Ryan Truex / No. 20 Grime Boss Toyota Preview
Zippo 200 at Watkins Glen International
No. 20 Grime Boss Toyota News and Notes:
FIRST NNS ROAD COURSE START: This Saturday afternoon will mark Ryan Truex’s NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) road course debut as he returns to the seat of the No. 20 Grime Boss Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing. This isn’t the first time the youngest Truex has wheeled right-hand turns at Watkins Glen International. The 20-year-old has one previous start in 2009, where he qualified sixth and made a last lap pass to claim his first career NASCAR victory in the K&N East Pro Series. That season, he went on to capture the first of two consecutive series’ championships along with Rookie of the Year honors.
PAST ROAD COURSE EXPERIENCE: While this Saturday marks Truex’s NNS road course debut, the Mayetta N.J., native in no road-course rookie. In his two years in the K&N East Pro Series Truex made three road course starts between Lime Rock Park (2) and Watkins Glen International (2009). He earned two wins (Watkins Glen and Lime Rock Park in 2009) and three top five finishes.
SO FAR IN 2012 WITH JGR: Truex will make his sixth start of 2012 with Joe Gibbs Racing this weekend at Watkins Glen International. He has earned one pole, one top-five and four top-10 finishes. Having already competed on four of the five types of tracks the NNS visits each year with the team (half-mile, one-mile, 1.5-mile and superspeedway), Truex only has one finish outside the top-10 with JGR. He has an average finishing spot of 8.26 and starting spot of 11th with the organization.
LOGGING LAPS IN GRIME BOSS’ BACKYARD: The Nationwide Series heads to Grime Boss’ home state this weekend. Orangeburg N.Y., is the home of Grime Boss hand wipes. The hand wipes are the latest product from Nice-Pak Products, Inc. Grime Boss is a unique extra-large wipe with Dual Scrubbing Action, including one tough side and one soft side. The proprietary Pro-KleanTM Formula contains vitamin E and aloe to moisturize hands, without harsh chemicals. Grime Boss wipes messes from the kitchen to the garage. To learn more about Grime Boss, visit www.GrimeBoss.com or www.GrimeBossRacing.com. For more information on Nice-Pak Products, visit www.nicepakwipes.com.
HEADED TO THE FAIR: After competing at WGI, Truex will travel three hours to Buffalo New York to represent NASCAR and Nationwide Insurance at the Erie County Fair. The Mayetta, N.J., native will meet guests of Nationwide Insurance, sign autographs and take the racing simulator for a spin.
SOCIAL SAVVY: Fans can follow Truex on a variety social media channels: twitter @Ryan_Truex and facebook at facebook.com/RyanTruex. Truex also frequently posts photos on Instagram at @Ryan_Truex. Fans can also find his sponsor Grime Boss on twitter @GrimeBoss and facebook: facebook.com/GrimeBoss.
COME OUT AND MEET TRUEX: Fans can meet Truex at 12 p.m. prior to Saturday’s Zippo 200 at Toyota Pitpass located at the track’s vendor midway. Truex will be on hand to answer questions, take photos and sign autographs for the fans.
JOE GIBBS RACING AT WATKINS GLEN INTERNATIONAL: Joe Gibbs Racing’s Nationwide Series program has 18 starts with 10 drivers at Watkins Glen International. JGR Nationwide entries have claimed three wins, two poles, six top-five and eight top-10 finishes while leading 85 laps of competition.
Truex’s Career Joe Gibbs Racing NASCAR Nationwide Series Stats:
Starts
Wins
Top 5
Top 10
Poles
Laps Led
Avg. Start
Avg. Finish
11
0
2
8
1
44
8
8.81
Truex’s Career NASCAR Nationwide Series Stats:
Starts
Wins
Top 5
Top 10
Poles
Laps Led
Avg. Start
Avg. Finish
31
0
2
9
1
44
13.4
17.5
Truex’s Watkins Glen International NASCAR K&N East Pro Series Stats:
Starts
Wins
Top 5
Top 10
Poles
Laps Led
Avg. Start
Avg. Finish
1
1
1
1
0
1
6
1
From the Cockpit:
Ryan Truex: “I can’t wait to get to The Glen and back in the Grime Boss Toyota this weekend. It’s my first Nationwide start at the track, but my experience here in the K&N Series will be crucial. In order to be successful, I need to drive a smart race and not make any mistakes, or get caught in anyone else’s. The restarts are always crazy as everyone dives into turn one, but I know if we stay out of trouble we’ll be in contention at the end.”
No. 20 Grime Boss Toyota / Joe Gibbs Racing Team:
Driver – Ryan Truex Crew Chief – Matt Lucas Car Chief – Charlie Brock
Shock Specialist – Brad Rothlin Front-end – Todd Brewer Rear-end – Eddie D’Hondt
Tire Specialist – Matt Sauer Engine Tuner – Peter Jellen Truck Driver – Bennie Stevens Spotter – Chris Lambert Jackman – Trey Burklin Gasman – Kenneth Purcell
Front Tire Changer – Nick O’Dell Front Tire Carrier – Brad Donaghy Rear Tire Changer – Jake Seminara Rear Tire Carrier – Kenny Barber
