By Seth Eggert, Staff Writer
DGR–Crosley, who announced their move to Ford Performance last week, have tabbed Tanner Gray for a full-time NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series effort in 2020.
The 2018 NHRA Pro Stock Champion will pilot the No. 15 Ford F-150 in his rookie-of-the-year campaign. Gray will also compete part-time in the ARCA Menards Series and ARCA Menards Series East races in 2020.
Currently, the 2020 Truck Series rookie-of-the-year field features three drivers. Gray joins his former teammate, Raphael Lessard, and Zane Smith.
At the end of last season, Gray ran the final three Truck Series races. The 20-year-old finished inside the top-20 after circumstances prevented chances at better finishes.
“I’m really looking forward to next year,” Gray admitted. “Obviously running full-time in the Truck Series is going to be tough with how competitive the series is. It’s going to be challenging racing with these guys week in and week out, but I have a lot of great people around me.
“The experience in the DGR-Crosley guys will help me adapt and learn quickly. It’s also exciting that Ford is coming on board and giving us assets that will further advance our performance each week.”
The Artesia, N.M. native has just one full season of stock car racing experience. Gray earned his first NASCAR victory at South Boston Speedway in the then-NASCAR K&N Pro Series East during that time. He also has six top-five and nine top-10 finishes in the East Series.
Gray also made sporadic starts in the K&N Series West and ARCA competition last season. He finished in the top-five in all three K&N West starts. In ARCA competition, Gray earned one top-five and five top-10 finishes.
“Tanner has done a great job in his transition to stock car racing,” team co-owner David Gilliland explained. “I was really impressed with how well he picked up the feel of the car and was able to provide very detailed feedback.
“It’s a big step up to the Truck Series, but there’s not a doubt in my mind that he’s ready for it. I’m confident that the team we are assembling at DGR-Crosley is going to be one that is a factor every weekend and will compete for wins. I’m really looking forward to it.”
For Gray, the 2020 season will begin with the Truck race at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 14.