NASCAR loses full-time driver after Kansas

Raphael Lessard and GMS Racing have cut ties for the remainder of the 2021 NASCAR Truck Series season following the race at Kansas Speedway.

On Monday, GMS Racing and Raphael Lessard announced that they have unfortunately parted ways for the remainder of the 2021 NASCAR Truck Series season.

Lessard had competed behind the wheel of the #24 Chevrolet in each of the season’s first seven races. He sits in 13th place in the championship standings with a top finish of third in the dirt race at Bristol Motor Speedway. He finished in eighth at Kansas Speedway this past weekend, his second best finish of the year.

The team stated the following.

"“Due to unfortunate circumstances, Raphael Lessard will no longer compete in the No. 24 for GMS Racing for the remainder of the 2021 season. Information on the No. 24 entry will be announced at a later date.”"

It was later confirmed by Fox Sports’ Bob Pockrass that sponsorship falling through played a key role in this decision.

Lessard competed full-time for Kyle Busch Motorsports last season and won at Talladega Superspeedway in October, but he had already failed to qualify for the playoffs, so his win did not move him forward in the postseason. He was replaced by John Hunter Nemechek behind the wheel of the #4 Toyota ahead of the 2021 season.

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The 19-year-old Canadian was not confirmed as a full-time driver for GMS Racing this year when he was announced as the driver of the #24 Chevrolet back in late November; he was confirmed for a 12-race deal throughout the 22-race season.

With that being said, the door was left open for a full season depending on sponsorship when that announcement was made, and in early January, it was announced that he would run the full schedule. GMS Racing president Mike Beam had this to say at the time.

"“We are excited to have Raphael join us for the 2021 season. Raphael is a talented young man and we are excited to see what he can do with a full season with this team.”"

Unfortunately, they didn’t quite make it to the one-third mark.

In a statement posted on Lessard’s website, it was noted that “the unfavorable conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic on the North American economy did not allow Raphael Lessard Racing to implement their strategy in the search for funding in 2020.” Lessard is now turning his attention to the 2022 season, though there are no guarantees.

Here is what he had to say about the matter in that statement posted on his website.

"“My management team and I have always believed in our ultimate success and we still do. Over the last years, we have focused all our energies on completing full seasons in the upper echelons of NASCAR, and we have achieved that goal recently. However, we are currently in a situation where we cannot continue this season, and it’s hard to accept that fact. All I have ever wanted is to be behind a steering wheel and win!“We are not putting an end to all things racing. My dream is still to race in the Daytona 500 and see my parents sitting in the stands! We are open to opportunities and most importantly, we are working with GMS Racing to come back stronger in 2022. That is our goal! In addition, I enjoyed every moment with GMS Racing, from the preparation to the track, and I want to give special thanks to Maurice J. Gallagher (Maury), Mike Beam, Josh Wise, Chevrolet and Christopher Biby, my Agent, Chad Walter, my crew chief, Tyler Monn, my spotter and all the crew at GMS Racing. THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!“Right from the beginning of my career, I have owed my growth in the sport to many people: my parents, those who have travelled with me around the countries, Raphael Lessard Racing, Les Équipes Caissie-Ménard, the fans who have supported me on social and other networks, the media, the race teams who have welcomed me, and above all, the investors and partners who have believed in my talent. Without all of you, nothing would have been possible. You know some of our key supporters and I will not name them here out of respect. However, I know that they will recognize themselves."

As GMS Racing stated, driver information for the #24 Chevrolet will be announced at a later date. But Ryan Reed is currently listed in the NASCAR roster portal as the driver of the truck for Friday night’s LiftKits4Less.com 200 at Darlington Raceway, which is set to be broadcast live on Fox Sports 1 beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Reigning series champion Sheldon Creed, last year’s series runner-up Zane Smith, rookie Chase Purdy and Tyler Ankrum still compete full-time for the team behind the wheel of the #2 Chevrolet, #21 Chevrolet, #23 Chevrolet and #26 Chevrolet, respectively.