Ryan Truex, younger brother of 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Champion Martin, has landed himself a full season ride in the Xfinity Series.
Truex will drive the No. 11 Chevrolet for Kaulig Racing. Coming off a ninth place finish in the Camping World Truck Series standings, Truex had not announced any 2018 plans yet.
“I’m extremely excited to be making the move back into the Xfinity Series,” said Truex. “In just two years Kaulig Racing has proved to be a highly competitive team each race and it should be a great fit. Last season I saw a lot of improvements in my racing and hopefully this year I can continue the success Kaulig Racing has built and compete for the championship at the end of the year.”
With Blake Koch as their driver, Kaulig Racing had earned a pole and two stage wins over the past two years. Koch has been relieved of his duties as the driver for the team. Speaking on Sirius XM NASCAR Radio Koch said the reason he was not returning to the team was because sponsor LeafFilter Gutter Protection was not returning to the ride for the 2018 season. He later labeled the 2018 season as a “rebuilding” season for him as he attempts to attract sponsors.
.@BlakeKochRacing explains his departure from @KauligRacing and talks about his plans moving forward after finding out he wouldn't return to the team in 2018 #TMDNASCAR #NASCAR @NASCAR_Xfinity pic.twitter.com/zMBd4j7nWk
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) January 9, 2018
“When we started this team two years ago I knew we had the potential to be one of the strongest teams in the Xfinity Series and I think we’re within reach of that goal,” Matt Kaulig said. “Ryan is going to be a great addition to the team and I have some high hopes for this season. Each year we keep improving as a team and I think this season we’ll be able to get some wins and make another run in the playoffs. Everyone at Kaulig Racing is excited to have Ryan on board and it should be a great, fun year.”
The first race that Truex will get into the No. 11 will be the season opening race at Daytona International Speedway on February 17. No sponsor has been announced yet.
The 2009 and 2010 NASCAR K&N Pro Sereis East champion, Truex has had little success thusfar in either of NASCAR’s top three series as he has bounced around from ride to ride. Over the past five years he has made just 39 Xfinity Series starts with a best finish of second at Dover in 2012 for Joe Gibbs Racing.
