Particle.news

Joe Gibbs Racing Taps Gio Ruggiero for First Two O’Reilly Series Races

The 19-year-old fills early-season openings created by Brent Crews’ age-related eligibility limits.

Overview

  • Ruggiero will make his series debut in JGR’s No. 19 Toyota at Daytona on Feb. 14 and EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta on Feb. 21.
  • He will also contest six ARCA Menards Series races for JGR in the No. 18, including the Daytona season opener.
  • JGR has not yet named drivers for the other O’Reilly dates Crews cannot enter before his March 18th birthday.
  • Ruggiero remains full time in Trucks with TRICON Garage’s No. 17 after a 2025 season that included a Talladega win and 11th in points.
  • The No. 19 carries First Auto Group branding, with JGR leadership highlighting Ruggiero’s progress in limited 2025 outings.