NASCAR: Ty Dillon to drive for Joe Gibbs Racing in 2021
By Asher Fair
Ty Dillon has landed a part-time ride with Joe Gibbs Racing’s NASCAR Xfinity Series team for the 2021 season, starting with the season opener.
Ty Dillon lost his full-time ride with the Germain Racing NASCAR Cup Series team after their charter was purchased by 23XI Racing, the new team started by NBA legend Michael Jordan and Joe Gibbs Racing Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin, and they hired Bubba Wallace as their driver.
Dillon still doesn’t have a full-time ride to compete in the 2021 season, but his schedule is slowly coming together.
He was recently confirmed as the driver of the #96 Toyota for Gaunt Brothers Racing for the season-opening Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway, although he is not guaranteed to compete in that race given the fact that there are well over 40 cars on the entry list and the #96 Toyota does not have a charter.
But regardless of what happens there, he is set to compete in NASCAR in 2021.
More from Xfinity Series
- NASCAR: Two new drivers linked to Joe Gibbs Racing
- NASCAR: Frankie Muniz linked to surprise landing spot
- NASCAR: How a sudden downfall inadvertently created a champion
- NASCAR: Kaulig driver linked to Joe Gibbs Racing for 2024
- NASCAR: Another top prospect leaves Toyota for 2024
The 28-year-old Lewisville, North Carolina native is set to compete part-time for Joe Gibbs Racing’s Xfinity Series team in the upcoming season, with four starts confirmed so far. That number could end up growing.
Dillon is set to drive the #54 Toyota, which is Joe Gibbs Racing’s full-time “star car” that is slated to have multiple drivers throughout the season alongside full-time drivers Daniel Hemric behind the wheel of the #18 Toyota, Brandon Jones behind the wheel of the #19 Toyota and Harrison Burton behind the wheel of the #20 Toyota.
Here is what Dillon had to say about this opportunity in a team release.
"“I am so thankful and excited for the opportunity to drive for Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota. They have been on top of the sport for a long time and this is a great opportunity for me to go prove that I am a winner and show what I know I can do in a racecar.”"
The other confirmed drivers of the #54 Toyota throughout the season include Hamlin, Kyle Busch, Martin Truex Jr. and Ty Gibbs, the grandson of team owner Joe Gibbs.
Next. Top 10 NASCAR drivers of all-time. dark
As of now, Dillon is set to compete in the season opener at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 13 as well as the race at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Saturday, February 27, the race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Saturday, March 6 and the race at Talladega Superspeedway on Saturday, April 24.