By Seth Eggert, Staff Writer
Rev Racing is taking the next step, moving up to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2023 with Nick Sanchez and a technical alliance with Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM).
The 2022 ARCA Menards Series championship winning organization is expanding into the Truck Series. Sanchez, the ARCA champion, will drive the No. 2 Gainbridge Chevrolet Silverado full-time in the Truck Series.
Sanchez’s title was the first for the team since Kyle Larson’s 2012 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East title (now known as the ARCA Menards Series East). Combined the organization has earned 26 victories, four with Sanchez in ARCA over the past two seasons.
“This is a pivotal moment for our organization,” said Rev Racing owner Max Siegel. “With our unwavering focus on a commitment to diversify the sport while putting a model in place to train and prepare drivers for the next level of competition.
“Because of our strategic partnership with Gainbridge announced earlier this year, we have never been more prepared for this next stage of advancement. Working with our technical partners at KBM and Chevrolet, we know Rev Racing and Nick are positioned for competitive excellence.”
Though Kyle Busch Motorsports has not been a part of Rev Racing, it has been a de-facto extension of the team. Bubba Wallace, Daniel Suarez, and others have graduated from NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program, competing with KBM either on a part-time or full-time basis.
Both drivers have gone on to win in the NASCAR Cup Series. Suarez also won the 2016 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship.
“Unofficially we’ve been a part of helping former Rev Racing drivers take the next step in their NASCAR careers in the Truck Series, with Bubba Wallace and Daniel Suárez both getting victories in a KBM truck,” said Kyle Busch. “We’re looking forward to aligning with Max, Jennifer, and everyone at Rev Racing to now officially be a part of the pipeline for young drivers in their diversity program to continue to advance into the National Series of NASCAR.
“Nick is an impressive young driver, winning the ARCA title this year and has had some solid runs in the Xfinity Series as well, so we’re looking forward to having him be the trendsetter of what we’re confident will be a successful program for many years to come.”
In addition to his ARCA championship this season, Sanchez also made his Xfinity Series debut. The Miami, FL native scored his first career top-10 finish at Martinsville Speedway in his seventh series start.
While Sanchez does not have an Truck Series starts, his Rev Racing teammate, Rajah Caruth has competed part-time for Spire Motorsports. Caruth has a best finish of 11th in his debut at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway earlier this season.
“I’m very excited to continue driving for Max and Rev Racing in the Truck Series in 2023,” said Nick Sanchez. “To be able to join forces with our technical partner, KBM, is a great opportunity for me to learn how to win on a regular basis. Continuing my relationship with Chevrolet and Gainbridge is something that I value greatly, and this is seemingly another step in our long-term plan/goal.”
Gainbridge partnered with Rev Racing halfway into the 2022 season. The company sponsored both Caruth and Sanchez in the ARCA Menards Series. It followed both Rev Racing and Sanchez into the Truck Series.
“We’re proud to support Nick Sanchez and watch him compete in the more advanced racing series. His tremendous progress is a prime example of how Rev Racing’s Drive for Diversity Program has elevated talented racecar drivers,’’ said Dan Towriss, CEO and President of Group 1001, the parent company of Gainbridge. “We are committed to providing ongoing support for the next generation of drivers and driving more diversity into the field of motorsports.”
Both Rev Racing and Sanchez will make their NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut in the season opener at Daytona International Speedway on Friday, February 17, 2023.