Truck Series Title Defense Back on Track as Moffitt Joins GMS Racing

By David Morgan, Associate Editor

The NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series title defense is back on track for Brett Moffitt. A month after finding himself without a ride for 2019, Moffitt joins one of the powerhouse teams in the Truck Series, GMS Racing, to battle for a second straight championship.

Last season, Moffitt and underdog team Hattori Racing Enterprises battled adversity both on-track and off, but scored six wins, 13 top-five finishes, and 13 top-10 finishes en route to the title before the team had to look for another driver for financial reasons.

On Wednesday, GMS Racing released Johnny Sauter from the team, paving the way for Moffitt to join the organization and set his sights on the season ahead.

Moffitt will be driving the No. 24 truck in 2019, with veteran crew chief Jerry Baxter calling the shots atop the pit box. Baxter served as crew chief for Cody Coughlin, Timothy Peters, and Tyler Dippel last season, leading Peters to a win at Talladega.

“I’m excited to be given the chance to defend my 2018 championship,” Moffitt said. “I have to thank the Gallagher family and everyone at GMS for this opportunity. I can’t wait to start working with Jerry and the guys to kick off the season at Daytona in a few weeks.”

Joining Moffitt in the GMS driver lineup will be Sheldon Creed in the team’s No. 2 truck, along with John Hunter Nemechek in the Xfinity Series, and Sam Mayer in K&N East and limited starts in ARCA and Truck Series races.

GMS will also have a technical alliance with Halmar Friesen Racing to field Friesen’s No. 52 entry in the Truck Series in 2019.

“Brett will be an excellent addition to the GMS organization,” said Mike Beam, team president. “Last year he showed the racing world the amount of talent and determination he has, especially while facing some adversity throughout the season. We look forward to helping him win his second championship and ours as well.

“We have a strong driver lineup in every series we’ll compete in this year. Maury Gallagher has given us the tools and personnel we need to compete for several championships.”