Dippel Completes GMS Racing’s Truck Series Lineup

By Seth Eggert, Staff Writer

GMS Racing has completed their NASCAR Camping World Truck Series lineup for the remainder of the 2018 season, adding Tyler Dippel to the fold. The 18-year-old driver had been runner-up in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Championship with David Gilliland Racing – CROSLEY Group.

Dippel will take over the No. 25 Chevrolet Silverado at Martinsville Speedway. He will drive the four final races, joining Justin Haley, Johnny Sauter, and Sheldon Creed. On top of the pit box for Dippel will be veteran crew chief Jerry Baxter. Dippel’s starts with GMS will be his first Truck races on pavement, having made his debut at Eldora Speedway earlier this season.

“I’m so grateful for this opportunity to race for GMS Racing. The Gallagher family, along with Mike Beam, have built a first-class operation and I know they’ll bring great equipment to these races,” said Dippel. “I’m excited to be paired with such an experienced crew chief, Jerry Baxter, along with the entire No. 25 crew. They’ve been working together all season which will definitely help accelerate my learning curve.”

With five races left in the 2018 Truck Series season, GMS Racing has two drivers competing for the Championship. Haley has locked himself into the Round of Six via his win at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. Sauter leads the Playoff Grid, 33-points ahead of the cutoff, held by Matt Crafton. GMS aligned driver, Stewart Friesen, sits eighth, 10-Points behind Crafton.

“I can’t say enough about my teammates. Johnny Sauter, a series veteran, will be there for me to lean on as needed; my Northeast Big Block Dirt Track colleague and lifetime friend, Stewart Friesen; and Justin Haley. Justin and I were teammates back in our early days of the NASCAR K&N Series. I am also looking forward to being on the same team as Sheldon Creed. This is the opportunity of a lifetime and I hope to make the best of it.”

In the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, Dippel has two victories in 40 starts. He also has nine top-five and 21 Top-10 finishes, as well as two pole positions.

Dippel made his 1.5-mile debut earlier this season at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the ARCA Racing Series. He finished 25^th after getting swept up in an accident.