Johnny Sauter Out at GMS Racing

By Seth Eggert, NASCAR Correspondent

After three seasons together, 2016 NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series Champion Johnny Sauter and GMS Racing will part ways effective immediately, the team announced Wednesday.

Sauter joined the organization in 2016, bringing the Maury Gallagher-owned operation its first, and only, championship to date. In 63 races together, the duo earned 13 victories, 19 top-five, 55 top-10 finishes, and two poles. In all three seasons, Sauter made the Playoffs, as well as the Championship Four, finishing runner-up in 2017 and fourth last season.

In 2018, Sauter earned a career-high six victories. However, the season was also marked by run-ins with the GMS Racing aligned Stewart Friesen. Sauter’s last season with GMS Racing also marked his 10^th consecutive season competing full-time in the Truck Series.

“We cannot thank Johnny enough for his contributions to the growth and success of GMS Racing,” said Mike Beam, team president. “He won the first championship for us and added a lot of trophies to our shop. We wish him all the best for his future endeavors, both in and out of racing.”

Sauter, a 17-year veteran of NASCAR competition has 23 career victories in the Truck Series. In 244 total Truck Series starts, he has 102 top-five and 157 top-10 finishes. Sauter also has 207 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts and 85 starts in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.

Currently, GMS Racing will have John Hunter Nemechek in the teams’ No. 23 Chevrolet Camaro SS in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, and Sheldon Creed in the No. 2 Chevrolet Silverado in the Truck Series. Further driver announcements, including the future driver of the No. 21 team will be announced later.