details regarding driver and crew chief pairings are expected in due course. With a talented and proven lineup, TRICON Garage is well-positioned to challenge for wins and continue its upward trajectory in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series next season.
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
