Joe Gibbs Racing To Rely On Youthful Presence In XFINITY Series
Joe Gibbs Racing shifts focus to rising stars Erik Jones and Daniel Suarez as they lead the organization’s XFINITY Series efforts in 2016 with Sprint Cup drivers sharing one car.
Each season, Joe Gibbs Racing emerges as one of the most dominant teams in the NASCAR XFINITY Series. This has come as a result of their heavy presence of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series regulars over the years.
However, that will change in 2016 as the organization fields two cars competing for the series title and one chasing the owner’s championship. Their focus is being shifted ahead of the new season as they look ahead to the future by developing two rising stars.
With Monster Energy moving to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with Kurt Busch, the No. 54 car will not return. This leaves the team with just one entry for their all-star lineup of Sprint Cup drivers.
Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin among others will split time in the No. 18 entry throughout the season as they try to dethrone Team Penske in the owner’s championship battle.
With the No. 18 changing hands, XFINITY Series sophomore Daniel Suarez will compete in the No. 19 ARRIS Toyota this season. After a strong close to 2015, expectations are high in his second year. Having to adjust to the demands of the series last season and scoring eight top-five and 18 top-10 finishes proved to be a solid start to this career that can be improved upon going forward.
The 24-year old nearly reached Victory Lane towards end of last season. Carrying the momentum into this year could make him a threat early on as he searches for his first career NASCAR win.
His toughest competition may come out of the same shop as Erik Jones embarks on his rookie season in the No. 20 machine. After capturing the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship, confidence is sky high for the Byron, Michigan native.
Using this to his advantage along with the success he found in his 23 starts in the series last season could be what sets him apart. In addition to claiming two victories, he scored 13 top-five and 20 top-10 finishes. Having produced this level of success in limited starts should keep expectations high when he climbs behind the wheel full-time and is able to settle into a groove.
After emerging onto the NASCAR scene last season, bettering his performance could be what solidifies his spot as one of the sport’s future superstars.
It will be a year of change for Joe Gibbs Racing on the XFINITY Series level. Instead of relying on the consistent strong performances from Sprint Cup regulars, they will place trust in their rising stars to lead the organization.
What will define a successful season? Having two of the favorites for the championship in their stable should set their sights at the title. Victories will also be vital as they look to make the newly implemented Chase and top their 11 wins from last season.
More racing: Five NASCAR Drivers Who Made The Chase In 2015 But Will Miss It In 2016
With many competitive organizations in the XFINITY Series, success is never guaranteed. However, finding the most speed in the car allows for them to have faith that they will be a contender each and every week. While there are more questions than answers heading into the new season, starting out on a strong note will send a powerful message to their competition.