NASCAR team gets a name change before 2021
By Asher Fair
The team formerly known as DGR-Crosley have been renamed David Gilliland Racing ahead of the 2021 NASCAR Truck Series season.
DGR-Crosley will race under a new name in the 2021 NASCAR Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series season, as they have been renamed David Gilliland Racing, effectively keeping the DGR and dropping the Crosley brand.
Former DGR-Crosley co-owner and Crosley Brands CEO Bo LeMastus is still with the team in a marketing and sponsorship capacity.
The new team name comes following the addition of Johnny Gray as a new co-owner. Here is what Gray had to say about becoming a co-owner of the team.
"“I have been a part of DGR for the past two years with my grandsons, Tanner and Taylor Gray, and I’m impressed with the growth and progress the team has made in such a short amount of time. Being able to invest in a growing organization is a great opportunity and I’m looking forward to being a part of helping the drivers reach their full potential.”"
Here is what David Gilliland had to say.
"“Johnny Gray is an astute businessman and a racer at heart. Having him invest in our team will help us continue to enhance our program and level of competition. We have developed a great relationship with Johnny and his family in past two years and I believe his involvement will really benefit our team and drivers. The name may have changed, but our goal remains the same, which is to win.“I also have to thank Bo LeMastus for all of his support throughout the years. I’m happy he is still going to be a big part of the team on the marketing side continuing our Crosley Brands relationship. He has been a great business partner and an even better friend.”"
Here is what LeMastus had to add.
"“The first day I met David I knew he was my true partner in racing. Now it’s time to transition back to where I began in marketing and step out of the owner role. I know our partnership on the marketing side will be just as strong and I look forward to many more years with David and the team.”"
The only confirmation about the team’s 2021 Truck Series lineup is that Hailie Deegan is set to compete full-time behind the wheel of the #17 Ford following her promotion from the team’s ARCA Menards Series program.
Joey Iest is set to compete in select races for the team in the ARCA Menards Series and in ARCA Menards Series East.
It is also expected that Tanner and Taylor Gray, grandsons of Johnny, will remain with the team.
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Tanner competed full-time for the team in the 2020 Truck Series season behind the wheel of the #15 Ford and finished in 14th place in the championship standings with top finishes of third at Michigan International Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway. He also competed in six ARCA Menards Series races and one ARCA Menards Series East race.
Taylor competed part-time in the ARCA Menards Series in 2020 and recorded 11 top 10 finishes, including eight top five finishes and top finishes of third place at Toledo Speedway and Lebanon I-44 Speedway, in 12 starts. He competed in five ARCA Menards Series East races, five ARCA Menards Series West races and two CARS Late Model Stock Tour races as well.
He is set to turn 16 years old in late March and will therefore be eligible to compete in select Truck Series races at tracks 1.25 miles or less in length and road courses.
The 2021 Truck Series season is scheduled to get underway on Friday, February 12 with the NextEra Energy 250 at Daytona International Speedway, which is set to be broadcast live on Fox Sports 1 beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET. The 2021 ARCA Menards Series season is scheduled to get underway the following afternoon with the Lucas Oil 200 at the same venue.
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The Skip’s Western Outfitters 175 is scheduled to open up the 2021 ARCA Menards Series East season on Monday, February 8 at New Smyrna Speedway, while the General Tire 150 is scheduled to open up the 2021 ARCA Menards Series West season on Wednesday, March 3 at Phoenix Raceway.