Photo: Stephen A. Arce/ASP, Inc.

Bayne Set to Make First NASCAR Start Since 2018

By Luis Torres, Staff Writer

2011 Daytona 500 champion Trevor Bayne will make his NASCAR return this Sunday at Darlington Raceway. Only this time, in the Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series, a series he’s never competed before.

Bayne was announced Monday as Niece Motorsports’ driver of the No. 40 Plan B Sales/Proceller8 Chevrolet Silverado, a ride that’s had a series of drivers compete with Carson Hocevar being the most recent last Sunday at Gateway.

It’ll be the 29-year-old’s first NASCAR start since the Cup finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway two years ago and despite the deal being unexpected, he’s thrilled of making his racing return

“After almost two years of being out of the seat, I’m so excited and grateful for another chance to go racing,” said Bayne in a press release. “The call from Niece Motorsports to get back behind the wheel at Darlington was unexpected and came together really fast. They have a great group and a lot of potential with their program. I’m looking forward to working with everyone there and going back racing this weekend!”

In six Darlington starts across Cup and Xfinity, Bayne’s best result in the 1.333-mile circuit was a ninth in NXS back in 2014.

The Tennessean isn’t the only driver that’ll make an anticipating return to NASCAR as his former Roush Fenway Racing teammates David Ragan and Greg Biffle will be among the already stacked 34-truck lineup.

Ragan will drive for DGR-Crosley for his first NASCAR appearance since this year’s Daytona 500 while Biffle is driving for GMS Racing for his first start since his Texas victory last June.

Bayne’s teammates for the 147-lap race will be journeyman Bayley Currey and full-time driver Ty Majeski as the series will make its return to Darlington for the first time since 2011. Live coverage begins at 2:00 p.m. ET on FS1.

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From the Pacific Northwest, Luis is a University of Idaho graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcasting and Digital Media and a four-time National Motorsports Press Association award winner in photography. Ever since watching the 2003 Daytona 500, being involved in auto racing is all he's ever dreamed of doing. Over the years, Luis has focused on writing, video and photography with ambitions of having his work recognized.