Spire Motorsports have only run their third truck, the No. 71 Chevrolet, on four occasions throughout the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series thus far, and it hasn't been entered since Shane van Gisbergen drove it in the mid-July race at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
It hasn't been entered for a driver other than SVG since Connor Zilisch drove it in the road course race at Watkins Glen International in May, as SVG also drive it at Charlotte Motor Speedway later in the month.
But all of that is set to change this weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
SVG replacement confirmed for New Hampshire race
Zilisch is set to make his third start of the 2026 Truck Series season behind the wheel of the No. 71 Chevrolet this weekend, which adds to another interesting development involving Cup drivers in the lower series.
Even drivers with fewer than three years of Cup experience were initially not allowed to compete in the Truck Series regular season finale, but NASCAR clearly altered that rule at some point since the offseason, as Zilisch is one of three full-time Cup drivers set to compete this weekend. John Hunter Nemechek is set to drive for Tricon Garage and Christopher Bell is set to drive for Halmar Friesen Racing.
Zilisch's most recent Truck Series start came behind the wheel of the No. 77 Chevrolet at Charlotte, where he finished third. He also finished second at Watkins Glen.
He is set to join a driver lineup that also consists of Connor Mosack and Tristan McKee this weekend. Mosack is set to drive the No. 7 Chevrolet after SVG drove it at Richmond Raceway, and McKee is set to make his second start in the No. 77 truck after making his series debut at Richmond.
Beyond this weekend, there are no further plans for the No. 71 truck to run this season, which stands to reason since it's only been driven by Cup drivers this year. Daniel Suarez also drove the truck at Bristol Motor Speedway in April.
Cup drivers are not allowed to compete in Truck Series playoff races, a rule that has not changed.
Live coverage of the Team EJP 175 is set to be provided by Fox Sports 1 from New Hampshire Motor Speedway starting at 1:30 p.m. ET this Saturday, August 22. Begin a free trial of FuboTV today and catch all of the action!
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