Seventeen-year-old Brent Crews is set to make a significant leap in his racing career by joining Joe Gibbs Racing full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2026, marking a rapid rise that defies the typical gradual progress drivers usually take. This move highlights both Crews’ exceptional talent and the team’s strong faith in his potential to become a future star on the circuit.
Brent Crews’ Early Career Highlights and Impact
Brent Crews has already delivered remarkable performances that have caught the attention of the racing community. In just five starts in the ARCA National Series, he notched two victories and secured a second-place finish, showcasing both speed and smart racing instincts. His ability to quickly adapt and compete at a high level is further proven by his results in the Craftsman Truck Series, where he earned a top-10 finish in three starts. Crews made his Truck Series debut at North Wilkesboro Speedway in 2025, where he impressed with an eighth-place performance in Stage 2, then followed up with another eighth-place finish at Lime Rock. Such results from a rookie with minimal experience suggest that Crews is far ahead of many prospects his age.
How Crews Stands Out Among Emerging Drivers
When compared with other rising talents, Brent Crews’ swift advancement is especially striking. For instance, Connor Zilisch, a 19-year-old driver, only secured a full-time seat in the Xfinity Series in the current season, while Crews, despite being younger and having fewer professional starts, is poised to make that jump in 2026. Joe Gibbs Racing’s decision to target Crews so early signals their intention to fast-track a driver they believe has exceptional promise. Some analysts view this rapid move as a substantial risk for the team, yet taking bold chances has a history of paying off for Joe Gibbs Racing.
Joe Gibbs Racing’s Strategic Commitment to Crews
Joe Gibbs Racing appears ready to invest fully in Brent Crews as they strategize beyond the present season. Insider rumors suggest Crews may one day inherit the No. 11 car currently driven by Denny Hamlin—a coveted position within the team. Although Hamlin continues to compete at a high level with no immediate plans to retire, JGR understands the importance of long-term succession planning. Introducing Crews to the pressures and competition of the Xfinity Series is part of that forward-looking approach.
“He’ll likely race full-time in Xfinity next season at Joe Gibbs Racing after he turns 18 in March,”
—Bob Pockrass, NASCAR pundit
Effects of Crews’ Progression on NASCAR’s Driver Landscape
Brent Crews’ rise is not happening in isolation; it is intensifying competition among NASCAR’s young talent pool. Established contenders like Corey Heim, who excels in the Truck Series, and Connor Zilisch, who has mapped out his advancement, now face additional pressure from this rapidly ascending driver. The 2026 racing season promises to be loaded with emerging stars whose performances could foreshadow future Cup Series champions, offering fans a dynamic and intriguing narrative as these careers unfold.
The Broader Significance of Crews’ Path to the Xfinity Series
Brent Crews embodies the fusion of natural talent and timely opportunity in NASCAR’s development pipeline. Joe Gibbs Racing’s confidence in elevating him so quickly underscores a significant shift in how young drivers can progress within the sport. As Crews prepares for his first full Xfinity Series season, his journey will likely become one of the most watched and debated storylines in the 2026 NASCAR calendar, potentially inspiring similar fast-track moves for other prospects.
