The No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing team enters Thursday’s race at Bristol Motor Speedway with a strong chance to claim its fifth straight ARCA Menards Series East Owner’s Championship. Leading the No. 79 team by 34 points heading into the final event, Brent Crews needs to finish at least 29th to secure the title for the No. 18 entry. Alongside Crews, drivers Max Reaves and William Sawalich have contributed to the team’s success throughout the season, ensuring Joe Gibbs Racing holds a commanding position.
Brent Crews Set for Debut at Bristol Motor Speedway
Seventeen-year-old Brent Crews will make his first ARCA Menards Series East start at Bristol this weekend, adding a new milestone to his rapidly ascending racing career. Crews will pilot the No. 18 Mobil 1 Toyota Camry, representing Joe Gibbs Racing in one of the series‘ most competitive events.
Recent Performance and Dual Racing Commitment at Bristol
In his most recent outing with Joe Gibbs Racing at Watkins Glen, Crews secured the pole position and led 38 of 40 laps before experiencing mechanical trouble that dropped him to ninth place. Between his stints with Joe Gibbs Racing, Crews has driven for Nitro Motorsports, capturing a victory in Springfield and finishing fifteenth at DuQuoin. On Thursday, Crews will double his racing efforts by competing in the Bush’s Beans 200 and immediately afterward joining the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. He will drive the No. 1 Toyota Tundra for TRICON Garage in the Truck Series race, marking his sixth start of the season in that division, where he has achieved one top-10 finish and an average finish of 17.2.
Strong Season Highlights in the ARCA Menards Series East
This season, Crews made four starts in the ARCA Menards Series East, earning two wins at Rockingham and Indianapolis Raceway Park. He also secured two pole positions, led a total of 217 laps, and holds an average finish of 6.3 across his part-time appearances, underscoring his competitive strength and consistency within the series.
A Quickly Growing Motorsports Resume
Brent Crews has already built an impressive record in various racing disciplines despite his young age. He boasts three victories in the CARS Late Model Tour and multiple wins in dirt midget racing. Remarkably, Crews became the youngest champion and race winner in the Trans-Am TA2 ProAM series at just 14 years old. Most recently, he celebrated a prestigious Golden Driller triumph in the Tulsa Shootout Non-Wing A-Feature event, further cementing his status as an emerging talent in motorsports.
Mobil 1 and Joe Gibbs Racing Partnership at Bristol
The No. 18 Toyota Camry will carry the Mobil 1 brand at Bristol Motor Speedway. Recognized as the world’s leading synthetic motor oil brand, Mobil 1 is trusted across millions of vehicle miles worldwide. This partnership reflects Joe Gibbs Racing’s commitment to excellence and innovation at one of the season’s most pivotal races.
Positioning for the ARCA Menards Series East Championship and Beyond
With the ARCA Menards Series East Championship within reach, Brent Crews and Joe Gibbs Racing are poised to conclude the season on a high note at Bristol Motor Speedway. Securing the owner’s title would mark an unprecedented fifth consecutive championship for the team, reinforcing their dominance in the series. Crews’ dual-race participation Thursday also signals his growing involvement across multiple motorsport platforms, signaling a promising future in professional racing.
