Joe Gibbs Racing has announced several important adjustments to its driver lineup for the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, including new plans for the No. 19 Toyota as part of the Joe Gibbs Racing driver changes. These updates impact multiple races due to eligibility rules and drivers’ age, shaping the direction of the team for the upcoming season.
Brent Crews’ Role and Eligibility Restrictions
Brent Crews, hailing from Hickory, North Carolina, is set to take the wheel of the No. 19 Toyota for most of the 2026 season. However, because Crews will not turn 18 until March 30, he is only allowed to participate in 29 out of the 33 scheduled races. As a 17-year-old, he is eligible to compete in the third, fourth, and seventh races, which will be held at Circuit of the Americas, Phoenix Raceway, and Martinsville Speedway.
Gio Ruggiero to Compete at Daytona and Atlanta
Joe Gibbs Racing has identified Gio Ruggiero as the substitute driver for the season’s opening two races at Daytona International Speedway and Atlanta Motor Speedway, stepping in for races Crews will miss. Ruggiero, a native of Seekonk, Massachusetts, made his first appearance in the NASCAR national series in 2025 with the TRICON Garage Truck Series team. Remarkably, he secured a victory at Talladega Superspeedway late in that season and earned six additional top-four finishes. His Truck Series debut at Daytona saw him finishing in second place. Despite this success, the 2026 season will be his first time competing in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
Past Performance and Remaining Openings
During the 2025 season, the No. 19 car served as the team’s leading entry, with Aric Almirola as the main driver. Almirola, who led the team to an owner championship with three wins last year, will not return to the Joe Gibbs Racing lineup in 2026. The team has yet to announce who will drive the No. 19 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Darlington Raceway in March, leaving two important races without a confirmed competitor.
Other Drivers Secure Full-Time Roles
In contrast to the changes with the No. 19 car, the rest of Joe Gibbs Racing’s full-time lineup will stay the same for 2026. William Sawalich will continue to race the No. 18 Toyota, Brandon Jones returns in the No. 20 Toyota, and Taylor Gray will again drive the No. 54 Toyota, maintaining stability within the organization even as the team adapts to the mandatory Joe Gibbs Racing driver changes for the new season.
Looking Ahead to the Season Opener
The 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will begin with the United Rentals 300 at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 14. The race is set to be broadcast live on the CW Network starting at 5:00 p.m. ET, giving fans a first look at the newly restructured Joe Gibbs Racing driver lineup. These adjustments position the team to respond effectively to eligibility needs while setting the stage for further announcements, particularly regarding the open seats in the No. 19 car for the spring races in Las Vegas and Darlington.
