GMS Racing Ceases Xfinity Effort, Concentrating on Trucks and ARCA

By Luis Torres, Staff Writer

GMS Racing announced Thursday morning that they’ll no longer be participating in the NASCAR Xfinity Series after four seasons.

In that span, the Maury Gallagher owned team scored its only series win at Talladega Superspeedway in 2018 with Spencer Gallagher behind the wheel. They’ve also scored 12 top-fives and 38 top-10s.

The driver affected by the decision is John Hunter Nemechek, who piloted the No. 23 Chevrolet Camaro, finishing seventh in points after scoring six top-fives and 19 top-10 finishes.

Nemechek, who also ran the last three Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races for Front Row Motorsports, thanked the team for giving him an opportunity as his future remains unknown.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity from Maury and GMS. I hate to see the team shut down,” Nemechek said. “As for me, I’m not sure what the future holds but it’s in god’s hands now. I’m looking forward to what’s next for my career.”

Ceasing their program meant they’ll heavily concentrate on their Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series efforts as stated by Mike Beam, President of GMS Racing.

“We have decided that in the best interest of the organization we will put our complete focus on our Gander Trucks and ARCA Racing Series programs in 2010,” Beam said. “We can’t thank John Hunter and everyone that has been involved in our Xfinity effort over the past four years enough for their hard work and dedication to the organization. We wish John Hunter the best in his future endeavors.”

A day prior of confirming they’ll no longer run in Xfinity, GMS announced Zane Smith as their fourth full-time Truck Series driver, joining Tyler Ankrum, Brett Moffitt, and Sheldon Creed. Additionally, Sam Mayer will run a fifth truck on a partial basis and also focusing on the ARCA regional series.