Ryan Truex / No. 20 Grime Boss Toyota Preview
Ford EcoBoost 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway
No. 20 Grime Boss Toyota News and Notes:
FIRST NNS START IN MIAMI: This Saturday afternoon will mark Ryan Truex’s first NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) start at Homestead-Miami Speedway, as he returns to the seat of the No. 20 Grime Boss Toyota with Joe Gibbs Racing for the final event of the 2012 season. Truex’s last 1.5-mile start came earlier this season at Chicagoland Speedway where he started ninth and brought home a 10th-place finish.
2012 WITH JOE GIBBS RACING: Truex stepped behind the wheel of a JGR Camry seven times in 2012 on every type of track the Nationwide Series visits. The Mayetta, N.J. native earned his first career pole, one top-five and four top-10 finishes, and led 46 laps with the Matt Lucas [crew chief] led team. The 20-year-old competitor has an 11.6 starting, and 9.6 finishing, average with JGR in 2012.
OWNERS CHAMPIONSHIP IN THE BALANCE: The Nationwide Series owner’s championship hangs in the balance with the No. 18 leading the points. A total of five drivers have taken the wheel in 2012, putting the team in contention. Truex contributed to this effort at both New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Chicagoland Speedway bringing home solid top-10 finishes.
HELPING BACK HOME: The aftermath of Hurricane Sandy left devastation in Truex’s family hometown of Mayetta, N.J., and the Jersey Shore, a few short weeks ago. Along with older brother Martin [Truex Jr.], Ryan is featuring the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation Sandy Relief decal on his No. 20 Grime Boss Camry this weekend. Fans can donate at www.martintruexjrfoundation.org and All donations raised from the effort will go directly to families in New Jersey affected by Hurricane Sandy.
HURRICANE TO PIT ROAD: Before he entered the NASCAR world, 6’3 No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing jack man Trey Burklin sported the green and orange No. 16 jersey for University of Miami Hurricanes. Burklin, a walk on scout team quarterback played with the Hurricanes for two seasons. After graduating from University of North Carolina Charlotte with a degree in finance, Burklin received a call from a friend offering the former college athlete an opportunity in NASCAR. Since 2007, he has utilized his size and skills from the football field each weekend on pit road in a sport in which he never even thought of being a part of.
WHO’S YOU’RE BOSS…GRIME BOSS: This weekend Truex will sport the Grime Boss colors on the hood of his No. 20 Camry for the season finale in Miami. Grime Boss is a unique extra-large hand 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 tackles messes from the kitchen to the garage. To learn more about Grime Boss, visitwww.GrimeBoss.com or www.GrimeBossRacing.com. For more information on Nice-Pak Products, visit www.nicepakwipes.com.
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.
JOE GIBBS RACING AT HOMESTEAD-MIAMI SPEEDWAY: Joe Gibbs Racing’s Nationwide Series program has 24 starts with 13 drivers at Homestead-Miami Speedway. JGR Nationwide entries have claimed two wins, two poles, seven top-five and 12 top-10 finishes while leading 377 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
12
0
2
8
1
46
8
8.81
Truex’s Career NASCAR Nationwide Series Stats:
Starts
Wins
Top 5
Top 10
Poles
Laps Led
Avg. Start
Avg. Finish
34
0
2
9
1
46
13.4
17.5
From the Cockpit:
Ryan Truex: “This Saturday will be my first Nationwide race at Homestead, I know if we practice and qualify well we will be strong in the race. Come race time it’s important to be smart, even if you have to give up a position on lap 10 to be in contention at the end for the win. Matt Lucas [crew chief] and the No. 20 crew have been great to work with all year, and have really helped me improve as a driver. They’re bringing a strong car to the track this weekend that we can definitely be in contention to win.”
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 – Curtis Markham 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
