NASCAR: Ryan Truex to drive for Tommy Baldwin Racing in 2019 Daytona 500

Ryan Truex is set to attempt to make a start in the 2019 NASCAR Cup Series season opener, the Daytona 500, driving for Tommy Baldwin Racing.

Ryan Truex has not competed in the NASCAR Cup Series since the 2014 season when he drove the #83 BK Racing Toyota in 23 of the season’s 36 races after making the first three Cup Series starts of his career in the 2013 season behind the wheel of the #51 Phoenix Racing Chevrolet.

However, the 26-year-old Mayetta, New Jersey native is set to attempt to change this by attempting to qualify for the 2019 season opener, the Daytona 500, at Daytona International Speedway. Only 40 drivers can compete in this race.

Truex, who is the younger brother of 2017 Cup Series champion Martin Truex Jr., is set to attempt to qualify for the 61st annual Daytona 500 as the driver of the #71 Tommy Baldwin Racing Chevrolet.

Here is what Truex had to say about the opportunity to attempt to qualify for this year’s Daytona 500, according to NASCAR.

"“I am very thankful to TBR and Tommy Baldwin for this opportunity and can’t wait to get to Daytona and back in a Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series car. The pressure is on to make it into the race, but Tommy is a true racer, and I know he will put everything into the car to give us a great shot.”"

Here is what Tommy Baldwin Racing team owner Tommy Baldwin had to say about having Truex as his driver for this race, according to NASCAR.

"“I’m excited to have Ryan back in a Tommy Baldwin Racing car. We had success at Daytona in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in the past. I’ve known the Truex family a very long time, and it’s special that we’ll be able to compete in the Daytona 500 together, and hopefully more races as the year goes on. We are still in search of a primary sponsor that we’re hoping to put together in time to give TBR a great run this year.”"

Truex drove full-time in the Xfinity Series in the 2018 season as the driver of the #11 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet after spending the 2017 season as the full-time driver of the #16 Hattori Racing Enterprises Toyota in the Truck Series.